1934 Plymouth PE Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
Known for their elegant styling, the Plymouth PE Deluxe was a winner and the 4 door version made up 30% of all Plymouth's sales for 1934. Overall, sales were up 34% as the Depression began to wane and Plymouth rolled the millionth car off the assembly line. At just $660 new, the PE Deluxe 4 door was seen as a bargain and putting Plymouth in direct competition with Ford and Chevrolet.
For consignment, an unrestored piece of American history, a 1934 Plymouth PE Deluxe in 4 door sedan format. Here's a great example of what the PE may have looked like after years of common use and without the benefit of a modern restoration. This leaves the buyer with a number of option, but whichever road is taken, you'll have a survivor that tells the story of Plymouth's status in the automotive industry.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Black covers the car which would have been one of six color options in 1934. In a wonderful paint chip guide from 1934, it states a black car could have had Ivory, Vermillion Red, or like our car, black wheels. The rear wheels, we note, are locked up. The paint is faded of course and shows plenty of patina with bubbles, scratches and other imperfections. Stylistically, the tall grille is flanked by headlights mounted on the fenders and the engine covers on either side have both louver and vents. The sailing ship hood ornament leans forward, as if pushed by the wind behind it, and represents the Mayflower and its moorage at Plymouth Rock. When looked at from the side, the car has a tall profile, lots of windows, and reverse hinged doors in the front and the back, something that is rather uncommon. The side mirror is a modern add on and the car retains its spare tire case mounted on the rear. The body is mostly straight but the car would benefit from a restoration of the paint and metal work.
Interior
Tan cloth covers the inner doors topped by brown metal framed windows. A vinyl covered bench seat occupies the front and is mostly intact with some patches. The same is seen in the back where the rear passengers have vast amounts of space to move around, a footrest bar, and a corded handle latched onto the front seat back. The steering wheel and dash are in considerably good condition and the gauges with their 1930's style raised typeface and ivory faces are incredible. Various knobs and levers appear on the center of the dash which is also painted black. The glove box door is adorned with the Mayflower gliding in front of sunrays, embossed in a brass plate and the knob of the floor mounted shifter is an elegant marble like handle. The floor is covered with a rubber mat and the headliner is cloth and in good condition.
Drivetrain
Heavily patina'd but all there, the 201.3ci L-head inline 6 cylinder was rated at 77 horsepower, a respectable number at the time and despite the size of the car, adequate for mobility. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and is tied to a 3-speed, sliding gear manual transmission which sends rotation to the rear axle and 4.375 gears. Drum brakes are located on the front and rear wheels.
Undercarriage
In line with the condition of the car with no major structural issue that we can note. The PE's were equipped with independent suspension with coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear, a combination so effective, it was still used nearly 100 years later.
An elegant Plymouth from 1934 with great bones and deserving of saving, and perhaps even restored to better than new condition. The Plymouth Owners Club, founded in 1957, can help. For inspiration, you can visit their exhibit at the AACA museum in nearby Hershey, PA from May to October 2024! In the meantime, call the mall to inquire about this diamond in the rough.
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!
