1941 Plymouth 2-Dr Coupe

For much of its life, Plymouth was one of the top-selling American automobile brands. Known for their durability, affordability, and engineering, Plymouth became serious competition and did quite well during the Depression and pre-war (Pearl Harbor) era. "There's really nothing like original and un-restored, before power steering and brakes, when America built the best cars in the world..." Jay Leno speaking about his '41 Plymouth. Offered For Sale by the California Automobile Museum A 1941 Plymouth P-12 Special Deluxe Business*Coupe. This is thought to be a Business or Businessman's Coupe but because the current interior is not original, this may have been converted from a 4 passenger Coupe. This Plymouth for sale today is a good solid example of 1940s American Iron. It seems to be all original sheet metal and it is believed that the current Heritage Maroon repaint is the original color. The paint itself is in ok condition. It is oxidized along the top facing surfaces. The side surfaces still shine very well although water spotted in places. This paint may very well be able to be saved if buffed by a professional in paint restoration. The paint seems to have been a good quality product and application. The body is very straight. No significant dents, dings, waves or imperfections can be seen. It is unknown if there was any body work, body repairs, or metal work done at the time of paint. There does not seem to be any rust in the body either except for the small area near the opening for the trunk and some starting to form in the wheel well of the left rear side. All of the chrome and stainless trim appear to be present and installed except the upper left section of the front grille. That piece is bent and lying loose but available and included with the car. The trim on the passenger's door has a few small dents as well. Additionally, some of the trim is loose in various places around the car. All of the trim shows signs of patina and age and there is minimal surface rust present on the bumpers. The locking non original gas cap has peeling chrome too. All of the glass is intact and there are no visible cracks, chips, or scratches. Some of the flat glass does show some yellowing in the corners, typical of glass from this era. There are some other very minor cosmetic issues such as the driver's side mirror cracked at the base and loose, the passenger's side running board is a little loose at the rear, the passenger's side tail light is a little loose, and all of the fenders are reattached to the car with incorrect hardware. (They appear to have been removed for paint) This Plymouth rides on decent period correct B.F. Goodrich 6.0-16 4 ply wide white-walled tires with inner-tubes. They have some very minor evidence of weather cracking but look to be in decent shape with good even tread wear. The rims are painted to match and appear to be very straight. There are also decent condition Plymouth hubcaps in all 4 corners. The interior of this Plymouth is in very good shape. Although not original in style and material, the craftsmanship is very good. All of the surfaces are neat and clean and aside from glue on the seat near the passenger's side and a few stains on the carpet, a little vacuuming and wiping and it could be show ready. Some little minor quirks inside are stiff windows and the locking key cylinder on the passenger's door will rotate but not actuate the lock itself. The trunk locking mechanism is also loose and non-functioning at this time. There is a heater partially installed in the car. There is also an additional one included with the sale. It is unknown if the one installed currently works or if it was in the process of being removed. The steering wheel has the typical cracks in it and during the reupholster of the interior; the dome light was left out although the switch is present. One other point worthy of mention is the glass appears to have minor leaks, possibly due to dry seals. I don't want to sound as if I am picking this car apart as it is a very presentable, solid example of a 41 Plymouth. It is obvious that it has undergone extensive work over the years and for the right person, this can be a very easy project for the short winter months and be ready to enjoy over this coming summer and many to come. It was once in very good driving condition and with a little work can be right back there. That brings us to the mechanicals. This Plymouth was purchased from eBay in May of 2007 and two months later placed in the shop. While in the shop, the engine, transmission, brakes, and miscellaneous adjustments were done at a cost of over $10,000.00. The car is currently not in running condition. The engine will start with the aid of starting fluid and will continue to run as long as fuel is supplied externally but the engine will not build prime. This could be caused by a bad fuel pump or problems in the fuel lines or tank. Because of this issue, we couldn't road test the car. The suspension seems to be tight and the brakes work well under low speeds. (The car was pushed up a ramp and maneuvered around the museum) The steering is also pretty tight. The transmission will shift thru the gears easily with the engine off. Approximately 30,000 miles have been driven since the drive train overhaul according to the current odometer reading and the invoice. So that is the overall just of the car. It still retains its original style 6 volt positive ground electrical system and most electrical items work. The horns, dash lights, and high beam headlight indicator are not currently functioning. Also it is not known if the windshield wipers function or not. As one can see, the majority of the issues listed are very minor are would be relatively easy to fix. There is one issue with this car that may not be as easily corrected. The floors on the car have seen extensive repairs to what is assumed the presence of rust. There are still a few areas where rust is unrepaired and holes are visible. Attempts have been made to patch areas and the patchwork appears to be holding well. The floors feel solid when weight or pressure is applied to them but the work can be seen from the underside. This Plymouth was once the pride and joy of a local resident before his passing and due to that unfortunate circumstance, this Plymouth is being sold. We welcome any questions about this car but are limited to what we can physically see or verify by sight. The history unfortunately has gone with its owner. NOTE.... Numerous extra parts are included with this Plymouth. The air cleaner, 2 extra carburetors, a set of pedals, engine fan, water pump, generator, Mopar radio, heater as mentioned above, rim, spare tire mounting bracket, and 5 other small boxes of miscellaneous stuff. Technical Specifications Engine/Driveline Number of cylinders/type: I-6, L-head. Displacement: 201.3 cu. in. 3.13 in. bore x 4.38 in. stroke. Induction: Single downdraft carburetor. Horsepower: 87 @ 3,600 RPM. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Transmission type: Three-speed manual. Clutch: Single dry plate. Chassis Wheelbase: 117.5 in. Weight: 3,020 lbs. Brake type: Hydraulic drums. Production Information Original list price: $1,503 The History Walter Chrysler was on top of the automotive world in 1928. His company, after just two years, was fourth in sales in the American market and he was buying the Dodge Brothers Company to expand his line of cars. Almost immediately he planned to b