A Plymouth in Pacifica

Some may beg to differ, but these Friday posts aren’t all about early Fords. This week, I keep on coming back to a classified ad for a car that is interesting for a number of reasons. First, it’s not a Ford—it’s a 1941 Plymouth. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it’s an old hot rod with plenty of stories to tell.

Unfortunately, we only know what’s being passed down via the seller. The car was originally modified in the early 1960s and was parked in 1963. Rumor has it that it was set up for a DeSoto Hemi, so it must have seen some quarter-mile action. The lifted front end, additional rear springs, and homemade traction bars further reinforce that idea, as does the outline of a number nine on the door.

Hot rod history aside, this is one clean car. From the crisp bodylines to the immaculate glass and trim, it’s one of the best-preserved early Plymouths I’ve ever seen. It wouldn’t take much to get it back on the street. Just drop in a drivetrain, fix the rear suspension, plumb the brakes, and get ready for some high-riding, tire-spinning fun.

I’d love to get a Hemi back in there, and also radius the rear wheelwells to make room for polished Halibrands and piecrust slicks. Maybe even put together a streetable cousin to the “Quick & Dirty” Dodge.

It’s priced to sell at $7,500 in Pacifica. Who’s going to scoop it up?

—Joey Ukrop

Photos by Brad Gigliotti