1935 Plymouth Model PJ

Walter P. Chrysler introduced the low-priced Plymouth series in 1928. The Plymouth had a spectacular introduction at New York's Madison Square Garden in July of 1928, with Chrysler dealers from around the country dressed up as Pilgrims (in reference to the car's namesake - the Plymouth Rock). It shared the stage with aviatrix Amelia Earhart who was also a spokeswoman for Franklin motor cars.

The Plymouth was introduced just prior to the Stock Market crash and was instrumental in the survival of the Chrysler line of automobiles. Its low-priced vehicles were popular and intended as a competitor to other American low-priced vehicles such as Ford and Chevrolet. The Plymouth was easily the most advanced car in its price class, offering four-wheel hydraulic brakes, an independent hand brake, full-pressure engine lubrication, aluminum alloy pistons, and a host of other features that would not find their way onto other competitive models for nearly a decade.

During the Great Depression, the Plymouth automobile had an average price of around $500 and attracted 218,419 new customers in 1933. This meant that one out of every four new cars sold in America was a Plymouth.

The 1935 Plymouth was an entirely new vehicle from the frame up. It wore stylish coachwork that drew its inspiration from the curvaceous and aerodynamic Chrysler Airstream. Power was provided by an improved inline six-cylinder engine offering 82 horsepower. The chassis featured an X-braced frame, and the bodies were bolted to the frame both vertically and horizontally. This construction method was called Unit Frame & Body Construction.

Trim levels included the Standard, Business, and Deluxe. Bodystyles on the standard line included a business coupe and a sedan. The Business Six was comprised of 2- and 4-door body styles that included sedans, business coupes, and an 8-passenger Westchester. (The Westchester was a wooden-bodied station wagon.) They were mechanically the same as the Standard trim level but added a choke-type thermostat instead of the by-pass type. Distinguishable exterior features included painted headlamps and a hood trim that consisted of three horizontal chrome bars.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2018