Affordable doesn’t have to mean boring, and if you’re looking for a low-cost way to enjoy the hobby, you don’t have to settle for some leftover 1970s 4-door sedan. Truthfully, the post-war Mopars, cars like this 1950 Plymouth P19 Deluxe, are fantastic cars to drive, are very reliable, parts are easy to find, and they still deliver that old car feeling. Quality was quite good, often belying the cars’ very reasonable prices, and with Chrysler’s commitment to technology and innovation, these neat little Plymouths are genuine over-achievers on the road. With an engine that was used for decades, powerful brakes, and a nimble suspension that comes from lightweight construction, these are some of the very best road cars you can own. So don’t merely look at the spec sheet and decide that you really need a flathead Ford V8, because this little Plymouth delivers the same performance with better handling, all for less cash. Cool, right?

This particular 1950 Plymouth coupe is an unusual machine. The only other one we’ve ever seen is the one we sold in 2014, which was quite similar in most respects and went to a happy new owner out west. So while these were surely popular cars when they were new, their survival rate appears to be rather low and as the last of the ‘40s fastback designs, it still has a sleek, Art-Deco look that defines the period. It shows just 59,334 miles on the odometer, and given the car’s overall condition, we’re inclined to believe that’s an actual reading. It was treated to a frame-on cosmetic freshening a few years ago, which gave it a shiny new coat of Kitchener Green paint that looks great on the little fastback coupe. It doesn’t appear to have any major bodywork and it’s pretty darned clean underneath, so it has probably lived most of its life someplace outside the northeast. The doors fit well, the hood opens easily and closes without a big slam, and the trunk slides on well-oiled hinges. It’s just a clean, simple design that’s as easy to maintain as the rest of the car. Even better, a majority of the brightwork on these cars was stainless, so it’s easy to keep it shiny without a massive chrome plating bill sometime later, and even the plated parts like the hood ornament and door handles remain in very good condition. If there's any demerit, it's that some of the weatherstripping is original and a little brittle. Nevertheless, this car is definitely hitting above its price class.

The interior was also restored when the car was painted and it uses a correct gray striped broadcloth material as original. Looking closely, there are neat blue and burgundy stripes in the fabric, so it has a perfect period look and it’s quite comfortable, even on hot days. Both seats are in excellent condition with new materials underneath, so they’re firm and comfortable and the door panels have been upholstered in two-tone vinyl that works rather well. The woodgrained dash and instruments are in excellent condition, with gray metallic faces and old west-style font that adds a touch of fun to the all-business interior. We love that the woodgrained window sill on the driver’s side is a little bit worn, thanks to decades of happy owners driving with their elbows out the window, and while this is a basic car without a radio, it covers the basics rather well, including functioning heat and defrost. Everything works as it should, all the gauges are operational, and the shifter has a light touch that’s easy to manage. In back, the rather spacious trunk is outfitted with a rubber mat as well as an ancient spare tire that might even be original to the car.

As I said, it would be a mistake to underestimate the 217 cubic inch inline-six found under the hood. Compare it to Ford’s V8 and I think you’ll see they make similar power, and Chrysler’s line of tough flatheads have a reputation for longevity that few other engines can match. We strongly believe the engine is completely original and has never been out of the car, a theory borne of the rather scruffy appearance of the engine bay. But looking closer, you’ll see recent tune-up parts, rust-free firewall and inner fenders, and no major leaks. It always starts quickly and easily, even without the assistance of an electric fuel pump, and even when it’s cold it doesn’t seem to get cranky. Out on the road, it pulls with vigor and scoots the tidy little coupe around with modern traffic and never becomes a rolling roadblock. Sure, you could take it up a notch with a good detailing, but the basic goodness of the hardware is impossible to mistake. It’s a real pleasure to drive this car.

The 3-speed manual transmission with a column shifter (AKA “3-on-the-tree”) has nicely spaced ratios so the six is always in its sweet spot, and there are reasonably speedy 3.90 gears out back, so 55-60 MPH on the highway doesn’t stress it out. The undercarriage is quite clean, although like the engine bay, it is likely original and unrestored. Hydraulic brakes were a Chrysler Corporation trademark since day one, and these are effective and confidence-inspiring. The suspension tends towards the softer side, but the car feels nimble on the road and zippy in traffic, making it a lot of fun to drive and inspiring confidence. The exhaust system has an appropriate six cylinder grumble to it and those 6.70-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whites give it an upscale look, although they’re starting to show some age.

I like these cars a lot. I used to dismiss them simply because they were low-cost cars with only six cylinders. However, one of the perks of being in this business is that you get to experience all kinds of cars, and I’ve quickly learned that these are some of the best-driving cars you can buy at any price. This pretty Plymouth always puts a smile on my face and I always come away impressed by just how well-assembled it is. So if you have a small budget and want to get the most car for your money, please consider this Plymouth. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do.