Vehicle Description
1951 Plymouth Cranbrook Sedan
The Plymouth Cranbrook, as a car, was conservatively styled,
designed to fit K.T. Keller's notion that cars be practical and
allow drivers to sit upright while wearing a hat; it was sold at a
time when competitors favored the low and sleek look. Differences
between the 1950 Special Deluxe and the 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook are
relatively few in number and scope, with interchangeable glass and
doors, but different rubber seals; lack of woodgrain on the
instrument panel; plastic brake handle instead of chrome; and other
similar changes. More substantial was having what had been the hood
release handle function as the overdrive control. Fender lettering
and other badging necessarily changed as well. From a distance, the
cars were essentially similar. The Plymouth Cambridge and Plymouth
Cranbrook models shared the P23 Series Number in both 1951 and
1952. The six cylinder flathead engine produced 97hp.
For consignment, a stunning presentation of a not oft seen highly
original and very well preserved car. In the back of our minds we
believe that the 61,165 miles showing on the odometer are likely
original, however this cannot be proven as the title reads mileage
disclosure not required, but one look at the brighter than bright
chrome and stainless, well preserved interior and rust free body
say those are original and well cared for miles. With a beautiful
Sterling Gray paint scheme, ultra clean interior, and a clean
engine bay, you'll be hard pressed to find one of these models this
clean or one at all for that matter. So with that said, we proudly
offer to you this Plymouth Cranbrook sedan looking almost like it
just rolled out of the showroom in 1951.
Exterior
A correct respray of Sterling Gray in good condition covers the
ding free voluptuous panels on the exterior of this car. Gaps are
all very good, and the car is straight as an arrow, except for the
designers use of the curve on this exterior which shows with little
to no faults. Transitioning from the 40's to the 50's, the fenders
are starting to be almost totally integrated into the car, and the
use of chrome accents is becoming more prevalent. All trim on this
car presents very nicely and would be classified in good condition.
From the beltline fender spears, to the rocker trim, and upfront on
the hood, the trim line to the hood ornament in the center, it is
all shiny and nice. This hood ornament fronts a bulbous hood which
is the typical early 50's massive in size. Badging is all attached,
light bezels, and chromed bumpers, make up the lower framing for
the grille in the front, and some badging on the rear. New thin
radial whites are on all fours, and Mayflower badged full wheel
covers are seen as well. A side view shows the graceful curved
roofline as it melts into the trunk and rounded rear fenders, and
even the window openings are curved. On the back, horizontal
rectangular tail lights have chrome bezels, and a small round dot
light is above.
Interior
A swing of any of the 4 doors and we are in gray stitched
broadcloth heaven with grain painted gray steel sills and gray
vinyl lowers. The chrome window cranks and door releases are all in
remarkably good condition as is the armrest with its broadcloth
trimming, adding just a bit of contrast to the otherwise gray
field. The door panels remain very clean with only light wear and
staining, as do the 2 large benches which stretch within the door
panel confines and are a stain and tear free mix of striped gray
broadcloth and gray vinyl for the tubs and piping. The all steel
dash is draped in more striped grain gray paint and has a panel in
front of the driver of chrome bezeled glass covered gauges which
are as clean as a whistle. Additionally the interior dash abounds
with cleanliness and chrome for the central AM radio panel,
heater/defroster controls and beautiful fronting steering wheel.
Black ribbed rubber flooring is up front and in the back is
cleantan carpeting. The installed gray broadcloth headliner is in
and finishes off this excellently preserved interior space.
Drivetrain
A 217.8ci inline flathead 6 cylinder in nice original condition
resides under the hood and can be verified as original and correct
to the car. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this engine, and a 3-speed
manual transmission is strapped to the back of the engine. 3.90
gears for the rear, and we are all good to go.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the usual iron suspects such as
suspension, interior wheels, and a bit of the frame, but all remain
structurally sound. Some surface rust also in the rocker area, but
where body hangers meet the body is all clear. Independent coil
spring suspension for the front and leaf springs on the rear are
noted as are 4-wheel drum brakes. A stock style single exhaust
handles spent fossil removal with ease and ends with an angle cut
tip under the rear bumper.
Drive-Ability
I deferred to our test driver for this one and he reported a quick
start, smooth idle, and much comfortable ease of operation. Not a
fireball in the acceleration department, but then again it is a
family cruiser, which it handles just perfectly. A clean driver
with no smoke and all functional. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Before you is a great example of a rarely seen model year and car,
with all features functional, very exterior paint and chrome,
snazzy interior, and smooth running engine and drivetrain. Even
down to the trunk interior things are preserved so well one would
think they were back in 1951. A well kept example ready to turn the
key and enjoy immediately.
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
