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. 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.
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.
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