Image of 1951 Plymouth Cambridge, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1951 Plymouth Cambridge stands as a testament to post-war American optimism and ingenuity. As one of the first models to roll off the production lines after World War II, the Cambridge offered a glimpse into a future where automobiles were not just modes of transportation but symbols of freedom and progress. Manufactured by the Plymouth division of Chrysler, this vehicle carved its niche in an era where design began to take precedence alongside functionality. A unique fact about the Cambridge is that it was part of Plymouth's first all-new post-war car design, setting it apart from the carry-over designs that many competitors were still offering at the time.

Design and Innovation

The 1951 Plymouth Cambridge showcased an exterior that was both stately and approachable, with smooth lines and a rounded silhouette that echoed the aerodynamic trends of the era. The front grille, with its bold chrome accents, gave it a face that was both friendly and distinctive. Inside, the Cambridge was built for comfort with a spacious cabin and quality materials that offered a touch of luxury to the everyday driver. Technological features such as an optional AM radio and heater were considered cutting-edge conveniences. Color options ranged from traditional black to striking hues like 'Mayflower Blue,' with many buyers favoring the brighter shades that reflected post-war exuberance. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the four-door sedan, which epitomized family-centric American automotive design.

Historical Significance

The 1951 Plymouth Cambridge marked a significant shift in automotive design philosophy, moving away from pre-war austerity towards a future-oriented aesthetic. Its adoption of full-width body design and integration of advanced features set a new standard for affordable vehicles. The Cambridge's influence can be seen in how it paved the way for subsequent models to incorporate style as a selling point alongside reliability.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Cambridge was powered by a reliable flathead six-cylinder engine that delivered modest performance figures by today's standards but was more than adequate for its time. The top speed hovered around 80 mph, while acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 20 seconds. Handling was characterized by a soft suspension setup that absorbed road imperfections well but could feel wallowy on twisty roads. Driving the Cambridge was about enjoying the journey rather than racing to the destination; its engine hummed a mechanical melody while passengers relished in a smooth ride.

Ownership Experience

The 1951 Plymouth Cambridge served faithfully as a daily driver for many families, while others cherished it as a show car or even engaged in period-correct vintage racing. Its maintenance profile was typical for vehicles of its age: simple mechanical systems allowed for relatively easy repairs by modern standards, though sourcing specific parts today can be challenging.

Fun Facts

A curious piece of trivia is that despite its mainstream appeal, certain iterations of the Cambridge are quite rare today, such as those featuring factory-installed overdrive units. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records for Plymouth at the time. Criticisms often centered on its conservative power output and handling dynamics when compared to more performance-oriented contemporaries.

Collector's Information

The current value range for collectors varies widely based on condition, originality, and historical significance. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of Cambridges were produced during its run; however, surviving examples in pristine condition are increasingly rare. Price trends indicate that values are generally appreciating, particularly for well-maintained or fully restored models. A ballpark figure would place most Cambridges between $10,000 to $30,000 depending on these factors.

Conclusion

The 1951 Plymouth Cambridge is more than just a classic car; it's an emblem of an era where America redefined itself through innovation and design in automotive engineering. It offers enthusiasts not only a piece of history but also an enduring legacy of what cars meant to society at a pivotal moment in time.

1951 Plymouth Cambridge 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

1951 Plymouth Cambridge Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1951 Plymouth Cambridge 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

1951 Plymouth Cambridge Cowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each-RP 100-PCowl Vent Seal. 3-1/2" wide X 17" long. Each

1951 Plymouth Cambridge Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1951 Plymouth Cambridge Rear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals. Each piece 15" long-VS 3-BRear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals. Each piece 15" long. Pair R&L

1951 Plymouth Cambridge 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.

1951 Plymouth Cambridge 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.