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Stepping Back in Time: The 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking

The 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking is not just a car; it's a rolling testament to American ingenuity and the golden age of automotive design. Born from the bustling factories of the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation, this pre-war gem was crafted at a time when the world stood on the brink of monumental change. As America edged closer to its involvement in World War II, the P9 Roadking emerged as a symbol of peacetime progress. A unique fact that car enthusiasts may find captivating is that despite the looming war, the 1940 Plymouth models, including the P9 Roadking, were built with an optimistic outlook, featuring design improvements and technological advancements that were cutting-edge for their time.

Design and Innovation: A Glimpse into Yesteryear's Craftsmanship

The 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking boasted an exterior that was both stately and streamlined. Its silhouette was characterized by rounded fenders, a prominent vertical grille, and teardrop headlamps that exuded elegance. Inside, occupants were greeted by an interior that prioritized comfort and simplicity. The quality of materials—from the durable fabrics to the polished metal accents—reflected a car built to stand the test of time. Technologically, it featured innovations such as a "Safety Signal" speedometer and sealed beam headlights, which were considered advanced for the era. Color options ranged from modest blacks and blues to more vibrant hues, with popular choices often reflecting personal expression. The P9 Roadking was available in several body styles, including sedans, coupes, and convertibles, with the convertible being particularly sought after for its open-air motoring appeal.

Historical Significance: Shaping an Era

The 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking didn't just transport people; it transported ideas. It played a pivotal role in making features like all-steel bodies and hydraulic brakes standard in American cars. Its affordability and durability set it apart from competitors and helped democratize automobile ownership during a period of economic recovery following the Great Depression. The Roadking's influence can be seen in subsequent vehicle designs well into the post-war period.

Performance and Handling: A Journey Through Time

Underneath its hood lay a reliable 201 cubic inch flathead six-cylinder engine that delivered around 84 horsepower—a respectable figure for its day. While top speeds and acceleration times might seem modest by modern standards (with top speeds around 70 mph), it's important to remember context; in 1940, this was more than adequate for the roads and driving conditions of the time. Drivers of the Roadking often praised its smooth ride over bumps and stable handling on windy roads. Behind the wheel, one would experience the mechanical symphony of gears and engine—a tactile connection between man and machine now lost in many modern vehicles.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just Transportation

The P9 Roadking served various roles from daily transportation to weekend showpiece or even as a competitor in early stock car races. Its maintenance was straightforward by today's standards, making it a favorite among hobbyists who enjoy hands-on restoration work. Reliability was one of its strong suits, with many units surviving well into present times.

Fun Facts: The Roadking's Legacy

Did you know that some P9 Roadkings have been spotted in vintage Hollywood films? Or that they've been part of prestigious vintage car rallies? While not known for breaking speed records, they certainly have set records for endurance—lasting over eight decades with many still on the road today. Criticisms at the time focused on its conservative styling compared to flashier models from competitors; however, this conservatism has aged well into a classic aesthetic appreciated by collectors.

Collector's Information: The Value of History

Today's collector market sees the 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking as a cherished artifact from an era long gone. While production numbers were significant—with tens of thousands produced—surviving examples in good condition are increasingly rare. Values can vary widely based on condition, originality, and history; however, one might expect to see prices ranging anywhere from $10,000 for a project car to upwards of $50,000 or more for pristine examples or rare body styles like convertibles.

Conclusion: Celebrating Automotive Heritage

The 1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking is more than just metal, rubber, and glass; it's a piece of history that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the globe. It stands as a testament to an era when cars were built with passion and purpose—a true icon of American automotive legacy.

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 51Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-1/2" wide X 4-7/8" long, with 1-1/2" long inner slot. Pair

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each-DP 12Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking 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

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Windshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot-LP 30-AWindshield and Rear Window Seal. Sold by the foot

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking 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.

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Front Park Light Pads. 4" wide X 6-3/8" long. Pair-MP 952-BFront Park Light Pads. 4" wide X 6-3/8" long. Pair

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Tail-light Pads. 3-1/8" wide X 6-3/8" long. Pair-MP 952-CTail-light Pads. 3-1/8" wide X 6-3/8" long. Pair

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Trunk Light Pad. 3-3/4" long X 7-5/8" wide. Each-MP 953Trunk Light Pad. 3-3/4" long X 7-5/8" wide. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Trunk Handle Pad. 2-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Each-MP 954-ATrunk Handle Pad. 2-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Cowl Vent Seal. 4" wide X 18" long. Each-RP 100-QCowl Vent Seal. 4" wide X 18" long. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Door Check Rubber Cushion. Each-RP 40-DDoor Check Rubber Cushion. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Accelerator Rod Grommet-SM 43-BAccelerator Rod Grommet. For accelerator rod through floorboard. Each

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Front Vent Window Seals. Replaces OEM #761708-9. Pair R&L-WR 2301Front Vent Window Seals. Replaces OEM #761708-9. Pair R&L

1940 Plymouth P9 Roadking Rear vent window seals-WR 2301-RRear vent window seals. Fits listed 4-door sedans and limousines with swing-out rear vent windows. May fit some GM models. Replaces OEM# #849153/4. Pair. R&L.