1952 Plymouth Cranbrook

Bid to $5,800 on 4/7/17

This 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook coupe has 51k miles and received a cosmetic restoration during the course of the seller’s 35 years of ownership. It was purchased from the previous Ontario owner with 38k miles with the intention of using it as a parts car for another restoration. Upon examining the car and included documents, the seller decided it was worth restoring, and he has added 12k miles since it was completed in 1995. The 3.6L flathead straight-six and 3-speed column-shifted transmission remain mostly original, and the engine has never been rebuilt. Recent work includes the addition of new stock seat covers, an oil change, and complete brake overhaul in fall 2016. Receipts go back 35 years with some from the previous owner. The car has garnered 17 club and show trophies and is sold with a glove box pouch, warranty papers, radio operation guide, owner’s manual, accessories book, and a clear Ontario title.

The body-off cosmetic restoration included a refresh of the chrome, and the body panels look straight in photos including the fender skirt pieces. Rear fenders, rocker panel replacements, and some floor fabrication was done prior to the bright red repaint, which was completed in 1995 after the seller spent seven years prepping the body.

The primer, base, and clear coat were done with Sikkens products, and the red finish is said to still be nicely preserved after 22 years. It has almost exclusively been used for shows. All lamp lenses were replaced and chrome, stainless steel trim, and badges were either polished or re-chromed as needed. The front grill guard is a Mopar new old stock piece as are some other chrome parts.

Seat covers were sourced to match the ones in the 1952 Plymouth Accessory booklet to refinish front and rear seats last fall. Under the covers, the original upholstery is said to be in good condition in the back, with splitting on the driver’s seat only.

The grey painted metal, dash, has been well preserved. The seller replaced all gauges with factory Plymouth units because the red color on the needles had faded. The radio is out being repaired, but is included in the sale. The carpeted trunk looks clean and shows a fire extinguisher, vintage gas can, and full spare tire mounted on an original steel wheel and hub cap. The odometer shows 50,602 miles and is believed accurate. New old stock Mopar accessories installed are shown below.
• Clock
• A rare, optional day/night mirror,
• Glove box and interior dash courtesy lights
• Back up light
• Jiffy Jet washer system,
• E-brake on warning system
• Front floor mat

The 3.6L flathead straight-six produced 97 horsepower when new and has never been apart or out of the car according to the seller. A new clutch and pressure plate were installed and fuel lines were replaced during the restoration, an upgraded dual point distributor, as well as general tune up parts. New engine and transmission mounts were installed. The wiring harness is original, and a new Delco battery was installed last year. The oil is changed every year even though mileage has been under 500 annually. Additional tune-up kits and oil filters are included in the sale.

The seller says everything on the undercarriage was restored and painted black. The shocks are new old stock units, matching the original Oriflow shocks introduced that year. New Mopar new old stock king pins were installed. All suspension, coil springs, leaf springs and steering parts are new using the original leather type grease holders on the tie rods. Last fall, a complete overhaul of the drum brakes and hydraulics was completed. The wheels show matching red paint with wide whitewall tires and original chrome Plymouth center caps. The tires were added new in 1995 and have 12k miles on them.

An original 1952 salesmen’s reference guide, repair and service manuals, parts book, several sales brochures, a cross reference parts book, and large collection of printed materials come with the car. An original film and records used at the dealership to train techs and salesmen is also included with a player.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

High Bid	USD $5,800 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended	April 7, 2017 at 1:33PM PT
Bids	9

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