Plymouth Suburban
The name “Suburban” was a title attributed to many automobiles over the years. Plymouth attached it to their station wagon in 1949 at the start of the vehicles 30 year campaign.
Before then, Plymouth’s only station wagon was a 4-door “woodie” named so due to the interesting choice of faux-wood paneling on the sides. The woodie was not only expensive to make, it was also expensive to purchase. Taking an innovative leap, Plymouth revolutionized the station wagon market in the United States by creating the auto industry’s first wagon made entirely of steel.
Also, it was the first time an automatic turn-key ignition/starter was available in a lower price car. The Suburban sat six passengers and featured a two-door body plus a tailgate. Owners were able to fold the back row flat allowing 42 inches of level floor space in the rear. The Suburban became very popular as a commercial wagon.
The Suburban’s Growth
In 1950, the Suburban was complemented by a DeLuxe four-door wagon. The last of the wood styled station wagons, it was offered to those who wanted something more familiar and traditional. Plymouth offered two wheel bases. The Suburban rode on the shorter 111-inch platform. The platform of the Special DeLuxe was 118.5. The auto manufacturer used vinyl upholstery because it was more durable for everyday utilitarian use.
The engine was the smallest six offered by Chrysler, a 217.8 cubic inch L-head that generated 97 horsepower. For the buyer who anticipated using the Suburban to carry heavy loads, a “taxi package” was available that featured heavy duty chassis springs and shocks, a 100 amp/hour battery with a heat shield, and springs of a heavier grade in the seats and seat backs.
1953 ushered in the new Hydrive automatic transmission, which was really a manual with a torque converter that eliminated the need to shift between second and third gear. The Hydrive also shared lubrication between the transmission and the engine.
1954 models got the benefit of an upgrade to power. 117 horsepower was available as well as an optional two speed “Power-Flite” automatic transmission.
The 1956 models were grouped together in their own series. The range of wagons was made up of the DeLuxe Suburban two-door, the Custom Suburban two-door, the Custom Suburban 4-door, and the Sport Suburban 4-door. These vehicles came with more power upgrades available for the V-8 ranging from 187 horsepower to 240. Additionally, this was the first time tailfins were used.
The 1955 and 1956 versions of the Suburban could be distinguished by the grille center selection. 55s had a center section that was ribbed. A V badge made of chrome was highlighted to indicate the use of a V8 engine. 56s had a V badge that moved to the center of the grille. Block lettering saying the word “Plymouth” appeared on the front of the hood.
Although it was available in six models, one two-door and five four doors, Plymouth Suburban sales declined in 1961 as customers felt there was a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The series was discontinued making room for new Plymouth station wagon models.
