1931 Plymouth Model PA

The Chrysler Corporation introduced its Plymouth brand in July 1928, competing in territory occupied by Ford and Chevrolet. An instant success, the 'low-priced' Plymouth marque helped Chrysler weather the Depression years of the early 1930s, and by 1933, it was the U.S. auto industry's third biggest seller. The styling was conventional and conservative, but its mechanical specification was rather advanced, incorporating hydraulic braking, full-pressure lubrication, and aluminum pistons.

Production of the 3.2-liter four-cylinder PA model began on May 1st, 1931, and their instant popularity kept Plymouth firmly rooted in third place in U.S. sales. It was the first all-new design of the young company, and although a four-cylinder model (compared to Chevrolet's sixes and Ford's V-8s), its 'Floating Power' engine mountings were well received. The system was designed to minimize the transmission of vibration, using rubber mountings and positioned the engine in its owner center of gravity. The company's period advertising declared, 'Smoothness of a Six and the Economy of a Four!'

A wide assortment of body styles and the availability of numerous optional equipment, the Model PA found many willing buyers.

The four-cylinder engine displaced 196.1 cubic inches and had a cast iron block, a valve in block configuration, three main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a Carter carburetor. It developed 56 horsepower at 2,800 RPM - more than the 50 horsepower produced from the 194 cubic-inch inline-6 from Chevrolet and the 40 horsepower from Ford's 200.5 CID inline-4.

The Model PA had a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a single disc, dry clutch, hydraulic brakes on all four wheels, and a wheelbase size of 109 inches.

The sedan was the most popular body style available with 49,465 examples built (base price of $635). The two-door sedan ($575) was also popular with 23,038 examples built, followed by 12,079 of the sport roadster ($595). There were even two 'Thrift' models for those with even shallower pockets, plus a small-bore (2,388cc) export version. The latter were assembled at Chrysler's overseas factories in the UK, Denmark and Sweden from semi or completely knocked down chassis.

The Model PB arrived in 1932 and would be the company's last four-cylinder automobile until 1971.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2024