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1951 Plymouth Concord: A Testament to Post-War Ingenuity

The 1951 Plymouth Concord emerges not merely as a mode of transportation but as a symbol of post-war American resilience and innovation. Born from the assembly lines of the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle marked a new era for the automaker, showcasing a blend of practicality and style. The Concord's release during the early 1950s represented a time when America was transitioning from wartime austerity to peacetime prosperity. A unique fact about the Concord is that it was one of the first models to offer a fully automatic transmission, known as Hy-Drive, which was a significant milestone in automotive history.

Design and Innovation

The 1951 Plymouth Concord's exterior styling was a harmonious combination of sleek lines and modest chrome accents, exuding an air of understated elegance. The car's silhouette was highlighted by its rounded fenders and prominent front grille that gave it a friendly yet confident face on the road. Inside, the Concord offered a cabin crafted with durability in mind, featuring sturdy fabrics and simplistic design elements that prioritized functionality over luxury. Technological features for its time included an advanced flathead six-cylinder engine and the aforementioned optional Hy-Drive transmission. Color options ranged from traditional hues like black and navy blue to more adventurous shades such as mint green and desert tan, with the latter proving quite popular among consumers. The Concord was available in several body styles including two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and the sought-after business coupe. The two-door sedan, with its balanced proportions and ample cabin space, became an iconic representation of the model.

Historical Significance

The historical impact of the 1951 Plymouth Concord is rooted in its role as a pioneer of accessible automotive technology. It bridged the gap between pre-war austerity and the burgeoning consumer demand for vehicles that offered both reliability and comfort. The introduction of features like Hy-Drive set this car apart from its contemporaries and paved the way for widespread adoption of automatic transmissions in passenger vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Performance-wise, the 1951 Plymouth Concord wasn't built to break speed records; it was designed for dependability. However, it delivered respectable performance for its time with a top speed around 75 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in approximately 20 seconds. On various driving conditions, the Concord handled with poise, absorbing bumps commendably while maintaining steady composure on windy roads. Driving this classic Plymouth was an experience characterized by mechanical simplicity—the hum of its straight-six engine, the direct feedback through its steering wheel, and the sense of solidity throughout the ride.

Ownership Experience

Owners typically used their Concords for daily commuting or as reliable family cars. Its straightforward mechanical design made maintenance manageable for the average owner. While not as flashy as some show cars or as powerful as racing machines, it earned respect for its steadfastness and ease of repair.

Fun Facts

A few fun facts about the 1951 Plymouth Concord include its cameo roles in period films and television shows that sought to capture the essence of early '50s America. Although not known for breaking any speed records, it did set sales records for Plymouth at that time. Common criticisms often centered around its conservative design approach during an era when competitors were starting to introduce more daring styles.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1951 Plymouth Concord can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on condition and originality—though these figures can fluctuate based on market interest. With production numbers in the tens of thousands across all body styles, they are relatively rare but still attainable for dedicated collectors. Price trends have shown a gradual appreciation over time due to their historical significance and charm among classic car enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In summary, the 1951 Plymouth Concord stands as an enduring piece of American automotive history—a testament to post-war innovation and middle-class aspiration. Its legacy is not defined by raw power or opulent luxury but by its role in democratizing automobile ownership during a transformative period in U.S. history. For collectors and classic car aficionados alike, owning a Concord is akin to preserving a slice of Americana on wheels.

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

1951 Plymouth Concord 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 Concord 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 Concord 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.