1948 Plymouth Deluxe

Description

A friend of mine, who is 93 years old, has owned all the greatest cars of the world: Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Mercedes SSK, Alfa-Romeo, Packard, and even a Duesenberg. I recently asked him which was his favorite; he thought for a moment and said, "That 1932 Alfa-Romeo 2600 roadster was a good car... but you know, the post war Plymouths are pretty darned good, too!" No he wasn't joking and he is 100% right.

This 1948 Plymouth Deluxe business coupe is just the right kind of entry-level hobby car for the guy who likes to drive more than he likes to tinker. These cars are bulletproof, easy to fix, and parts are cheap. They're also handsome, with clean, rounded lines that are the perfect 1940s look. This particular car is especially clean, with a bit of patina and a bit of restoration, all working together to make a car that presents well but needs no special care. It doesn't look to have been pieced together or resurrected from a rusty heap, and the doors, hood, and fenders all fit well. The dark blue paint won't win any trophies, but it has a soft 1940s shine that's quite appropriate and the car will bring a smile to everyone's face who sees it. Another big plus with Plymouths of this era is that most of the trim is stainless steel, not the pit-prone pot metal used by some of the other automakers. As a result, the grille, fender ornaments, and side trim remain in excellent condition and can be polished up in a weekend instead of sent away to a chrome shop with a massive check.

The tasteful interior is pure post-war comfort, like the warm glow of a Victrola and the smell of mom's cooking in the kitchen. The tan upholstery is a pretty good substitute for the original broadcloth and there's plenty of room for six inside this compact coupe. Contrasting burgundy carpets add an elegant touch to the basic Plymouth and woodgrained details like the garnish moldings are really very nicely done. All the instruments are fully functional, as is the AM radio, which is a really rare situation. Aftermarket turn signals have been added, because even in 1948 they were still not standard equipment, and there's also an under-dash heater for those cool evening drives. Three-on-the-tree shifting is light and easy and the door panels are beautifully finished with embossed Plymouth schooner logos in them. A good-sized trunk is carpeted, which isn't correct, but it looks finished and includes a cover for the full-sized spare tire.

Before you dismiss Plymouth's rugged 218 cubic inch inline-six as too little engine for too much car, please come drive it. You'll discover what my friend was talking about: it's light on its feet, there's plenty of torque at any speed, and thanks to Chrysler's innovations in the braking and suspension departments, these cars really do drive better than just about anything else in this price range. The engine was recently serviced with new plugs and a rebuilt starter, so it runs great and should continue to do so, well, just about forever if you take care of it. The oil bath air cleaner and original carburetor handle the intake side, and the single exhaust system has a great six-cylinder grumble to it. New wheel cylinders and brake shoes ensure the brake system is up to snuff and it rides rather well and looks great sitting on those tall bias-ply wide whites with painted steel wheels inside them.

You can't help but be impressed by this affordable Plymouth coupe, and the guy who will love it the most is the one behind the wheel. Call today!