For consignment, a 1947 Plymouth P15-C Special Deluxe Business coupe, known to the consignor when he first saw it, owned by a neighboring farmer in 1967. It was then bought for a 16 year-old to drive and our consignor's father got it ready for the road. Eventually, our consignor would come to own it. You have to love the connections and stories that come with cars, and this one is a doozie.
Exterior
The satin Black paint certainly looks original and is accented by bold metal spears on the side and a robust grille in front that gives the car a look of heft. In typical business coupe configuration, the big front leads to a sizable cab with short back windows and a sloping rear section reserved for an enormous trunk. The car has unique lower panels that curve outward to the rocker panel, narrowing the base of the articulated fenders. The front fenders are wide, virtual tabletops that flank the rising hood that forms an unwavering track across the waistline of the car all the way to the back. The metal could benefit from some restoration, including the bumpers and bumper guard, Mayflower hood ornament, and emblems. For now, they have appropriate and acceptable patina for the condition of the car which has plenty of imperfections including scratches, dings, rust where a rocker trim is missing, missing paint, chips, former repairs and rust on the front bumper. The 16-inch wheels wear a variety of hubcaps with or without beauty rings.
Interior
The tan cloth door panels are a bit tattered, stained, and just tired. The striped cloth on the split bench seat is in decent condition but the leather wrapped seat shell shows a bit of wear but hints at what potential beauty is possible. The package shelf and storage area behind the seats are in good condition and so is the steering wheel which shows some age and only minor cracks. An art deco feast for the eyes awaits viewers of the dashboard, wrapped in woodgrain and surrounded by bright metal, the gauges are large, clear, and authentically period. Jukebox like ornamentation occupies the center and ivory knobs and buttons abound and if restoration is in this car's future, this is one area you can save for last or leave as is. The floor is covered with a rubberized textured mat and the padded headliner is fully intact but will need cleaning or replacement. A voluminous trunk is out back, of course, and shows its age but is undamaged and straight.
Drivetrain
Full driver quality condition underneath the hood with its fair share of surface rust and aging. Here is a 217.8ci L-head 6-cylinder engine rated at 95 horsepower. The column shifter moves through 3-speeds and sends power to the rear wheels and 3.90 gears. As was standard for the time, drum brakes are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Start your restoration under here because there are some problem spots and some components that will need to be cleaned or replaced. There's oil and oil sling at the rear differential and transmission and oil on the pan. Caked grease and grime surround the knuckles and other components, and surface rust is prevalent. There's also more invasive rust on body support beams and frame rails and holes are found in several places. A single exhaust is present and intersects with a stock style muffler before exiting out back. Coil springs in front and leaf springs in the rear make up the suspension.
Drive-Ability
The old dog fires up and finds its way around the test loop, carrying with it years of experiences, travel, and a list of caretakers. She'll need some work but the only thing we found not working was the clock and the fact that it pulls left sharply when braking.
This car presents an excellent opportunity for someone skilled or willing to pay skilled craftsmen to restore it. The body is relatively straight, and the undercarriage is not gone, plus the interior won't need much. It's actually a bit inspirational to see a car like this, imagine what it once was, and dream about bringing it back. Of course patina is in, so maybe securing what you need to, tuning the engine and brakes, and riding as is! In either case, this was the top of the line at the time and is now ready for a new home!
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 or call us at 855-201-7026. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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