1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe

This 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe two-door coupe received a mechanical overhaul in 2017 involving over $7,000 in work performed on the 218ci flathead inline-6. Among the updates to the running gear were repairs to the clutch, a 12-volt upgrade to the electrical system, and replacement of the alternator and water pump. A column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission sends power to newer whitewall tires, and braking is handled by four-wheel drum brakes. Finished in black over reupholstered saddle vinyl bench seating, this second-generation Special Deluxe is now offered with service records, a shop manual on CD, and a clear Illinois title in the seller’s name.

First launching in 1933, the Deluxe full-size model evolved through two generations ranging between 1933 to 1942 and 1946 to 1950. This second-generation Special Deluxe two-door coupe was repainted black during an older restoration. The exterior features a two-piece windshield with a body-colored visor, bright trim including chrome bumpers with guards, and a single outlet exhaust at the rear. The photo carousel illustrates the condition of the repaint including scuffing on the right rear fender.

Steel wheels are painted blue and capped with chrome Plymouth covers and trim rings, with traction coming from newer whitewall tires. Stopping is handled by four-wheel drum brakes.

The interior offers reupholstered saddle vinyl bench seats both front and rear, along with wainscot wood-trimmed door panels, a body-colored metal dash with chrome accents, and tan carpeting. The headliner was recently replaced, and amenities include a modern audio system with a back-up camera and a vinyl-lined trunk with a spare tire.

Instrumentation is centered around a 100-mph speedometer with auxiliary gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 1k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 218ci inline-6 was rebuilt in 2017 by Avon Automotive in Lake Villa, Illinois at a $6,000 expense. Work that was performed encompassed the block, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, flywheel, clutch, water pump, alternator, and more. The electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts during a subsequent work order that same year, as shown by a separate $1,700 receipt. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes service records and a shop manual on CD.