Image of 1950 Plymouth Suburban, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1950 Plymouth Suburban: A Pioneering Force in Automotive History

The 1950 Plymouth Suburban isn't just a car; it's a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of post-war American automotive design. Born from the assembly lines of the Plymouth division of Chrysler, this vehicle emerged as an emblem of suburban American life during a time when the nation was pivoting from wartime austerity to peacetime prosperity. Notably, the Suburban was one of the first station wagons to feature an all-steel body construction, setting it apart from the wood-framed wagons of its era.

Design and Innovation

With its sleek lines and sturdy build, the 1950 Plymouth Suburban was a visual delight. The exterior styling exuded a sense of robust elegance, with a front grille that was both assertive and welcoming. Inside, passengers were greeted by a cabin that prioritized comfort and practicality, with materials chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Technologically, it boasted features such as an independent coil spring front suspension, which was advanced for its time. Color options for the Suburban ranged from modest hues to more vibrant tones, reflecting the optimism of the era. Popular choices included shades like 'Mayflower Blue' and 'Black Special.' The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-door wagon, which offered a blend of utility and style that resonated with American families.

Historical Significance

The 1950 Plymouth Suburban's historical footprint is indelible. It played a pivotal role in transitioning the station wagon from a utilitarian workhorse to a symbol of family leisure and comfort. Its all-steel body construction not only improved safety but also paved the way for modern automotive manufacturing techniques.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the Suburban wasn't built to break speed records; it was designed for reliability and endurance. With a top speed that hovered around 75 mph and acceleration figures that were modest by today's standards, it was more about the journey than the sprint. Handling was characterized by a smooth ride quality that absorbed road imperfections with grace. Drivers often remarked on the reassuring hum of its inline-six engine—a sound that became synonymous with reliability.

Ownership Experience

As versatile as it was reliable, the 1950 Plymouth Suburban served many roles—from daily driver to show car, and occasionally even as a light-duty racer. Owners found maintenance straightforward thanks to simple mechanicals and ample space under the hood. While not immune to wear-and-tear, parts were generally accessible, making repairs manageable for even amateur mechanics.

Fun Facts

The Plymouth Suburban has its share of quirks and accolades. For instance, despite its family-friendly image, it found favor among hot-rodders who appreciated its robust frame and engine bay large enough to house bigger powerplants. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set records in terms of sales for station wagons at the time. One common criticism was its modest power output—something later models sought to address with V8 options.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors view the 1950 Plymouth Suburban with nostalgic reverence. While production numbers were substantial for its time (exact figures are elusive), survivors in good condition are increasingly rare. Values can vary widely based on condition and originality but expect well-preserved examples to fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more at auction. The market trend for these vehicles has generally seen an appreciation in value over time—especially for models that remain close to factory specifications.

Conclusion

The 1950 Plymouth Suburban stands as more than just a classic car; it's a piece of American history that reflects an era of transformation and innovation. Its legacy is evident in every modern station wagon that prioritizes safety over wood paneling, comfort over austerity—and it continues to be celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

1950 Plymouth Suburban Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 16Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/8" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1950 Plymouth Suburban Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each-DP 12Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each

1950 Plymouth Suburban 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

1950 Plymouth Suburban Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1950 Plymouth Suburban Cowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each-RP 100-PCowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each

1950 Plymouth Suburban Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1950 Plymouth Suburban Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1950 Plymouth Suburban Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1950 Plymouth Suburban Front Vent Window Seals. For Coupes and 2-Door Sedans-WR 2708Front Vent Window Seals. For Coupes and 2-Door Sedans. 25-11/16" long. Replaces OEM #B4-5175-R. Pair R&L