Plymouth was introduced in 1928 as Chrysler Corporation’s entry-level car. At this time, the low-priced field was dominated by Ford and Chevrolet. While Plymouth was priced higher than Ford and Chevrolet, the Plymouth offered some standard features not available on the competition, such as external expanding hydraulic brakes.
In the beginning, Plymouth was sold exclusively through Chrysler dealerships. With regard to the name Plymouth, the official story goes:
"Product of Chrysler engineering and craftsmanship, Plymouth has been so named because its endurance and strength, ruggedness and freedom from limitations so accurately typify that Pilgrim band who were the first American Colonists."
The real story is somewhat different. When Walter Chrysler decided to get involved in the low-priced car field in 1926, everybody knew that Ford and Chevrolet dominated this market and thus any new car entering the market would have a struggle. While every farmer by this time had to have a car and most were buying Fords, every farmer had heard of Plymouth Binder Twine. By naming the new car Plymouth, Chrysler took advantage of a well-known and trusted name.
In spite of the competition, during its first year of production (actually only six months) became fifteenth in terms of production and by 1931 it had become the third best-selling vehicle in America. In 1930, Chrysler expanded its distribution of Plymouths to all three Chrysler divisions (Chrysler, DeSoto, and Dodge).
By the 1950s, Plymouth had a reputation for engineering, affordability, and durability. In 1957, Plymouth reached its production peak. By the 1960s, Plymouth rapidly lost market share and lost its third place standing to Pontiac. Between 1971 and 1974, Plymouth briefly reclaimed its third place status, but in the 1980s its popularity continued to fall. By 2001, Plymouth only had one model, the Neon, and the last Plymouth was assembled in June 2001.
1931 Plymouth PA Roadster
This vehicle was on display in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1932 Plymouth Coupe PB
This vehicle was on display at the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana.
1932 Plymouth Model PB
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1936 Plymouth 2-Door Coupe
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1936 Plymouth Custom Coupe
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1937 Plymouth PT-50
This vehicle was on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1939 Plymouth Deluxe P8
This had a new price of $755. This car was on display at the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington.
1939 Plymouth 2-Door Coupe
This vehicle was on display in the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon.
1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 2-Door Coupe
In 1948, Plymouth produced 412,540 cars and ranked 2nd among American carmakers. Plymouth advertising in 1948 stressed reliability. During 1948, Plymouth rose to second with regard to U.S. sales. This vehicle was on display in the LeMay Family Collection in Tacoma, Washington.
1950 Plymouth Super Deluxe
This vehicle was on display at the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana. It sold for $1,629.
1958 Plymouth Belvedere
This vehicle was on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
More automobile photo tours
Museums 201: Chrysler automobiles, 1927-1937 (photo diary)
Museums 201: Dodge automobiles, 1916 to 1928 (photo diary)
Museums 201: The Corvette, 1953 to 1978 (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: Luxury Cars of the 1930s
Museums 201: Some Unusual Automobiles (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: Car Camping (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: 1941 Automobiles (Photo Diary)
Museums 201: Cars and trucks of a century ago, 1921 (photo diary)