1939 Plymouth P8 Convertible Sedan
According to Walter P. Chrysler, Plymouth was so named because it typified "the endurance and strength, the rugged honesty, the enterprise, that determination of achievement and freedom from old limitations of that Pilgrim band who were the first American colonists. On Saturday August 18, 1938, production of the 1939 P7 Road King and P8 Deluxe models began. On Monday September 24, 1938, the new 1939 Plymouth models were revealed to the public. Sometime during 1939, the three-millionth Plymouth rolled off the assembly line. During the 1939 model year, 417,528 Plymouth vehicles were made. The Deluxe (P8) model far outsold the entry-level Road King (P7) model. Almost half of the Plymouths produced were 4-door sedans. There were 5,976 convertible coupes manufactured along with 387 4-door convertibles, 1,777 woody wagons and 1,850 limousines with a 20" stretch.
For 1939 Plymouth fielded a line of totally restyled automobiles - longer, wider and lower-priced than the 1938 models. Production began on August 1st, 1938. Before the end of the model run, the 3 millionth Plymouth was built, an amazing feat for an auto barely ten years old, (and only two years since the 2 millionth car rolled from the assembly lines in 1937). For consignment, 1 of the 387 1939 Plymouth convertible sedans built, the first and last time this particular body style would grace the marques lineup. Presenting as an older restoration, this wonderful driver had new brakes, wheel cylinders and hoses installed in 2021 and is ready for any show or parade that may be on your summer itinerary.
Exterior
The condition of this 1939 Plymouth P8 Convertible Sedan, (also referred to in advertising as the Plymouth Sportsman although never badged as such), belies the age of its restoration. Completed over 27 years ago, it went on to take second at a national show and won many awards over the years at local shows, and it remains near concours-worthy today. The car is finished in maroon with a contrasting tan canvas top. The paint has a few faults and touch ups, but nothing out of the ordinary for an older restoration. The top is manually actuated and presents with some tears and soiling but overall remains nice. The P8 has Plymouth's other noteworthy features included in accessory group A, which consisted of chrome trimming for the running boards, front door armrests and chrome wheel discs with trim rings. It has authentic bumper over-riders, dual fog lights, and accessory directional signals, the latter integrated below the front squared off headlights, and a 3rd brake light mounted above the license plate. To make more things interesting, our consignor is including a very rare reverse light. Wide whitewall tires nicely complement body-color steel wheels with correct chrome disc hubcaps and bright beauty rings.
Interior
Seen inside is a complimenting camel tan leather bench with piping and buttons, as well as plenty of gleaming chrome. A very Art Deco inspired AM radio sits in the center of the dash and uses the speaker bezel to house bakelite knobs for station preselection to the right and the band selector to the left. Originally sold in New Jersey, as the norm, we see a heater installed under the dash. A clock resides in the maroon steel in front of the passenger and in front of the driver, more bakelite knobs and a rectangular bezel housing the speedometer and its flanking auxiliary gauges. In the front, a black rubber mat is seen, and beautiful brown carpet covers the floors in the rear, and a front matching sprawling overstuffed rear bench seat is in the back of this car. Art Deco styling is pulled off with contrasting cream color paint, and chrome on the dash. A perfectly restored steering wheel is fronting the dash.
Drivetrain
Underneath the sailing ship ornamented hood is an industrial gray 201ci inline L-head six-cylinder fed by a 1bbl carburetor and capable of making 92hp. A column shifted three-speed manual transmission is bolted to the rear and sends power to a 4.10 geared rear axle. All is presenting well under the hood with only some minor patina and wear from usage.
Undercarriage
As expected, we are met with a mix of strong black steel, road dirt and some surface rust. The frame, flooring and running boards remain solid as do the inner rockers and body hangers. An independent front suspension with coil springs help out with leaf springs in the rear to bring you and your friends a smooth quality ride. Rebuilt in 2021, hydraulic drum brakes with new wheel cylinders are seen on all 4 corners and a single exhaust system helps the engine exhale.
Drive-Ability
One of my greatest pleasures in life is having my crack decoder and all around good guy chauffeur me around the test track in these prewar drop top sedans. This old gal started right up and ran beautifully and smoothly. It has surprisingly good acceleration, nice handling and a smooth ride, and thanks to the new brakes it stops bias free and safely.
Plymouth built a mere 387 of this 1 year only body style and the lowest production of any body style from the Plymouth camp for this year. With its unusual array of equipment, this superb older restoration is certainly a member of a very small constituency. One would be hard-pressed to find another, let alone one in this condition.
