Vehicle Description
1938 Plymouth P6 Convertible Coupe
Plymouth automobiles trace their origins to 1928, just 10 years
before our car was produced. It was offered as Chrysler's
low-priced alternative to the high end models the brand was
producing. Interestingly, they were the highest low-priced
alternative but made up for that by offering some standard options
the competitors did not include. Even during the depression,
Plymouth was #3 in the strained effort to sell cars.
For consignment, a remarkable and rare Plymouth P6 Convertible
Coupe with some battle scars on its Battleship Gray exterior, but a
healthy heart that recently went on a 2,000 mile jaunt without a
hitch. A mechanical restoration that included engine rebuild,
wiring, clutch and brakes now aid in the presentation of a
patina-clad driver that provides the future new caretaker with
several options.
Exterior
Our consignor states this car was originally blue but was painted
Battleship Gray while at the Philadelphia Navy Yard during the war.
We'd love to learn about that story but just that info alone is
worthy of putting on your car show placard! That makes this paint
almost 90 years old and let's make no mistake...it looks it. But
patina is in, ladies and gentlemen! This car is cool just as it
sits...full of scratches and scrapes, missing paint, surface rust
and real rust, bad body work, mismatched patches. Yeah, it's
glorious in its imperfection! The epic 30's style shines through
however...bulbous fenders, external light assemblies, sloping rear,
(hiding a rumble seat), and that tall, vertical grille coming at
you like a train. The cloth top is rough...ripped and faded, and
the brightwork is no longer bright. But oh, that hood emblem! The
Mayflower ship landing on Plymouth Rock....leaning forward with
hope and determination. Drive carefree as is or start making a plan
for restoration.
Interior
Things are a little better inside. Though the door cards are ripped
and worn, the camel split bench seat in vinyl is in decent
shape...certainly better than factory mohair would have been by
now. The rumble seat of the same color and material is also in good
shape. The steering wheel and dash with their art deco design is
showing age and the dark blue paint hints at the original color of
the car. A fitted rubber mat covers the floor which is where the
tall shifter is also found. A barn door firewall heater is under
the dash adding more deco flair to the inside.
Drivetrain
The original 201.3 cubic inch L-headed inline six is in place and
as mentioned was recently rebuilt and tested on a long trip. A
3-speed manual transmission with a new clutch drives power to the
rear wheels and 4.10 gears. New wires are charged by a 6-volt
system and fuel is delivered via a single 1-barrel carburetor.
Undercarriage
Interestingly, the back half from the middle of the X-brace back,
is basically covered with surface rust. But center forward, still
present but much less so. Regardless, the patina theme continues
underneath where we see independent, coil spring front suspension
and a leaf spring suspended rear. The single exhaust and muffler
appear to be in great shape. Drum brakes all around are present and
accounted for.
Drive-Ability
I'm not gonna say we tested this car with reckless abandon, but
after so many show-quality, high dollar restorations, it was
somehow freeing to just drive a car and not worry too much about a
snowflake or a pebble. Even so, we took it easy and can confirm the
cars runs smooth and strong. Braking is unassisted so early on the
pedal is the name of the game. Yeah, it's not a concours contender,
but it is fun to drive and will still turn heads wherever you
go...it's such a departure from anything modern.
This car is a storybook and whether you choose to tell the original
story, or take it to the fountain of youth through a restoration or
simple coat of paint, rest assured that the engine and internal
systems are sound and ready to take that journey. Put the top down,
put some passengers in the rumble seat, and set sail on this ode to
the pre-war, depression era of automotive goodness.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
