Merlin-540-Powered 1941 PLYMOUTH COUPE

OVERVIEW

This performance-built 1941 Plymouth coupe is powered by a Merlin III 540ci big-block V8 that has been upgraded with a Weiand 871 supercharger, Eagle connecting rods, Manley Performance valves, and Comp Cams hydraulic roller lifters. Torque is directed rearward through a TCI competition-spec TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, a Ford 9-inch rear end, and Mickey Thompson tires on 15-inch Billet Specialties wheels. Interior appointments include full VDO gauges, a center console, and tinted power-operated windows. Finished in two-tone black and orange over a matching leather interior, this custom coupe is now offered with a clear Florida title in the seller’s name.

EXTERIOR – FEATURES

This custom 1941 Plymouth coupe has been finished in two-tone black and orange with flame accents extending toward the rear deck. The hood has been customized to accommodate a blower. Other exterior features include smoked headlamps, a two-piece windshield, dual mirrors, and side-exit exhaust outlets. The seller notes that there are some nicks in the paint.

EXTERIOR – WHEELS AND TIRES

Billet Specialties 15-inch polished aluminum five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 15" x 4" front and 15" x 15" rear Mickey Thompson tires.

INTERIOR – FEATURES

The cabin is fitted with two-tone black and orange leather bucket seats, a center console, black door panels, newer carpeting, and contrasting orange lap belts. Amenities include a color-matched steering wheel, Painless wiring and fuse box equipment, a carpeted trunk, tinted and power-operated windows, and a currently disconnected AM/FM/CD head unit.

INTERIOR – GAUGES

Vehicle information is presented through a VDO 120-mph speedometer, dash-mounted tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 63K miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The front clip tilts downward to display the supercharged Merlin III 540ci big-block V8 with a 4.50 bore. The motor was last serviced in June 2022; the water pump, power steering pump, and alternator have been replaced recently, according to the seller. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted TCI TH400 3-speed automatic transmission. A list of performance enhancements to the engine and transmission is shown below.

ENGINE UPGRADES:

• Weiand 871 supercharger with custom pulleys and nine pounds of boost
• Eagle 4340 forced-induction steel crankshaft with a 4.25 stroke
• Eagle H-beam connecting rods
• Custom file-fit 8.25:1-compression JE Pistons piston rings
• Clevite H-Series main bearings
• Merlin aluminum 310cc cylinder heads
• Manley Performance stainless steel valves
• Manley Performance pushrods
• Manley Performance billet roller timing set
• Comp Cams valve springs and retainers
• Comp Cams hydraulic roller camshaft
• Comp Cams hydraulic roller lifters
• Crane Cams Gold Race roller rocker arms
• Milodon oiling system
• Quick Fuel Q-Series 750-cfm carburetors
• Mallory fuel system
• Billet Specialties accessory drive system
• ARP hardware throughout engine

TRANSMISSION AND REAR-END UPGRADES:

• TCI torque converter
• Gear Vendors over/underdrive unit
• Custom racing driveshaft
• Moser Engineering Ford 9-inch differential with 4.10 gearing

UNDERCARRIAGE

Stopping power comes from four-wheel Wilwood Pro-Street disc brakes, calipers, a high-pressure master cylinder, and an adjustable proportioning valve. The suspension uses a four-link setup in the rear with coilover shock absorbers. A new steering shaft has been installed along with a power steering gearbox. Additional photos showing the underside are available in the carousel to the right.