1951 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible
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.
For consignment, a barn find that is basically a rolling chassis with a 1951 Plymouth underpinning, and does not run. Closer inspection will tell you it needs a new convertible top and overall fit and finish is right out of unrestored 1951. Unfortunately a mechanical issue currently unknown has kept this car from starting.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Exterior
Straight rust free steel exterior panels have inconsistent gaps, with doors and trunk not closing totally properly. Yellow paint in reasonable shape showing a bot of fading and dulling but no rust on the exterior of this car. All trimmings have dulled and show pitting throughout. A round bulbous design makes this otherwise utilitarian car show some respect for itself with said design. In 2 door form it's fairly sporty for 1951. Glass is all there and window trimmings are faded and dulled as well. Chromed moon style caps are covering all 4 corners which have versos and sundry tires attached to each corner.
Interior
Red vinyl door panels show wear, fading and some dirt. Pitted, formerly shiny knobs, and actuators have some rust and sport bakelite escutcheons and knobs in warm cream color. Inside it will be a total redux showing torn vinyl covered benches for the passengers, a dash that has been relieved of some of its parts, and a broken steering wheel. Rubber covers the floors in front, and in back worn tan berber carpeting. The dash is painted red also, shows plenty of chipping and pitted and rusted knobs.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is an unrestored engine bay with a 217ci inline 6 cylinder engine which will not start. It is topped with a 1 barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed manual transmission on the back. A 3.90 rear axle is installed in this car.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina black coated flat surfaces and surface rust covered suspension and framing. It still holds structural soundness though, and just a little bit of invasive rust damage is noted on either side on the lower inside of the rockers, particularly behind the front wheel wells. Independent coil sprung suspension is upfront and leaf springs for the rear. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners.
A non running barn find ISO a creative and resourceful potential owner that can make this former star shine brightly again. Nothing is a lost cause, and the car does have significance in the Plymouth history story, being the only convertible available in the lineup for this year. Exterior steel is good, just cosmetic work aplenty, and the engine issue, grab your wrench and we are off.
Please Note: NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY*
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
