Running Desert Find: 1964 Plymouth Savoy
Between 1951-64, the Savoy nameplate represented Plymouth automobiles from the high-end to entry-level. In its final year, it would be the basic full-size Plymouth (though sized just above an intermediate), below the Belvedere, Fury, and Sport Fury models. This ’64 Savoy had few options when new, with a push-button automatic possibly being the only one. It didn’t even come with a radio. Located in White Ridge (Denver), Colorado, this Plymouth has been off the road for many years but has been made to run on a limited basis. Available here on eBay, the seller has set a Buy It Now price of $8,500. Thanks to Larry D Brooks for this tip!
The 1964 Plymouths were lightly changed over the prior year models, including the Savoy’s. Because of their relatively lightweight, these cars would often be targets for big-block engines, as suggested by the seller. The 2-door sedan, like this one, saw 21,326 copies built for ’64 and had an MSRP of $2,332 before any options. This Savoy has a 225 cubic-inch Slant Six under the hood. When the seller bought the car earlier this year, it wasn’t running, but a new fuel pump and a carburetor overhaul changed that, at least in terms of it being able to move around the yard. So more mechanical work will be needed.
This Savoy spent a lot of time in the Arizona desert, so the body is in better shape than it might otherwise be. But that’s still far from perfect. The floors are said to be solid except for a spot on the driver’s side. The cowl is rough in several places, such as the firewall panel, due to pine needles living there for many years. The dutchman panel hasn’t escaped the rust bug either, along with the passenger side front fender which has received some homemade bodywork.
The interior is in rougher shape than the body, with the door panels and seats being ragged out. But the metal dashboard looks good and there is a rubber floor covering where carpeting would be in other models as standard equipment. The mileage of the car is unknown according to the seller. He provides a couple of videos to help prospects further review the car, as either a walkaround or running. Given the amount of work that is needed for such a basic car, the asking price sounds high. Would you restore the car and drop a Hemi in it for good measure?
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Comments
I think that $8500 is a bit optimistic for this car, it’s cool and all but it’s not exactly the most sought-after body style. And Slants are cool (I run one myself) but that one doesn’t sound particularly healthy (IMO) I’m sure it’ll need more work. The interior doesn’t look like someplace I’d like to park my kiester either.
Neat find, but I think $4500 is more in the ballpark.
Ditto on the asking price. I see a great place under the hood to line up a case of beer whilst wrenching….unibody ledge.
I could stand inside that engine compartment while changing the plugs.
the leanin tower of power (slant 6) will run forever, (unless its jumps timing even then it will run wide open).
This IS the most sought after body for a Hemi SS race car and will probably sell for that or more.
It’s a shame that this is priced so high, it would be a great car to restore “as is” with the slant six and push button automatic. But at this price you would be upside down within a couple of weeks. They were the family cars of my early childhood. And it would still draw a crowd at cars and coffee as is.
Agreed. But fear of being ‘upside down’ is hardly the point.
This is my dream car. It’s the basis for a Max Wedge Super Stock car of the 60’s . Alter the wheelbase and you have the original funny car.
These are so rare someone will step up and spend the money. Hopefully to build some form of nostalgic race car or street machine.
Steve R
Forgive my ignorance, but what is a Dutchmans panel?
Sheet metal panel behind the rear window to the trunk.
A Dutchman panel is the panel between the rear window and the lip of the trunk opening.
I was hoping for a Wedge.
Motor Trend tested one almost exactly like this back in ’64 in response to reader’s requests that they test more of the “cars people really bought”.
Theirs was 318 and three speed manual. It may have had a heater foam front seating, and whitewalls. No radio.
Their conclusion: the experience would be a lot better with a few options like radio, a clock and arm rests [front and rear].
Motor Trend also ran the numbers and found that though people claim they want basic cars…. they rarely buy them.
Just like today. { I actually do….why I was interested in that article and one they did on a manual 64 Chrysler $2998 Newport }.
This car: the six would stay. There are enough clones and tributes.
Just this weekend I went to a car show. A 51 or 52 Dodge was there, looked pretty much like a desert right like this.
A 15 year old kid had bought it for $50 and he and his Dad brought it back. Flathead six, interior and all. The paint was “patinaed” and it had been sitting since 1978.
I made a bee line to that one and walked past most of the Lambos tricked out “sleepers” and high dollar “investments”, the 57 Chevies and Mustangs, pretty much standard fare for a car show.
There was a ’64 Malibu base six there as well, another favorite.
Few and far between these basic simple cars and a treat to see.
Not everything needs to have a Hemi or a 350 or an LS FFS.
This IS the most sought after body for a Hemi SS race car and will probably sell for that or more.
Anyone that grew up in the 60’s, knows full well, the success Chrysler had with the ’64 Plymouth/Dodge team. They literally dominated most forms of racing, the 426 hemi was so successful in 1964, it was banned by NASCAR for 1965. I think USAC still got away with it for a couple more years, but I have fond memories of Norm Nelson,( and others, who could forget the KIng’s ’64 Plymouth) in his ’64 Plymouth at State Fair Park, passing everyone. I read, the ’64 hemi Plymouths won almost half of the races that year, even though, oddly enough, I believe Petty used the wedge.. As far as drag racing, the mid 60’s were all Chrysler too with these cars. Some of the 1st “funny cars” were Dodges. Hemis dominated the sport, and still do to this day.
IDK, it’s a cool find, ( there’s just a glut of these types of cars in back yards here), and that trailer hitch took the Slanty for all it was worth, I’m sure, especially in the hills here, but try and find another. Got restomod written all over it, and that’s okay too.
A nice old car to work on as you drove it. They were pretty dependable. I,d leave it as is–except fix things that needed,drive it. Paint it and fix the interior myself. Nice one to start on and enjoy. Plenty of room to work on it.