1953 Plymouth Cranbrook Club Coupe

Description

NOW OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

As the 1950s dawned, Plymouth introduced a fresh naming convention for its lineup of full-size cars starting with the Cranbrook. The range-topping Plymouth was available as a four-door sedan, two-door club coupe, convertible, and two-door hardtop coupe termed the Cranbrook Belvedere beginning in 1951. For 1953, the Cranbrook received a stylish facelift, following the design trends set by Ford and Chevrolet, which included a one-piece windshield, pull-out door handles, and a centrally-located glove box. Amongst the many makes and models in Mr. Hendricks’ meticulously curated collection, the Plymouth Cranbrook occupies a uniquely special place in the museum as this model represents his first-ever car. 

Highlights

• Offered from the Gateway Automobile Museum Collection

• Time-capsule example offered with a remarkable 725 original miles on the odometer at the time of listing

• Powered by a 217 cu-in flathead straight-six engine

• Remarkably preserved original details, including its rubber floor mats, door panels, dashboard, Autolite “Bullseye” headlights, chrome, AM radio, and original chalk marks on the engine firewall

• Repainted in metallic dark blue circa 1991 by the second owner

• Rides on steel wheels with original wire wheel covers mounted with Denman whitewall tires

• Placed on display at a Chrysler dealership in Glendale, California, in 2011

Features

• Chrome exterior trim

• Gray cloth upholstery

• Two-thirds division folding front seat

• Push-button AM Radio 

• Three-spoke steering wheel

• Three-speed “Hy-Drive” column-shifted semi-automatic transmission

• Amperage, oil pressure, and temperature gauges

• Two-tone instrument panel with lockable glove compartment 

• Drum brakes

Known Imperfections

• Replacement windshield

• Please note that while all of the lots on offer in the Gateway Museum Collection are currently roadworthy, the lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term static display or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.

Included

• Spare tire

Ownership History

The original owner reportedly passed away just one month after purchasing the new Cranbrook, prompting his widow to place the vehicle in storage until her passing in 1991. The Plymouth was subsequently acquired by an insurance agent who repainted the vehicle in its current metallic dark blue. In 2011, the vehicle was purchased by a Chrysler dealership in Glendale, California, still showing just over 700 original miles, and placed on display in their showroom. The Gateway Automobile Museum Collection reportedly acquired the Cranbrook from the Chrysler dealership, with this model representing John Hendricks’ first-ever car.

Additional Notes A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle. Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com

Optional vehicle service contract available for $750. Learn more about the program here.