Vehicle Description
1939 Plymouth P8 Convertible Sedan
According to Walter P. Chrysler, Plymouth was so named because it
typified "the endurance and strength, the rugged honesty, the
enterprise, that determination of achievement and freedom from old
limitations of that Pilgrim band who were the first American
colonists. On Saturday August 18, 1938, production of the 1939 P7
Road King and P8 Deluxe models began. On Monday September 24, 1938,
the new 1939 Plymouth models were revealed to the public. Sometime
during 1939, the three-millionth Plymouth rolled off the assembly
line. During the 1939 model year, 417,528 Plymouth vehicles were
made. The Deluxe (P8) model far outsold the entry-level Road King
(P7) model. Almost half of the Plymouths produced were 4-door
sedans. There were 5,976 convertible coupes manufactured along with
387 4-door convertibles, 1,777 woody wagons and 1,850 limousines
with a 20" stretch.
For 1939 Plymouth fielded a line of totally restyled automobiles -
longer, wider and lower-priced than the 1938 models. Production
began on August 1st, 1938. Before the end of the model run, the 3
millionth Plymouth was built, an amazing feat for an auto barely
ten years old, (and only two years since the 2 millionth car rolled
from the assembly lines in 1937). For consignment, 1 of the 387
1939 Plymouth convertible sedans built, the first and last time
this particular body style would grace the marques lineup.
Presenting as an older restoration, this wonderful driver had new
brakes, wheel cylinders and hoses installed in 2021 and is ready
for any show or parade that may be on your summer itinerary.
Exterior
The condition of this 1939 Plymouth P8 Convertible Sedan, (also
referred to in advertising as the Plymouth Sportsman although never
badged as such), belies the age of its restoration. Completed over
27 years ago, it went on to take second at a national show and won
many awards over the years at local shows, and it remains near
concours-worthy today. The car is finished in maroon with a
contrasting tan canvas top. The paint has a few faults and touch
ups, but nothing out of the ordinary for an older restoration. The
top is manually actuated and presents with some tears and soiling
but overall remains nice. The P8 has Plymouth's other noteworthy
features included in accessory group A, which consisted of chrome
trimming for the running boards, front door armrests and chrome
wheel discs with trim rings. It has authentic bumper over-riders,
dual fog lights, and accessory directional signals, the latter
integrated below the front squared off headlights, and a 3rd brake
light mounted above the license plate. To make more things
interesting, our consignor is including a very rare reverse light.
Wide whitewall tires nicely complement body-color steel wheels with
correct chrome disc hubcaps and bright beauty rings.
Interior
Seen inside is a complimenting camel tan leather bench with piping
and buttons, as well as plenty of gleaming chrome. A very Art Deco
inspired AM radio sits in the center of the dash and uses the
speaker bezel to house bakelite knobs for station preselection to
the right and the band selector to the left. Originally sold in New
Jersey, as the norm, we see a heater installed under the dash. A
clock resides in the maroon steel in front of the passenger and in
front of the driver, more bakelite knobs and a rectangular bezel
housing the speedometer and its flanking auxiliary gauges. In the
front, a black rubber mat is seen, and beautiful brown carpet
covers the floors in the rear, and a front matching sprawling
overstuffed rear bench seat is in the back of this car. Art Deco
styling is pulled off with contrasting cream color paint, and
chrome on the dash. A perfectly restored steering wheel is fronting
the dash.
Drivetrain
Underneath the sailing ship ornamented hood is an industrial gray
201ci inline L-head six-cylinder fed by a 1bbl carburetor and
capable of making 92hp. A column shifted three-speed manual
transmission is bolted to the rear and sends power to a 4.10 geared
rear axle. All is presenting well under the hood with only some
minor patina and wear from usage.
Undercarriage
As expected, we are met with a mix of strong black steel, road dirt
and some surface rust. The frame, flooring and running boards
remain solid as do the inner rockers and body hangers. An
independent front suspension with coil springs help out with leaf
springs in the rear to bring you and your friends a smooth quality
ride. Rebuilt in 2021, hydraulic drum brakes with new wheel
cylinders are seen on all 4 corners and a single exhaust system
helps the engine exhale.
Drive-Ability
One of my greatest pleasures in life is having my crack decoder and
all around good guy chauffeur me around the test track in these
prewar drop top sedans. This old gal started right up and ran
beautifully and smoothly. It has surprisingly good acceleration,
nice handling and a smooth ride, and thanks to the new brakes it
stops bias free and safely.
Plymouth built a mere 387 of this 1 year only body style and the
lowest production of any body style from the Plymouth camp for this
year. With its unusual array of equipment, this superb older
restoration is certainly a member of a very small constituency. One
would be hard-pressed to find another, let alone one in this
condition.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
