1932 Plymouth Series PB Convertible Coupe

The production of the Chrysler Plymouths began in 1928 which was the same point in history that Ford introduced their Model A. Even with stiff competition, the Plymouth marque was able to establish Chrysler as one of the top three automakers in the United States by the late 1920s. Their cars were sturdy and dependable and soon to become a style leader. Based in Detroit, Plymouth introduced their first model assigned a model year classification by the Chrysler Corporation in 1932, and it was the 1932 Plymouth PB. This was the same year Plymouth introduced one-piece front fenders, free-standing chrome headlamps, and a better version of their four-cylinder engine.

The Plymouth PBs of 1932 were offered as a four-door sedan, business coupe, two-door sedan, rumble seat coupe, sports roadster, business roadster, phaeton, convertible coupe, convertible sedan, seven-passenger sedan, and as a plain chassis. A total of 159 examples of the rolling chassis were created. Only 259 examples of the Phaeton were created; 690 Convertible Sedans, 4853 of the Convertible Coupe, and 3,225 of the Business Roadster. The most popular body style was the Four Door Sedan which saw 38,066 units created. 11,126 examples of the Business Coupe were created and 13,031 of the Two Door Sedan. Total production for the year was 121,468 units which meant they displaced Buick to become the third among US automobile producers for 1932.

This 1932 Plymouth PB Convertible was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA, presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000 and offered without reserve. It sold for just under the estimated value at $29,700, including the buyer's premium.

It is powered by a four-cylinder engine that displaces 196 cubic-inches and produces 65 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The 112-inch wheelbase is held in place by semi-elliptic leaf springs and a floating rear axle.

It is in good condition and is the recipient of an older restoration. All of its chrome and bright-work are still in good condition; the four-cylinder engine is well-detailed and correctly painted. It is painted cream with dark green beltline and matching fenders. It has a tan convertible top, tan vinyl coverings, painted black wire wheels with whitewall tires, and rear-mounted spare and rumble seat.

It is a car that is in good condition and one of the few PB Convertible's from 1932 still in existence. The big news for 1932 from Plymouth were its upgraded frame to the rigid 'X' construction. Oil filters became standard equipment and the brake drums were now fitted with centrifuse. This assembly consisted of steel drums with a fused cast iron friction surface.

Even though the Great Depression was in full swing, the PB models weathered this difficult point in history with great success. The Plymouth marque came into existence on June 11th of 1928 and would remain in business until June 28th of 2001. Ironically, the first and last cars produced would be fitted with four-cylinder engines and both were intended for the lower-priced segment of the automotive market.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007