Image of 1939 Plymouth Deluxe, sourced from www.classicautomall.com , Image Link.

1939 Plymouth Deluxe: A Testament to Pre-War Elegance and Innovation

As the last of the 1930s models rolled off the assembly lines, few could capture the essence of pre-war automotive design quite like the 1939 Plymouth Deluxe. Born from the industrious spirit of the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle was a testament to American ingenuity on the eve of global conflict. The Deluxe emerged as a beacon of affordable luxury, offering a glimpse into a world where style and substance could coexist harmoniously. A unique fact about this car is that it was one of the first to offer a fully steel roof, a feature we take for granted today but was groundbreaking at the time.

Design and Innovation

The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe's exterior styling was a symphony of streamlined curves and bold chrome accents. Its teardrop headlamps and prominent grille presented an imposing yet graceful face to onlookers. Inside, passengers were enveloped in an atmosphere of understated elegance, with high-quality fabrics and an art deco-inspired dashboard that featured surprisingly modern amenities for its time. Technological features such as hydraulic brakes and an all-steel body construction set the Deluxe apart from many competitors. Color options ranged from stately hues to more vibrant tones, with Gunmetal Grey and Plymouth Blue being among the popular choices. The car came in several body styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, convertibles, and even a woodie station wagon. The two-door business coupe, with its sleek lines and practicality, became an iconic representation of this model.

Historical Significance

The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe not only represented the pinnacle of pre-war design but also signaled a shift towards more accessible luxury vehicles. It stood out for its robust engineering and affordability during a time when economic hardship was widespread. The Deluxe's influence can be seen in post-war automotive trends that favored durability combined with elegance.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1939 Plymouth Deluxe boasted commendable performance metrics for its era. With a top speed that could reach up to 85 mph and an acceleration from 0-60 mph in around 20 seconds, it offered spirited driving dynamics. Its handling was characterized by a smooth ride quality that absorbed road imperfections with grace while maintaining composure on winding roads. Drivers often remarked on the throaty purr of its flathead six-cylinder engine—a sound that evoked the raw potential of American automotive engineering—and how it contributed to an engaging driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The Plymouth Deluxe served various roles from a reliable daily driver to a distinguished participant in classic car shows. Its straightforward mechanical design made maintenance manageable for the average owner, ensuring its longevity as both a functional vehicle and a cherished collectible.

Fun Facts

This classic has seen its share of limelight with rare editions like the convertible coupe drawing significant interest. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in endurance thanks to robust construction. Despite criticisms over time about its modest powerplant when compared to luxury contemporaries, it remains beloved for its reliability and style.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1939 Plymouth Deluxe holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. While exact production numbers are elusive, estimates suggest tens of thousands were produced across all body styles. As for value range, well-maintained models can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 or more depending on their condition and originality. Price trends indicate that values are steadily appreciating as pre-war classics become rarer and more sought after by enthusiasts looking for a piece of automotive history.

Conclusion

The 1939 Plymouth Deluxe is more than just another classic car; it is a symbol of an era where craftsmanship met accessibility at the crossroads of American history. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to encapsulate the spirit of innovation that defined pre-war America while offering timeless elegance that continues to resonate with collectors today.

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Door Jamb Bumper. Perfect reproduction-DB 36Door Jamb Bumper. Perfect reproduction. 1-1/16" high X 1-1/4" wide X 7/16" thick. Each

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each-DP 12Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Hood Corners. Fits flat corners-HC 19Hood Corners. Fits flat corners. 80° angle, 1/4" to 3/8" corner radius. 1-3/8" wide. Pair

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Windshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot-LP 30-AWindshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Door side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal-LP 40-ADoor side seal. Same as LP 40, but for a lighter seal. Fits many domestic passenger cars and trucks. Universal seal for street rods and customs. Used in Cobra kit cars as door weatherstrip. Per foot.

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Tail-light Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6" long. Pair.-MP 948Tail-light Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6" long. Pair.

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Trunk Hinge Pads, for Coupe. 1-1/2" wide X 12-1/4" long-MP 949-ETrunk Hinge Pads, for Coupe. 1-1/2" wide X 12-1/4" long. Set

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Door Handle Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 2-3/4" long. Pair-MP 950-BDoor Handle Pads. 1-5/8" wide X 2-3/4" long. Pair

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 8-1/2" long. Set of 4-MP 957Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-1/2" wide X 8-1/2" long. Set of 4

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Cowl Vent Seal. Made of molded sponge-RP 100-LCowl Vent Seal. Made of molded sponge. 3-3/4" wide at side X 15-1/3" long X 3/8" thick. Each

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Door Check Rubber Cushion. Each-RP 40-DDoor Check Rubber Cushion. Each

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Accelerator Rod Grommet-SM 43-BAccelerator Rod Grommet. For accelerator rod through floorboard. Each

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Rear Vent Window Seals, for Sedans-WR 2300-RRear Vent Window Seals, for Sedans. Slight modification required for some models. Overall length is 44". Some models use longer seal, for these use extension piece WREX 2300-R. Pair R&L

1939 Plymouth Deluxe Rear Vent Window Seals Extension Piece, for Sedans-WREX 2300-RRear Vent Window Seals Extension Piece, for Sedans. Butting of parts is required. 24" long. Replaces OEM #744128-9, 790216-7 & 847090-1. Pair