1940 Plymouth Deluxe Convertible

[firebird1324]

So, I was sitting at my great grandma's (age 79 and kicking) house today and somehow the conversation got turned to her car. Right now she's driving a 91 Chrysler New Yorker (what a great car...I love it) but she longs for her dream car, a 1940 Plymouth Deluxe Convertible. That was the car she and her husband had when they first got married...and she fell in love with it. Now that my grandpa has died and she's living alone at her house, there's not much for her to do anymore. And I told her that now that i'm going to have some college under my belt and I'll know my way around cars pretty well, I want to buy her an old Plymouth and fix it up nice. But there's one problem, the car that she's looking for is fairly rare, and I'm having a hard time tracing my way to one. I know it's a long shot, but we're both willing to do what it takes to get out hands on one, and and help at all that any of you can provide would be greatly appreciated. We don't care what condition the car is in...we just need to find one. Thanks in advance!

[T-Type]

What kind of money are you looking to spend for the initial purchase? If the car is as rare as you say, it's gonna coast you.

[Buick61]

Depends on how much of a project you want and what you're willing to spend.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find convertibles, but there were several sedans out there:

Here's a $2,500 example: http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...ng/500422.html

Here is a beautiful one for $16,500 (in South Dakota)
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...xe/492071.html

This doesn't have a photo, but for $14,500 I'm assuming it's nice:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...ed/491880.html

And here's a gorgeous, gorgeous one in IL for $16,600:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...xe/388549.html


The rule of thumb for collector cars: Buy the nicest one that requires the least amount of work, even if it costs you extra in the near term.

[firebird1324]

well, my grandma said she would sell her chrysler in a heart beat if the right car came along...but i want that car =) But it's not like she isn't rolling in it anyways...I'm sure as long as it's reasonable she'd put a good amount of money in it. We'd have to have a more serious discussion about it, but I think if anything I'd just get a hardtop that's in good condition, chop it off, and paint it blue. That's all that really matters to her...she could use it as a summer car.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by firebird1324

well, my grandma said she would sell her chrysler in a heart beat if the right car came along...but i want that car =) But it's not like she isn't rolling in it anyways...I'm sure as long as it's reasonable she'd put a good amount of money in it. We'd have to have a more serious discussion about it, but I think if anything I'd just get a hardtop that's in good condition, chop it off, and paint it blue. That's all that really matters to her...she could use it as a summer car.

For safety reasons and for concerns about historical preservation, I wouldn't decapitate a car from 1940 just like that.

[firebird1324]

Originally Posted by Buick61

For safety reasons and for concerns about historical preservation, I wouldn't decapitate a car from 1940 just like that.

i agree...but such an empty well in the search for convertibles makes one think stupidly and rash like that =)