moparnut
Administrator
1950 Plymouth P19 - $14,900 - Cleveland, OH - 59,334 original miles. Recent paint and interior. Beautiful woodgrained dash and gauges. Everything works, ready to drive and enjoy!While these were surely popular cars when they were new, their survival rate appears to be rather low and as the last of the ‘40s fastback designs, it still has a sleek, Art-Deco look that defines the period. It was treated to a frame-on cosmetic freshening a few years ago, which gave it a shiny new coat of Kitchener Green paint that looks great on the little fastback coupe. It doesn’t appear to have any major bodywork underneath and it’s pretty darned clean underneath, so it has probably lived most of its life someplace outside the northeast. Even better, a majority of the brightwork on these cars was stainless, so it’s easy to keep it shiny without a massive chrome plating bill sometime later, and even the plated parts like the hood ornament and door handles remain in very good condition. This car is definitely hitting above its price class.
The interior was also restored when the car was painted and it uses a correct gray striped broadcloth material as original. Both seats are in excellent condition with new materials underneath, so they’re firm and comfortable and the door panels have been upholstered in two-tone vinyl that works rather well. The woodgrained dash and instruments are in excellent condition, with gray metallic faces and old west-style font that adds a touch of fun to the all-business interior. Everything works as it should, all the gauges are operational, and the shifter has a light touch that’s easy to manage. In back, the rather spacious trunk is outfitted with a rubber mat as well as an ancient spare tire that might even be original to the car.
It would be a mistake to underestimate the 217 cubic inch inline-six found under the hood. Compare it to Ford’s V8 and I think you’ll see they make similar power, and Chrysler’s line of tough flatheads have a reputation for longevity that few other engines can match. We strongly believe the engine is completely original and has never been out of the car. Looking closer, you’ll see recent tune-up parts, rust-free firewall and inner fenders, and no major leaks. It always starts quickly and easily, even without the assistance of an electric fuel pump, and even when it’s cold it doesn’t seem to get cranky. Out on the road, it pulls with vigor and scoots the tidy little coupe around with modern traffic and never becomes a rolling roadblock. Sure, you could take it up a notch with a good detailing, but the basic goodness of the hardware is impossible to mistake. It’s a real pleasure to drive this car.
The 3-speed manual transmission has nicely spaced ratios so the six is always in its sweet spot, and there are reasonably speedy 3.90 gears out back, so 55-60 MPH on the highway doesn’t stress it out. The undercarriage is clean, although like the engine bay, it is likely original and unrestored. Hydraulic brakes were a Chrysler Corporation trademark since day one, and these are effective and confidence-inspiring. The suspension tends towards the softer side, but the car feels nimble on the road and zippy in traffic, making it a lot of fun to drive and inspiring confidence. The exhaust system has an appropriate six cylinder grumble to it and those 6.70-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whites give it an upscale look, although they’re starting to show some age.
If you have a small budget and want to get the most car for your money, please consider this Plymouth. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do.
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
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