Very high quality restoration. Beautiful, authentic color combination. Chrome wire wheels with new wide whitewall radials. Loaded with accessories, including fog lights, spotlight, radio, and power top. Great little car!

We’re assuming that the next owner of this absolutely beautiful Plymouth Special Deluxe convertible is going to be very pleasantly surprised. Everyone who experiences these early post-war Mopars is. They don’t realize that the indestructible six-cylinder engine is every bit a match for the Ford V8. And the styling is a flat-out homerun that would be lost with the 1949 redesign. The color is called Sumac Red and it is indeed a correct 1948 Plymouth color. There’s a hint of brick red in there, but it’s deep and rich and extremely appealing. It’ll stand out in a crowd, even without the flashy wheels. Paint and bodywork are beautifully done thanks to an expensive restoration about 15 years ago and very little use since. Arrow straight sheetmetal makes this reasonably-priced Plymouth look expensive and we’re guessing that they didn’t look this good even when they were new. The brightwork is equally nice and the good news is that most of it is stainless steel, so it’ll be easy to maintain and will look great for years to come. And yes, the hood ornament does light up!

The red leather interior is beautifully stitched and the soft hides are al-day comfortable. There are a few minor signs of use but no damage or other issues and it gives the Plymouth a very inviting look. Matching door panels add a bit of style and the big steering wheel makes this car easy to handle. All the gauges work, the clock ticks away reliably, and aftermarket turn signals were added for safety on the road. In 1948, heaters were still optional, but this car has both a heater and defroster which are fully functional. In fact, the only thing that doesn’t work is the radio, which powers up but doesn’t make sound. The tan canvas top is power actuated and stows under a matching boot. There’s also a massive trunk that includes a full-sized spare.

It would be a mistake to underestimate Plymouth’s 218 cubic inch inline-6. Not only is it bulletproof reliable, but it’s smooth, torquey, and quite energetic. Thanks to a production life lasting decades, parts are easy to find and tuning consists pretty much of turning one screw, so it’s easy to keep it in top shape. It starts easily when you touch the button, idles nicely with a bit of choke until it’s warm, and pulls the slick little convertible around with genuine enthusiasm. It’s dressed in Chrysler corporate silver engine enamel and is neatly detailed for show with reproduction decals, correct hose clamps, and proper hardware throughout. The oil filter is a clever unit that looks like a vintage piece but hides a modern spin-on filter inside and the giant radiator all but guarantees it won’t overheat. It zips through traffic around town and happily cruises at 55 MPH without much effort. It’s a real over-achiever that makes this convertible a lot of fun to drive.

The transmission is a familiar 3-speed manual that shifts easily with light clutch action, and there are 3.90 gears out back that help with its good road manners. The suspension is tuned for comfort but it’s reasonably agile, and Mopar brakes are widely regarded as some of the best of the era (these have been recently serviced). You’ll note the underside of the car is extremely clean with nos signs of patching or cutting and it’s finished in gray primer, as original. There’s also a new exhaust system, recent shocks, and a fresh gas tank hanging out back. The chrome wire wheels are from a later Chrysler, but they look fantastic and carry fresh 205/75/15 wide whitewall radials.

Handsome, fun to drive, reliable, and easy to maintain, this awesome little Plymouth ragtop is what hobby cars are all about. Always ready for a road trip or a show, this car is available for a fraction of the cost of its restoration. Get in and start having fun!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.