1934 Plymouth PE Deluxe

In 1934, Plymouth introduced the PE Deluxe and PF Models which served as a replacement for the PD and PCXX models of the year prior. Both the PE and PF had an independent front suspension via unequal-length A-arms. The big news was the increase in power by 10-percent, now producing 77 horsepower in standard guise. The increase was due to a larger stroke; most of the other mechanical components remained unchanged from the 1933 models.

The interior featured an instrument cluster that, for the first time, was positioned in front of the driver rather than in the center of the dash. The exterior design became more round, though it still clung onto the styling of the early 1930s.

On the front of the car was a sailing ship hood ornament for the first time. The radiator cap was moved to under the hood. The front window featured a vent window. This was a one year only feature. When in the closed position, the entire frame including the vent window could be rolled down. When it was opened, only the main window glass rolled down.

There were plenty of body styles to select from, ranging from 2- and 4-door sedans, to coupes, convertibles, and even a Westchester Suburban. The four-door sedan was the most popular, with a total of 108,407 examples produced. These sold for $660. The 2-door sedan was also popular, selling at $610, saw production reach 58,535 units. The Business Coupe sold for $595 with a total of 28,433 units produced. Only 4,482 buyers opted for the convertible coupe, even though the price was reasonable at $685. 15,658 Rumble Seat Coupes were produced. 35 Westchester Suburbans were sold for $820 while 891 examples of the 7-passenger sedan were sold. These had a relatively high sticker price of $1075.

by Dan Vaughan

Business Coupe

Walter Chrysler created the Plymouth division in 1928 as an attempt to provide an affordable option to the Chrysler family. The timing was perfect as the world was sinking into a Recession in the late 1920s and early 1930s. As a result, the Plymouth brand was the third bestselling make by 1931. Plymouth retained its popularity when this particular automobile, one of 28,433 Business Coupes produced, rolled off the Lynch Road Assembly Plant line in August of 1934.

At the time, the PE model was considered the best engineered car in its class, featuring independent front suspension, 4 wheel hydraulic brakes, a full pressured and filtered engine oil system, and rubber engine mounts (Floating Power) as standard equipment. Replacing the PD model, the PE wheelbase was lengthened to 114 inches and the six-cylinder engine offered 77 horsepower, an increase of 10%.

The base price of the PE was $595, although this particular unit listed for $720 when it was sold at the Johnson Motor Company in Memphis, TN.

This Plymouth Deluxe Business Coupe was built in August 1934 at Chryslers Lynch Road facility in Detroit, MI. It features several standard 'high price class' features not included on competitors comparable priced car, including independent front suspension and an all-steel constructed body. The Plymouth was sold new by Johnson Motors of Memphis, TN. It is painted the original Gunmetal Light Poly and has leather upholstery (a $6.00 option). The cost was only $595.

In 2003, a restoration began and was completed in 2008.

The engine is a 201.3 cubic-inch flathead Straight six that develops 77 horsepower. Production was 28,433 units.

Advertising slogan: 'Good Engineering Counts.'