'52 Plmouth - which model?

[Barsteel]

Hello!

 

I'm trying to ID the exact model of my '52 Plymouth.  From what I understand there were 2 models in 1952, the Cambridge and the Cranbrook.  The PO repainted the car and left off all of the badges, so I don't know the model.

 

Here's what I've got:

 

2 door post coupe - from what I can gather it was called the Club Coupe.

 

Has body side stainless trim, beltline trim, as well as bright molding around the windows.  I'm pretty sure it has rocker moldings as well, although the rockers appear to have been replaced at one point, and there are no mounting holes for them, although I have both pieces.

 

Radio delete plate

 

Deluxe heater (2 knobs, 2 sliders)

 

Interior is two-tone blue, with solid caps on the top backs of the seats with a striped broadcloth on the lower backs and bottoms, some color scheme on the door panels.

 

Engine # is P23 748695, and I believe that the engine is original

 

Vehicle # (on the front DS door post) is 12970563.

 

Can anyone ID the exact model I've got, or are there any "dead giveaways" to the exact model?

 

Thanks...

 

Chris

Edited February 7, 2014 by Barsteel

[Tones52]

Hi Chris,

 

Maybe you've seen this page already but just in case this might help with a general overview of the 1952 models.

 

http://www.allpar.com/history/plymouth/1946-1959/plymouth-1952.html

 

It seems that I've seen a website that had production numbers and possibly other body/engine ID numbers associated with that. If I find it, I'll post that as well.

 

Post some photos when you can.  Good luck.

 

Tony

[greg g]

There were three, add the Concord, the entry level modle built on a 111 inch wheel base not available in a 4 door. Does your car have a plastic or chrome handle for the e brake release? The chrome is likely the Cranbrook (the high content model)

[TodFitch]

From your serial number, the look up tool on my page at http://www.ply33.com/Misc/vin returns the following:

 

Serial Number: 12970563

Found in range: 12906701 to 13066238

Serial: 63863 of 159538

Year: 1952

Make: Plymouth

Model Name: Special DeLuxe or Cranbrook Model

Code: P23C

Plant: Detroit

Engine: 6 cylinder 217.8 cu.in. L-head

Wheelbase: 118 1/2 inches

[JerseyHarold]

As Tod said, your car is a Cranbrook.  It should also have a full chrome horn ring instead of just a button.  Greg mentioned the chrome vs. plastic e-brake handle.  From my experience, the '51's had the chrome and the '52's had the plastic.  The '52 Plymouth was de-contented compared to the '51.  There were many subtle changes between the two years, with the goal of making the '52 less expensive to build. 

[Young Ed]

As Tod said, your car is a Cranbrook.  It should also have a full chrome horn ring instead of just a button.  Greg mentioned the chrome vs. plastic e-brake handle.  From my experience, the '51's had the chrome and the '52's had the plastic.  The '52 Plymouth was de-contented compared to the '51.  There were many subtle changes between the two years, with the goal of making the '52 less expensive to build. 

 

I thought the goal of the changes for the 52 was to save materials for the Korean war. The biggest clue is either stainless or the lack of it around the windshield.

[JerseyHarold]

I thought the goal of the changes for the 52 was to save materials for the Korean war. The biggest clue is either stainless or the lack of it around the windshield.

 I've been a devotee of the '51's and '52's ever since i was a little kid, and have done a fair amount of research and looked at lots of these cars over the years.  Conservation of resources may have been a part of it, but a lot of things on the '52 were cheapened just to save money.  The biggest change, in my opinion, was in the front bumper.  The reinforcement behind it was eliminated along with the center bolt and license bracket.   The '51's had woodgrain dashes and window frames, but the '52's had gray paint.   The handbrake handle, as mentioned previously, became plastic.  The dashboard itself got plainer as well, with the replacement of the Mayflower clock blockoff by a plain steel panel on lower-end models for '52.  The '51's had a gasket between the lower windshield garnish molding and the dashboard that went bye-bye for '52.  I could go on, but I'm sure you get the idea. 

[Barsteel]

Thank you! to Tod, JerseyHarold, and all other posters for the definitive ID and input.

 

I believe that my car has a chrome ebrake handle, but I'd have to re-check to be sure, and it does have a full chrome ring horn ring vs. a button.

 

I just finished a complete re-wire, conversion to 12V neg ground and electronic ignition, and next its on to a full 4 wheel disc brake conversion with dual well under floor MC.  After that, I swap in a T5, and then I'll be done with the major mods.

 

Can't wait to drive it...

 

Chris