Two-Tone Project: 1959 Plymouth Savoy
The Savoy was a Plymouth nameplate from 1954 to 1964, becoming the entry-level model beginning in 1959. Chrysler’s “Forward Look” cars were in their third year in 1959 and were heavily restyled yet still resembled Plymouth’s products of 1957 and 1958. This 2-sedan is said to be in “barn find condition” which means it doesn’t run and is in rough overall condition. More than 48,000 copies of this model and body style were built, yet when was the last time you saw one? Located in Peoria, Arizona, this project Mopar is available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $900, with a reserve waiting to be met. Kudos to Larry D for this tip from an era when tailfins ruled!
In 1959, Plymouth demoted each of its series names to compensate for dropping the basic Plaza nameplate. So, the Plaza became the Savoy, the Savoy became the Belvedere, and the Belvedere was now the Fury. The top-tier car was the Sport Fury. At more than 458,000 cars produced in total, Plymouth maintained its spot as the third best-selling marque and controlled 13% of the market behind Chevy and Ford. The Savoy was far from lavish, with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission, just one sun visor, and rubber floor coverings. Most of them were sold with the 230 cubic-inch inline L-head six-cylinder engine, which we assume has expired under the hood of the seller’s car.
From what the seller’s photos portray, this car was found someplace where the sun doesn’t shine. He/she brought it home, gave it a bath, and decided to flip it to help fund another project that’s waiting. The machine doesn’t run and there is no indication of what might be needed to rectify that matter. Rust is apparent at least in the rear quarter panels and trunk. We suspect that the deeper you dig, the more you may find.
It doesn’t appear that much in the way of extras were ordered when this car was built. Perhaps the two-tone paint was the big outlay, applying white over black. The grey interior looks like it will require a complete makeover, adding further to the investment (aka expense) required to get this old Plymouth back on the road. Since it wasn’t built to be particularly desirable, should that be the end game, or maybe use this car to help remake another 1959 Plymouth?
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Comments
Price is right.
Never saw a two door that looks so much like a four door.
1953-55 Studebaker 2 door sedan (not the post coupe
Austin A30/35
Saab 92/3/4/5/6
All of them had a rear fender cutline right where the rear door shutline for the 4 door would be. Especially odd design choice for Saab since they didn’t even have a 4-door model.
The rear quarter windows are what give it the appearance of a 4dr.
Love the L Head six. These cars rusted badly, and that is saying something coming from a time when all cars did.
Not exactly the most desirable model, but at least it’s a 2dr. I don’t care much for restomods, but this might be a good candidate for one. My dad bought a new 59 Fury 2dr hardtop, dark metallic blue/white top, 318, pushbutton auto, with the “watchamacallit” on the trunk lid, sharp looking car.
If you can’t sell it at night in a rain storm, just wet it down with the hose. Good Luck !
If you can’t sell it at night in a rain storm, just wet it down with the hose. GOOD LUCK!
Joe,
Double post – I think some of you here don’t give it
enough time to be accepted,so you hit “Post” again.
Not being critical,just trying to help.
Actually he sent two different messages, take a closer look.
That flathead Six was pretty antiquated by 1959. I think 1960 was its last year before the Slant Six was introduced.
59 was the last year for the flathead in cars, Dodge pickups used it till 61.
Bought one of these when I was 14 years old for $25 to run the farm roads. It was indestructible. Flat 6 three on the tree. After some hard driving with the engine knocking I tried to blow it up but couldn’t 70+ in second gear and it wouldn’t quit. This looks like a good candidate for a late model Hemi and 6 speed.
Hey Guys, Sorry about my double post. You are both right, I didn’t wait long enough, so I thought it didn’t go in. So I decided to re-post it, because I am so intelligent and witty , I didn’t want anyone to miss out on my insightful comments. You can all see how that worked out. I didn’t impress anyone.
Fully redeemed you are Joe, just on the fact of your friendly sense of humor :o) Good on ya..
Chrysler Corporation used “The Forward Look” in some of their advertising in 1955. Of course in ’57, that started their three year styling cycle. It’s a shame so many manufacturers put out cars in that era that just disintegrated in almost no time. People destroy cars enough to deplete the collectable stock without any help. This time, maybe this could end up with Plymouth’s hottest ’59 engine and a full restoration.
As a mere sprout, I seem to remember my uncle had a 4 door car like this coming out of the service, late 50s before his Ponchos. I clearly remember the old man telling us not to sit next the door, as they would pop open on big bumps or the trunk would pop open. Build quality was quite poor. This was like that basic Chevy a while back, only the Plymouth version. This was a car to just go 4 miles to work, or the store, and maybe to moms on the weekend, but not much else. It is comical, the 2 door isn’t much different looking than the 4 door. Does anyone else see no future for stuff like this?
Wow … I grew up in one of these . I guess that my parents 59 Savoy was rare !! It was a 2 door 6 passenger sedan … all black exterior… gray & white interior .. , no carpets . But dad bought it with a 318 cid V8 … automatic push button transmission , radio , heater and defroster and dual sun visors ! By 1966 the Connecticut winters destroyed the body though !