LS-Powered 1937 Plymouth PT50 Half-Ton Pickup

Description

Like General Motors did with Chevrolet and GMC, Chrysler decided to expand their commercial truck offerings from the well-known Dodge brand and add Plymouth to the line for those dealers to sell. Plymouth was a new value-priced division born out of the needs of the Great Depression and was third in the industry in passenger car sales for 1937. The 1937 PT50 half ton would be the first Plymouth truck, sharing much with its Dodge counterparts. Both functional and stylish, with Art Deco inspired grille and sweeping fenders, the PT50 was offered with a bed for $525, or as a cab chassis and fenders for $495. The six-foot long box had a width of 47.5 inches. This inaugural year was a success for the Plymouth PT50, and the company built 10,867 units.

The Plymouth PT50 was powered by an 82-horsepower L-head six-cylinder engine, which was fine for traveling from farm to market in the 1930s. This PT50 hauls a little better. It’s an older restoration that received Chevrolet LS V8 power in 2019. The consignor acquired it after that, finishing the details, then driving it over 1,000 miles, showing this Plymouth PT50 is ready to keep on trucking.

Highlights

• Rare 1937 Plymouth PT50 Pickup

• GM LS 346 cu-in V8

• Four-speed overdrive 4L60E automatic transmission

• Narrowed Ford Crown Victoria aluminum sub frame with rack-and-pinion steering

• Coilover independent front and leaf spring rear suspension

• 8.8-inch Ford rear axle with limited slip and approximately 3.55 ratio

Features

• Side-mounted spare tires

• Chrome spare tire covers

• Chrome bumpers front and rear 

• Wheel trim rings

• Chrome driver’s mirror

• Tilting glass windshield

• Sealed-beam headlamps

• Sturdy double-drop frame with six-inch rails

Known Imperfections

• This 1937 Plymouth PT50 Half-Ton Pickup is an older restoration with minor paint and chrome blemishes

Included

• New roll of Model-A running board rubber

• Original key that depicts Christopher Columbus and images of the Mayflower

Ownership History

When the consignor acquired this 1937 Plymouth PT50 Half-Ton Pickup in 2022 the Chevrolet LS drivetrain was already installed but not ready to drive. He installed a Painless Performance LS swap wiring harness and relocated the PCM under the seat with the data link connector. He also sourced and installed a transmission cooler. Since then, the Plymouth has been driven over 1,000 miles including on the track at the Sebring International Raceway.

Additional Notes

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.