1939 Plymouth P8 201 Flathead

Summary:

A time machine on wheels

Faults:

Very little after the initial maintenance work. Purchased from an estate where the car had been garaged for 30+ years with only 24167 original miles. Needed to rebuild brakes, universal, seals, water pump, carb, clean gas tank, etc. before going on the road. Since then has been totally reliable.

General Comments:

My first car in 1965 was a 1939 Plymouth P8.

This latest P8 is immaculate, and a time machine back to when I was 19. My wife calls it our "date car". It is whisper quiet and rides like a cloud. It's suitable for maximum speeds of 55-60 mph: it can go faster, but the brakes, tires (bias ply) suspension, and aerodynamics aren't there.

Gets 15-21 mpg and performs surprisingly well for having only 82 hp. Lots of torque from the flathead 6; it doesn't require hi-revs to develop power or anything more than a 3 speed on the column transmission.

Deep sofa seats, high head room and a huge rear seat area make it the most comfortable of all my vehicles to ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2011

23rd Jun 2011, 10:41

Sounds like a wonderful car! Enjoy, and happy motoring!

8th Aug 2011, 11:51

I am from Norway, and I am owner of one myself. Bought it in 1986, it is a 7 passenger sedan; not many left.