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1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe

The 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe: a post-war beauty! Its smooth lines and affordable price made it a popular choice, reflecting the era's optimism. While not hugely flashy, its understated elegance and reliable performance secured its place in automotive history. Think classic American car, but accessible.

The Timeless Appeal of Classic Cars and Their Notable Owners

Ah, classic cars—they hold a special place in our hearts, don't they? These rolling pieces of history aren't just about the throaty roar of an engine or the glint of polished chrome; they're about the stories they carry and the people who cherish them. From the way these cars navigate the open road to the fond memories they stir, classic cars are indeed a testament to the art of automotive design and engineering. Let's explore the rich tapestry of classic car ownership, with a special spotlight on some notable figures who are as classic as the cars themselves.

Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe

1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Special Deluxe Worth?

Original MSRP :$1,264.00

Outstanding

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$33,500

Clean

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$22,200

Average

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$10,800*

Rough

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$4,600

1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Length: 196.75 inches
Width: 73.625 inches
Wheelbase: 117 inches
Weight: 3,057lbs
Type: Inline, L-head, Single downdraft, Helical
Displacement: 217.8 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 1/4 & 4 3/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 6.6 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 95@3600
Horsepower Rated: 25.3
Torque: 172@1200
Main Bearings: 4
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Engine Number Location: Near front, upper left side of block & left front side of block between no. 1 & no. 2 cylinders.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.25 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.57 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.83 to 1
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.48 to 1
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.90 to 1
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: External on the transmission
Emergency Size: 6 inches
Tire Size: 6 x 16
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 17 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 3.25 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:See Additional Information
Total Digits:N/A
Plymouth Black, Marine Blue, Chevron Blue, Balfour Green, Kenwood Green, Battalion Beige, Airwing Gray, Plymouth GunMetal, Cruiser Maroon, Sumac Red, Charlotte Ivory
Club Coupe: Opt

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History of the 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe

Introduced in the aftermath of World War II, the 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe became a symbol of the era's automotive boom. With its sleek lines and trusty flathead six engine, this model was all about accessibility and reliability, something middle-class America heavily sought as they emerged from wartime austerity. The Special Deluxe wasn't just a car—it was a promise of better times.

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Post-War Production: Meeting the Demand

In the late 1940s, car manufacturers had everyone eager for something new yet familiar. The Plymouth Special Deluxe exemplified this approach, maintaining a design that spoke to both tradition and innovation. It wasn't just another car; it was a crucial piece of the post-war production mosaic that shaped modern automotive landscapes.

Famous Figures Who Own Classic Cars

Nicholas Essinger

Let's start with Nicholas Essinger. Although declining health has limited his ability to maintain his classic car collection, his 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe remains a cherished possession. It's more than just metal and paint; it symbolizes perseverance, nostalgia, and the inextricable bond between man and machine.

Francis and Freeland Stanley

Now, if you find steam power intriguing, the Stanley twins' story might spark your interest. Pioneers of the Stanley Steamer, they engineered victoriously speedy cars back in the day, even setting world records. Their work paved the way for innovations and, quite unintentionally, for stories like the 1948 Plymouth to unfold.

1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe Gallery

Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe
Photo of a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe

Fun Facts about the Plymouth Special Deluxe

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    Top Speed: Though not a race car, it managed a respectable 75 mph.

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    Engine Power: Thanks to its flathead six, it cranked out about 95 horsepower.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

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    Salvage Information and more.

For those passionate about the world of classic cars, knowing your vehicle's past through a is just as important as the drive itself. Dating your classics with a classic can unveil stories hidden in those unique vehicle wraps.

Whether you're interested in decoding a or navigating the legacy of numbers with a , it's crucial to have the right tools at your disposal. And when it comes to authenticity, a is your golden ticket to confirming your classic's origins.

Remember, every car has a story—be its next storyteller responsibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The '48 Plymouth Special Deluxe? A real head-turner, that one! You'll spot it easily enough; it boasts a distinctive, somewhat boxy body style—think of a really stylish brick, if you will—with smoothly integrated fenders. The chrome is plentiful, really makes it shine; it's a key identifier. Oh, and the taillights are iconic, you know, those bullet-shaped beauties? Those are hard to miss. Inside, you'll find a comfortable, roomy interior—for the time, anyway. It’s got a nice, simple dashboard, pretty straightforward. Remember, though, features varied somewhat depending on trim level and options, so there's a little variation. It's a classic, though, no doubt about it.

Typically, you'd find a 217.8 cubic inch flathead straight-six under the hood. It wasn't exactly a speed demon, but it was reliable—like a trusty old workhorse. It offered decent power for everyday driving, perfectly adequate for its time, I'd say. Now, some rare models might have had some slight variations, but the straight-six was the standard and really, the only game in town for this beauty.

Ah, the million-dollar question! That depends wildly on condition, the completeness of the car, and—let's be honest—the current market. A beautifully restored, numbers-matching example could fetch a pretty penny, you know, a decent chunk of change. But a car needing, say, a complete restoration? That would be quite a bit less. Honestly, your best bet is to check recent auction results and see what similar cars are selling for. It's really apples and oranges, that whole valuation game.

Finding parts can be a bit of a treasure hunt, it's true. Some parts are readily available from classic car parts suppliers, especially common wear items. Other bits and pieces, however? Those can be trickier to track down, requiring some serious detective work, often involving online forums and specialty shops. It is definitely a labor of love; think of it like a really fun scavenger hunt! You might just need to get creative sometimes and improvise a bit.

Being a car of that era, you should anticipate some typical age-related issues. Things like the electrical system, (boy, those old wires!), the braking system, and the carburetor can sometimes be temperamental. Regular maintenance and a good mechanic familiar with classic cars are key—absolutely essential, actually. It's like keeping any old machine running; it needs attention and care. Prevention is, as they say, better than cure!

There's a whole network out there for Plymouth enthusiasts! Online forums, classic car parts suppliers, and specialized restoration shops are excellent places to start. You'll find a wealth of information and support from fellow enthusiasts—a really great community. You can also find plenty of books and manuals too; some great resources are out there to help you with your restoration.