1931 Plymouth Deluxe

1930 Plymouth 30 U Coupe Plymouth continues its rising sales, just about the only car to do so during the Great Depression. While styled nearly identically to the 1929 Model U Plymouth, the 1930 Model 30 U Plymouths had an all steel body. Externally the most visible change is to a wide radiator shell much more in keeping with the industry standard. The fuel gauge is moved from the top of the tank and put on the dash and becomes an electrical instrument. Hydraulic shock absorbers replace the earlier friction type. Ply33.com For consignment, a 1930 Plymouth 30 U showing 11,747 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Some good information exists for this model which continued production into 1931 which accounts for the title denotation. This particular car is one of just 5,850 rumble seat coupes and based on the serial number, was built between February 15th and March 1st of 1931. It was $695 when new. Exterior The car received a repaint in 1982 in Spruce Green which covers the body and contrasts with the black fenders connected by a running board with trimmed and rubber coated step. There is additional contrast in the use of yellow on the 19-inch wire wheels and their white wall tires, and this dramatic coloration is found in the back as well, where the spare tire is mounted between the split bumper. Up front, a model specific Delco Remy horn is front and center, stamped with the Mayflower ship and perched on the light bar between large headlights ahead of a chrome rimmed radiator with vintage Plymouth badge. A visor fronts the cabin, a vinyl roof covers it, and an oval rear window creates broad C-pillars, a likely holdout from carriage days. Overall, the car presents very well. Imperfections include scratches and drip stains on the cowl, chips on the engine cover and fenders, some touched up dry cracking rubber on the running boards, other various chips and scratches. Interior Tan mohair door panels are mostly intact but stained and slightly weathered while the map pocket on the passenger side has lost its youthful tightness. Brown wool with dark stripes covers the bench seat with a few holes, a tear on the side, light staining, and loose material on the side frame. Up front, a matte black 3 spoke steering wheel fronts a black dash with oval instrumentation in the center and the combined speedometer/odometer is unique to this era. The rubber coated floor is in nice shape, and the bakelite knob on the shifter is gleaming on the side. Mohair coats the headliner and surrounds a dome light while a roll curtain hovers over the rear window. There's a fantastic clock embedded in the rear view mirror and it's a unique quirk. Our rumble seat is black vinyl and shows a touch of age but remains in very nice shape. Drivetrain Behind the engine cover is a relatively clean 196.1ci L-head 4-cylinder rated at 48 horsepower and fueled via a 1-barrel carburetor. It's mated to a 3-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 4.33 gears. Undercarriage Driver quality with some typical patina and oil present on the rear differential and oil pan. A single exhaust runs through a stock style muffler and exits out back. Drum brakes and leaf springs are employed front and rear. Drive-Ability We set off in this rare car like the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, not knowing what to expect, but surprised by the result. A good running, enclosed car with adequate power for side streets and fine handling thanks to the tall wheels and leaf springs. We note the brake pedal is a bit soft but amazingly, all other functions, and there aren't many, operate as they're supposed to. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. We're spoiled. Today, we complain about how cars now all look the same, they're cookie cutter, and you can't distinguish one from another. Well, they had the same s