1940 Plymouth P10 Coupe

Description

Ask anyone who knows about old cars, and they'll tell you that '40s Mopars are some of the best-driving cars of the period. Add a Hemi, a bunch of modern conveniences, and an icy blue paint job and these great cars become even better.

In 1940, Plymouth's advantage was modern styling, and few body styles are more attractive than this Model P10 coupe. The pointed nose with smoothly integrated headlights was new that year, and the squared-off trunk makes it instantly recognizable from behind as a Chrysler product. The builders were smart enough to leave all the great original details intact, including the front grille, the vents on the hood, and all the stainless trim, so it looks like a far more upscale car than its original sticker price might suggest. Workmanship is quite good, with doors that fit precisely, great gaps on the pointed hood, and paint that has a subtle shine. Go to any Goodguys show and you'll see quite a few Mopars, but this one's low-profile look will get it noticed just because of how well-executed it is.

Back in the '40s, travelling salesmen cruised the back roads of the country in their 2-passenger business coupes like this one, which traded the back seat for massive storage in the trunk. It gives this Plymouth an intimate interior for two, complete with a pair of late-model buckets and a custom center console. Custom carpets give it a highly finished look, and the dash is full of very 1940s-looking gauges from Classic Instruments. With brushed stainless faces, they look right at home in the Plymouth. Vintage Air supplied the A/C system and controls, while Sony provided the AM/FM/CD head unit that powers Pioneer speakers. Open the trunk and you'll find out what the salesmen found so appealing about these Plymouth coupes-a fully upholstered space big enough for a months' worth of cross-country road trip.

Perhaps you're expecting the ubiquitous Chevy 350 under the hood, but you'll be very pleasantly surprised to find that this one is 100% Mopar, with a rumbling 392 cubic inch Hemi under the hood instead. It's a tight fit in there, but those wide valve covers with centrally-mounted spark plugs makes a big statement when you pop the hood. Add a pair of carburetors up top, a big aluminum radiator, and plenty of Hemi Orange paint, and it's a uniquely Plymouth way of building a rod. Linked to a 3-speed automatic, it's also docile and easy to drive, and loafs along at supra-legal speeds without strain. The chassis has been modified to take advantage of 70 years of technological advances, including disc brakes and power steering, and the exhaust system dumps out through custom rectangular tips just ahead of the rear wheels. It offers just the right amount of rake for true hot rod attitude, and rolls on polished Torque Thrusts and staggered 185/60/15 front and 225/60/15 rear Uniroyal radials.

An unusual and nicely finished rod that keeps it 100% Mopar. Call today!