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1956 Plymouth Plaza

The 1956 Plymouth Plaza? A charming, affordable slice of '50s Americana! Its boxy design, while not groundbreaking, was a solid, dependable look. Reflecting post-war optimism, it offered families reliable transport. Not iconic like some contemporaries, but a true workhorse of its era, representing the everyday car of the time.

Classic Cars: A Journey Through the Ages

Classic cars hold a distinct charm with their vintage aesthetics and fascinating histories, often resonating with enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious admirer, there's something captivating about the tales these automobiles tell—from their conception to the streets they once roamed. Let's delve into the lore of one such iconic car: the 1956 Plymouth Plaza, a car emblematic of a bygone era.

Photo of a 1956 Plymouth Plaza

1956 Plymouth Plaza Models:

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

How Much is Plymouth Plaza Worth?

Original MSRP :$1,822.00

Outstanding

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$15,200

Clean

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$11,600

Average

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$7,100*

Rough

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$4,700

1956 Plymouth Plaza Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 4
Length: 204.8 inches
Width: 74.6 inches
Height: 62.2 inches
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Weight: 3,275lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Dual downdraft, Helical
Displacement: 268.34 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 3 5/8 & 3 1/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Compression Ratio Optional: Not applicable
Horsepower Brake: 180@4400
Horsepower Rated: 42.05
Torque: 260@2400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: On left side of block beween 2nd & 3rd cylinders.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Ball and Ball
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.5 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.68
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.2
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.73 to 1
Front: Independent coil springs
Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Service Type: 4 wheel hydraulic drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: On the drive shaft
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
Two Tone Colors Available, Powder Blue, Wedgewood Blue, Turquoise Blue, Pine Green Metallic, Sea Spray Green, Pearl Gray, Eggshell White, Bronze Metallic, Briar Rose, Cherry Red, Canary Yellow, Midnight Blue Metallic, Charcoal Gray Metallic
Sedan: Opt
Powerflite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Steering: Opt

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History of the 1956 Plymouth Plaza

The 1956 Plymouth Plaza emerged during a transformative period in American automotive design. This was a time marked by bold curves and the unmistakable flair of tailfins—styling elements that represented the exuberant ethos of the 1950s. Spearheaded by designer Virgil Exner, the Plaza wasn't just another car; it was a testament to Chrysler's commitment to innovation and consumer-centric design philosophies. The moment this beauty hit the market, it sparked a sales surge, cementing its legacy in automotive history.

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Famous Figures Who Own Classic Cars

Curiously, the 1956 Plymouth Plaza doesn't boast a roster of well-documented celebrity owners, although the model holds a cherished spot in the hearts of many classic car aficionados. But across the wider classic car community, you'll find some glittering names who share this passion.

Jay Leno: The Emperor of Engines

Arguably the most famous classic car collector, Jay Leno has an unparalleled collection that reflects an expansive taste and a deep love for all things automotive. He doesn't just own cars; he restores them, each vehicle in his lineup a testament to engineering excellence and historical significance.

Jerry Seinfeld: Comedy and Cars

Jerry Seinfeld, synonymous with comedy, also nurtures a profound interest in classic automobiles. He's especially fond of Porsches, and his collection boasts some of the finest examples of German engineering, reflecting his meticulous nature and appreciation for the finer details.

Ralph Lauren: Fashioning a Fleet

Fashion icon Ralph Lauren sees his collection as an extension of his creative vision—timeless, elegant, and always in vogue. Among his collection are some of the most exquisite and rare classic cars, showcasing his impeccable taste and appreciation for art in motion.

Fun Facts about the 1956 Plymouth Plaza

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    It was marketed with young males in mind, a demographic swiftly growing in disposable income and cultural influence.

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    Despite not setting speed records, the Plaza remained immensely popular during an era defined by performance horsepower races.

Classic car collections like those of Jay Leno or Jerry Seinfeld add a human dimension to these mechanical masterpieces, highlighting how personal history can intertwine with automotive history to create stories worth sharing.

Interested in Buying or Selling a Classic Car?

Considering a journey into the world of classic cars? Whether you're buying or selling, understanding a vehicle's history is crucial. Here's why you might want to check out tools like a before making any decisions. Here are some critical aspects that these tools can unearth:

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    Salvage Information and more

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From the gleaming chrome of yesteryears to the stories whispered between roaring engines and quiet hums, classic cars are not just vehicles. They are bridges across time. Whether you're looking to conduct a or simply bask in their nostalgia, every classic car merits its spotlight as a herald of history.

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Explore Plymouth Plaza from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

The '56 Plymouth Plaza, a real looker, you know? It's easily identified by its distinctive two-toned paint jobs—think of those classic 50s color combos—and its sweeping chrome accents. They really went all out on the chrome, making it shine like a disco ball! The body style, a fastback, is also unique to the model; it's pretty sleek and low-slung for its time. Plus, you'll spot those iconic curved rear windows—that's a dead giveaway. Oh, and don't forget the iconic Plymouth grille; it's a real head-turner. Overall, it's a gorgeous example of mid-century American design, a real piece of automotive history.

The 1956 Plymouth Plaza offered a couple of engine choices. The base model typically sported a 230 cubic inch, six-cylinder engine; it's not a powerhouse, but it got the job done. Now, if you wanted a bit more oomph—and who doesn't?—you could opt for the 241 cubic inch V8. It's pretty cool; think of it as a bit like upgrading from a bicycle to a motorcycle. A significant step up in power, you'll find. Both engines were fairly reliable for their time, though finding parts might be a bit of a scavenger hunt nowadays—classic car ownership, eh?

Primarily, the '56 Plymouth Plaza came in two-door hardtop and four-door sedan configurations. The hardtop, with its pillarless design—think sleek and stylish—was particularly popular. The four-door, well, it offered a bit more practicality. (A little more room for the family, and maybe a picnic basket or two.) Finding either one today can be an adventure, so start your search early and you might get lucky. They're out there, somewhere!

Precise production numbers for the 1956 Plymouth Plaza are a little hazy, you know? Like trying to remember exactly how much you spent on your last shopping trip. Exact figures are difficult to pin down definitively, lost to the mists of time, but estimates generally place them in a range somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 units. It's a pretty good estimate, considering the age of the data.

Ah, the million-dollar question! The value of a '56 Plymouth Plaza varies wildly depending on its condition, originality, and the current collector car market; it's a bit of a moving target. Think of it like the stock market—some days it's up, some days it's down. A well-preserved, highly original example could fetch a pretty penny, maybe even into the five-figure range— that's a serious amount of cash. But a car needing some serious TLC might go for considerably less. It all depends on a number of factors. Always get a professional appraisal before you buy or sell, you know?.