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1956 Plymouth Savoy: A Mid-Century American Classic

The 1956 Plymouth Savoy emerges as a quintessential example of mid-century automotive design, capturing the spirit of an era where cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of freedom and innovation. Born from the industrious halls of the Plymouth division of Chrysler Corporation, the Savoy was a vehicle that reflected post-war optimism and the American drive towards progress. With its unique blend of style and substance, the '56 Savoy carved out a place in automotive history, becoming a cherished model among classic car enthusiasts.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1956 Plymouth Savoy was a harmonious blend of sleek lines and chrome accents, epitomizing the era's fascination with jet-age aesthetics. The front grille presented a bold, forward-leaning design, flanked by twin headlamps that gave it an assertive stance. The side profile was accentuated by modest tail fins, hinting at the space race influences prevalent in design philosophies of the time. Inside, the Savoy offered a cabin that balanced comfort with simplicity. The quality of materials—from the cloth and vinyl upholstery to the metal dashboard—reflected a post-war economy in full swing. Technological features such as push-button transmissions (available on some models) were cutting-edge for their time, showcasing Plymouth's commitment to innovation. Color options for the Savoy ranged from understated single tones to vibrant two-tone combinations, with popular choices including shades like Mist Green and Sky Blue. Body styles included sedans, coupes, and station wagons, with the two-door hardtop coupe often celebrated for its particularly stylish appearance.

Historical Significance

The 1956 Plymouth Savoy didn't just represent another model year; it marked a period where American automakers were beginning to integrate more advanced engineering and design features into mass-produced vehicles. The Savoy stood out with its affordability and accessibility to middle-class families while still offering a taste of luxury and modernity. Its impact on automotive design can be seen in how it bridged the gap between practicality and aspiration, influencing future generations of family cars.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1956 Savoy housed an engine capable of delivering respectable performance for its time. While top speed and acceleration figures may seem modest by today's standards—with 0-60 mph times not typically recorded—the vehicle was no slouch on the roads of its era. Drivers could expect a smooth ride thanks to well-tuned suspension systems that handled bumps with grace. The steering was precise for a car of its size, allowing drivers to navigate winding roads with confidence. The sound of its engine—a straight-six or optional V8—provided an unmistakable rumble that added character to every journey.

Ownership Experience

The 1956 Plymouth Savoy served various roles: from reliable daily driver to cherished show car. Some even found their way onto local racetracks. Owners appreciated the car's relative ease of maintenance and repair—attributes that contributed to its popularity. As for reliability, these vehicles were built to last with proper care. However, given their age today, finding parts can be challenging but not impossible for dedicated enthusiasts.

Fun Facts

The 1956 Plymouth Savoy holds several interesting tidbits in its historical portfolio. For instance, certain editions are rumored to have been owned by celebrities during its heyday. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records for Plymouth at the time. Its appearances in movies and television often cemented its image as an icon of '50s Americana. Despite criticisms over time about certain mechanical quirks or design choices (such as those tail fins), the Savoy remains a beloved classic.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market sees the 1956 Plymouth Savoy as a desirable piece of automotive history. While production numbers were relatively high for the era—with estimates suggesting tens of thousands were made—the number of surviving examples in good condition is much lower. Values can vary widely based on condition, originality, and specific model variants, but it's not uncommon to see well-restored examples fetching anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more at auction or private sale. As with many classics from this period, values have generally appreciated over time as nostalgia fuels demand.

Conclusion

The 1956 Plymouth Savoy stands as a testament to an era when cars were designed with passion and built with pride. It encapsulates a moment in history where innovation met accessibility on America's roadways. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, owning a '56 Savoy is more than just having an old car; it's about preserving a piece of Americana that continues to captivate hearts across generations.

1956 Plymouth Savoy Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1956 Plymouth Savoy 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

1956 Plymouth Savoy 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

1956 Plymouth Savoy Cowl Vent Seal. 3-1/4" wide X 16-7/8" long-RP 100-WCowl Vent Seal. 3-1/4" wide X 16-7/8" long. Replaces OEM #1593468. Each

1956 Plymouth Savoy Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-16Trunk Seal. Each

1956 Plymouth Savoy Rear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals (fits some models)-VS 7-BRear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals (fits some models). Pair R&L

1956 Plymouth Savoy Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and 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.

1956 Plymouth Savoy 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.

1956 Plymouth Savoy Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 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.

1956 Plymouth Savoy 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.