Image of 1959 Plymouth Savoy, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1959 Plymouth Savoy is a testament to the bold spirit of late 1950s American automotive design. Born from the fervent competition of the Big Three automakers, the Savoy emerged as Plymouth's answer to the demand for affordable yet stylish family transportation. As a division of Chrysler Corporation, Plymouth carved out a niche for itself by offering vehicles that blended practicality with a touch of panache. The Savoy, in particular, stood out during an era when tailfins and chrome were king. A unique fact about this model year is that it was part of the lineup that introduced the infamous "Forward Look" design by Virgil Exner, which revolutionized the industry's approach to vehicle aesthetics.

Design and Innovation

The 1959 Plymouth Savoy was a visual feast, with its distinctive tailfins and dual-headlight façade. The car's exterior styling was both futuristic and aggressive, capturing the optimistic spirit of the age. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin adorned with fabrics and materials that reflected mid-century American tastes. Technologically, it featured advancements like push-button transmissions and swiveling front seats on some models, which were considered cutting-edge at the time. Color options ranged from demure whites and blues to vibrant pinks and greens, with "Iceberg White" being a particularly popular choice. The Savoy came in various body styles including sedans, coupes, and wagons, but it was the four-door sedan that became emblematic of suburban America's go-to family car.

Historical Significance

The 1959 Plymouth Savoy played a crucial role in democratizing style and innovation for the average American family. It set itself apart from contemporaries with its daring design language and value proposition. The Savoy's influence is evident in how it shaped consumer expectations; people no longer wanted just a mode of transportation—they craved a car that made a statement.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1959 Savoy was more than capable in terms of performance. Equipped with an array of six-cylinder and V8 engine options, it delivered adequate power for its time. Top speeds varied depending on the powertrain, but V8 models could reach speeds upwards of 100 mph with 0-60 mph times that could impress contemporary drivers. Handling was typical for the era—soft and smooth rather than sporty—with an emphasis on comfort over cornering prowess. Driving a Savoy meant enjoying a gentle hum from under the hood, a plush ride over long stretches of highway, and an easy-going relationship with the road.

Ownership Experience

The 1959 Plymouth Savoy found its place as a versatile vehicle within American society. It served dutifully as a daily driver for families, graced car shows with its presence, and even saw action on drag strips in modified forms. Maintenance was straightforward by today's standards, making it relatively simple for owners to keep their Savoys running smoothly. However, as with many vehicles from this period, rust could be an issue requiring attention.

Fun Facts

The Savoy has had its share of limelight with appearances in films and television shows set during its heyday. While not known for breaking speed records, it did contribute to setting sales records for Plymouth during this prosperous post-war period. Criticisms often centered around its size and fuel efficiency—common points of contention for cars from this era.

Collector's Information

Today's collectors might find that sourcing a 1959 Plymouth Savoy can be both challenging and rewarding due to its relative rarity compared to other models like the Belvedere or Fury. Production numbers were substantial but not all have survived the test of time. Values can vary widely based on condition, originality, and specific model type; however, well-preserved examples can fetch prices in the range of $15,000 to $40,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1959 Plymouth Savoy stands as an icon of an era when cars were more than just transportation; they were expressions of personality and style. With its distinctive design cues and historical significance as part of America's automotive golden age, the Savoy continues to captivate classic car enthusiasts around the world.

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 Plymouth Savoy License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each-SB 86License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each

1959 Plymouth Savoy Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-17Trunk Seal. Each

1959 Plymouth Savoy Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7-DRear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 20" long. Pair

1959 Plymouth Savoy Rear Roll-Up Window Seals-VS 7-GRear Roll-Up Window Seals. For leading edge of rear quarter window. Made with molded ends. 18-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1959 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.

1959 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.