Plymouth Special DeLuxe
In 1941, the Plymouth Special DeLuxe was released to be a true contender in the market for convertible automobiles. Years earlier in 1932, Walter P. Chrysler suggested that customers in the market for a new car look at all three auto manufacturers, not just Chevrolet and Ford. His suggestion was justified. Shortly after its launch (four years to be exact), the young Chrysler company was already on the heels of the two aforementioned market leaders.
In 1933, Plymouth answered Ford’s V-8 and Chevrolet’s six with its own six. It was five horsepower less than Ford, but it was five to ten more than Chevy. Three years later, Plymouth produced its 500,000th vehicle. 500K must have been the magic number because the automaker was able to knock Ford out of the number two spot and take over the second place position.
A Car with a Rich History
In the period of the Great Depression, Plymouth upheld a conservative outlook regarding the styling and engineering of its vehicles. The company focused on offering buyers real value for their money. That tactic served Plymouth and its customers very well. Unlike some of the advertising claims made by Ford, many believed the line from Plymouth ad execs, “Plymouth Builds Great Cars.”
The Plymouth of 1941 was essentially an improvement over the 1940 model. For example, the styling was restructured with a grille shape that resembled a heart. The automaker also alleged 10 advances in engineering. Among them were improved rear springs, an oil-bath air cleaner, a battery that was under the hood instead of the under the driver’s seat, and safety-rim wheels that would hold the tire in case of a blowout.
The 1941 Plymouth Special DeLuxe Convertible had higher price tag than its competitors. Plymouth management felt the need to justify a greater cost than Chevy and Ford. To validate price, Plymouth highlighted their vehicle was constructed with a longer wheelbase, so one could say customers were getting more car for the money. The cost difference was modest. The top of the line Special DeLuxe convertible sold for approximately $60 more than Chevy or Ford models.
Initially, the DeLuxe was offered in two trim levels. The DeLuxe was the standard. The Special DeLuxe was the top of the line model. Once the war in Europe started to come to a close in 1945, the government of the United States gradually allowed the auto industry to return to making cars. Four years had passed since any new models were constructed.The cars that were on the road during that time were showing signs of wear and tear.
After World War II
The new model Plymouths in 1946 were again offered in two styles- the P15S De Luxe and the P15C Special DeLuxe. The body styles of the DeLuxe included a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, a business coupe and a club coupe. The Special DeLuxes added a convertible coupe to their lineup along with a wood-body station wagon.
The P15S DeLuxe was the first Plymouth released after the war in October of 1945. The Specials would follow four days later. The bodies barely change and modifications to the trim were minimal. The 217 cubic inch engine remained the same and was capable of 95 horsepower. Aluminum pistons replaced those of cast iron, which was commandeered by the government during the war. The disposable oil filter was swapped with a canister that could be cleaned that came with a replacement cartridge.
The Plymouth DeLuxe was a beautiful statement of American auto manufacturing.
