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1953 Plymouth Cranbrook

The 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook: a stylish, affordable family car! Part of post-war optimism, it offered a taste of luxury for the everyday person. Its sleek, curved lines were a departure from boxier predecessors, making it a memorable mid-century cruiser. A true icon of its time!

The 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook: A Glimpse into Automotive History

The 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook holds a special place in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts. It's a car that symbolizes both the spirit of post-war America and the optimistic drive toward innovation in the automotive industry. With its introduction of features like automatic transmission and power steering, it captured the essence of 1950s' American motoring. But beyond the nuts and bolts, the Cranbrook is a vehicle with a story worth telling—a story preserved in every well-maintained model and its journey through the hands of various collectors.

Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook

1953 Plymouth Cranbrook Models:

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

How Much is Plymouth Cranbrook Worth?

Original MSRP :$1,744.00

Outstanding

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$25,600

Clean

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$16,400

Average

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$11,500*

Rough

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$7,300

1953 Plymouth Cranbrook Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Length: 189.125 inches
Width: 73.375 inches
Height: 61.75 inches
Wheelbase: 114 inches
Weight: 2,955lbs
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: 7.1 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 100@3600
Horsepower Rated: 25.3
Torque: 177@1200
Main Bearings: 4
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Engine Number Location: On left front side of block.
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:
9.125 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: 3.73 to 1
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: On the transmission
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 6.7 x 15
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
All colors may not be available in all models., Toreador Red, Valencia Blue, Monterey Green, Cortez Gray, Pecos Gray, Sonora Bronze Metallic, Suede, Patio Cream, Cactus Green Metallic, Plaza Maroon Metallic, Coronado Blue Metallic
Club Coupe: Opt
Hy-Drive Automatic Transmission: Opt

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History of 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook

Diving into its history, the Cranbrook emerged in a transformative period for the auto industry. The early 1950s were all about change—brands were racing to modernize and innovate. Chrysler's Plymouth was no exception, strategically rolling out the Cranbrook amidst a burgeoning post-war economy. Despite some hitches like a maze-like dealer network, the Cranbrook held its ground, enticing families with competitive pricing and sturdy design.

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Detailed Specifications

Want to know more about the specs? Well, under its hood, the Cranbrook sported a flathead six-cylinder engine. Now, it wasn't about winning races, but that engine gave it a blend of reliability and a bit of zest—enough to get folks comfortably around town and countryside alike. And let's not forget the soft suspension that practically glided over bumps.

Famous Figures Who Owned the Cranbrook

Let's talk about the legends who've owned this classic. Ever heard of Bill Harrah? A titan in the collecting world, Harrah snagged a Cranbrook back in 1978, adding it to his vast collection of automotive masterpieces. And then there's Ralph Engelstad, Las Vegas' Imperial Palace owner, who kept this legend alive with just a touch of glamour.

Bill Harrah

Bill Harrah's collection was a wonder. Imagine over 1,400 vehicles under one roof! When Harrah secured a Cranbrook, it was a testament to the car's allure—a statement piece among the most luxurious.

Ralph Engelstad

On the other hand, Engelstad picked up the Cranbrook in the mid-'80s. It was practically brand new with only 20 miles on it. He tuned it up, making it fully road-ready, thus bolstering its reputation among collectible classics.

1953 Plymouth Cranbrook Gallery

Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook
Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook
Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook
Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook
Photo of a 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook

Price Records

In the world of auctions and shows, the Cranbrook has seen its share of action. For example, a prime model in #1 Concours condition fetches around $16,800 nowadays. This isn't just about the sticker price—it's about the story every scratch and retouch tells.

Pop Culture Presence

This car wasn't just about getting from point A to B. It was a cultural icon, gracing films and music, emblematic of the American dream and freedom. The Cranbrook captured a slice of Americana, one drive at a time.

Fun Facts about Plymouth Cranbrook

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    Featured in numerous '50s and '60s films.

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    Known for its durability and classic aesthetic.

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    The Cranbrook was a favorite for mid-century American suburbs—a symbol of prosperity and leisure.

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In the grand tapestry of classic cars, the Plymouth Cranbrook stands as a vibrant patch of American history, woven with stories of innovation, iconic personalities, and enduring legacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see… spotting a '53 Cranbrook is easier than you might think! They're pretty distinctive, you know? Think of its profile – it's got that classic, long hood, short deck look that was so popular back then; it's really what defined the style of the era. The chrome is usually pretty flashy, especially on the bumpers and grille – that's a big giveaway. And, of course, there's the iconic Plymouth emblem; you can't miss it! Oh, and one more thing – the taillights are typically quite distinctive and easy to pick out. So, keep an eye out for those key features, and you should be able to spot a '53 Cranbrook pretty quickly.

The '53 Cranbrook came with a couple of engine choices. Most commonly, you'd find the trusty 217.8 cubic inch L-head six-cylinder, a workhorse of an engine – very reliable, and it'll keep chugging along like a well-oiled machine. However, there was also a more powerful option available – a 230 cubic inch flathead six-cylinder engine. This one provided a bit more oomph; it was a nice step up if you wanted a little extra get-up-and-go. Think of it like choosing between a reliable sedan and a sportier version of the same car. It really depended on what the buyer was after.

The 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook, in its own time, offered several body styles. You could snag yourself a two-door coupe – a really sleek ride, a stylish two-door model which was very common. Or, if you needed more space, they also made a four-door sedan; perfect for families. Frankly, the coupe was the more popular choice; it was seen as way more stylish in that day and age. It's a classic example of the era's aesthetic.

Now, this is tricky because it really depends on the condition of the vehicle and how original the car is. A completely restored, mint condition Cranbrook, that's a different story altogether; you're likely looking at a significantly higher price tag; that sort of thing is rare and highly sought after, like a collector's item, so it often fetches a premium price. Conversely, a project car, needing a good deal of work, might be more affordable – but you’ll need to factor in the restoration costs. Basically, do your homework; check out online auction sites and classic car valuation guides to get a better idea of the prices in your area. It's all about the condition, really.

Finding parts can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but you'll find a community out there who are into these beauties; a lot of owners are in similar situations. Online forums dedicated to classic car restoration are a good place to start. There are also specialist suppliers who focus on parts for older Plymouths; they sometimes have parts that even a junkyard wouldn’t have, you know? Plus, you might want to look into classic car shows and swap meets; those places are great for sourcing hard-to-find parts. You never know what treasures you might discover!