Image of 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe, sourced from pixels.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe stands as a testament to post-war American automotive resilience. As the first full production year after World War II, this Plymouth model not only represented the return of civilian car manufacturing but also the optimism of a nation rebuilding. Born from the assembly lines of the Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged when American families were eager to embrace normalcy and hit the open roads again. A unique fact that car enthusiasts might find fascinating is that the P15 series was one of the first to be advertised on television, marking a new era for both automotive marketing and media.

Design and Innovation

The 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe was a sight to behold with its rounded fenders, prominent grille, and gleaming chrome accents. The exterior styling exuded a sense of durability and elegance that was sought after in the late '40s. Inside, passengers were greeted with high-quality fabrics and an attention to detail that made long journeys comfortable. Notable technological features for its time included an AM radio, a heater, and even a defroster—a luxury in those days. Color options ranged from vibrant hues like Squadron Blue to more subdued tones such as Black or Mist Gray, with the brighter colors often catching buyers' eyes. Among body styles, the four-door sedan was practical and popular, but it was the convertible that captured hearts with its promise of open-air freedom.

Historical Significance

The P15 Special Deluxe's impact on automotive design was subtle yet significant. It didn't reinvent the wheel but refined it, setting a standard for post-war vehicles with its blend of style and functionality. This car stood apart from its contemporaries by offering a level of luxury and reliability that few could match at its price point, influencing future designs that would continue to value these traits.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the hood, the 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe was powered by a robust 217.8 cubic inch flathead six engine that delivered around 95 horsepower. While top speed figures hovered around 75 mph, it wasn't built for speed—it was built for steady cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was modest by today's standards but sufficient for the era's driving conditions. On the road, drivers appreciated its solid handling over bumps and responsiveness on windy roads. The experience behind the wheel was characterized by the distinct hum of its flathead engine—a sound that became synonymous with reliability.

Ownership Experience

The P15 Special Deluxe served many roles—from daily driver to weekend show car—and occasionally even appeared on local racetracks. Owners found maintenance relatively straightforward thanks to simple mechanicals and widespread availability of parts. Reliability was one of its strong suits, making it a favorite among those who valued practicality over pomp.

Fun Facts

A few fun facts about this classic include rare editions like the "woodie" station wagon with actual wood paneling—highly sought after by collectors today. While not known for breaking speed records, it certainly set sales records for Plymouth at the time. Criticisms were few but typically centered around its conservative styling in an era where automotive design was about to take bold leaps forward.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on condition and originality—convertibles being at the higher end of that spectrum due to their rarity. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands were produced during its run; however, surviving examples in pristine condition are much fewer. The market trend shows appreciation for this model as nostalgia for post-war cars grows among collectors.

Conclusion

The 1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe is more than just metal, rubber, and glass; it's a rolling piece of history that encapsulates a pivotal moment in American life. Its legacy is not just in design or performance but in what it represented—a beacon of progress during a time when every mile driven was a step toward the future.

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe 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

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each-DP 12Windshield Center Bar Gasket. 20" long. Each

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe 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

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe 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.

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe Cowl Vent Seal. 4" wide X 18" long. Each-RP 100-QCowl Vent Seal. 4" wide X 18" long. Each

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe Clutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair-RP 31-JClutch and Brake Seals. Replaces OEM #889473. Pair

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe Accelerator Rod Grommet-SM 43-BAccelerator Rod Grommet. For accelerator rod through floorboard. Each

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe 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.

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe 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.

1947 Plymouth P15 Special Deluxe Front Vent Window Seals. For many closed models only-WR 2703Front Vent Window Seals. For many closed models only. Replaces OEM #977232-3. Pair R&L