Cambridge or Cranbrook…what do I have?

[JAS12]

Good evening.  I am new to the forum and just purchased a 1951 Plymouth either Cranbrook or Cambridge.  The pervious owner and  title states that she is a Cambridge but someone told me that she is actually a Cranbrook.  Can someone help me identify which one she is?  Are there any tell tale differences between the two?   The body number tag on the firewall is 106-LA 8306. The number on the engine is P23 - 5 7 i 5 7 3.  Any guidance would be appreciated.  Jason 

[Young Ed]

What body style is your car? Pictures would help. Unless it's been restored in which case it could have been changed 

[greg g]

These names were new in 51 having replaced deluxe low trim and options and special deluxe.  Plymouth went to three trim levels Cambridge the entry level no frills. Cranbrook the mid point and Concord the bells and whistles level.  These were replaced by the Hotel Cars (Savoy, Plaza, and Belvedere)in 53 or 54.

 

https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-plymouth-cranbrook-cambridge-and-concord-cars-1951-1954.228248/

[Young Ed]

7 minutes ago, greg g said:

These names were new in 51 having replaced deluxe low trim and options and special deluxe.  Plymouth went to three trim levels Cambridge the entry level no frills. Cranbrook the mid point and Concord the bells and whistles level.  These were replaced by the Hotel Cars (Savoy, Plaza, and Belvedere)in 53 or 54.

 

https://www.allpar.com/threads/the-plymouth-cranbrook-cambridge-and-concord-cars-1951-1954.228248/

Correct names but wrong order. Concord is the cheapest and a shorter wheelbase. Cambridge is the middle and Cranbrook the top. There was also a Belvedere starting in 51 but that might not have been a separate model until 53

[JAS12]

See the attached photo. 

Untitled 5.pdf

[JAS12]

Obviously the previous owner modified the car and tried to make it into a custom street rod.  I prefer them to be original but I also knew I could rescue this one and make her into a nice driver.  

Untitled 3.pdf

[Young Ed]

The chrome trim around the windshield would make it a Cranbrook assuming that someone didn't add it along the way 

[JAS12]

I have all the chrome trim that goes below the windows  as well as the chrome strip above the front wheels.  
 

Here is a photo of the steering wheel and dash. 

[Sniper]

8 hours ago, Young Ed said:

The chrome trim around the windshield would make it a Cranbrook assuming that someone didn't add it along the way 

 

My 51 Cambridge has that trim.

 

 

To know for sure what you have you need the vehicle number. 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 4 by Sniper

[JAS12]

My vehicle number is 25125105

 

Looks like it is a Cranbrook correct?

[Sniper]

looks like it, made in LA. 

[Young Ed]

48 minutes ago, Sniper said:

 

My 51 Cambridge has that trim.

 

 

To know for sure what you have you need the vehicle number. 

 

 

 

 

That's the trouble - the trim stuff can all be added by someone wanted a fancier car. 

[Plymouthy Adams]

Lot of dealerships made money selling these trim options allowing also for their shop personnel to make a living also.  There was 3 trim packges available for 54 and my Savoy got two of the three from the factory and it is definitely full of bling bling.  I have all the parts that made up the third option plus the optional Cello wire wheel caps.  Only thing I do not have is the blonde in the advertisement photo....that accessory is always high maintenance and costly to replace as it ages.

[JerseyHarold]

Quick way to sort 'em out:  The horn ring and stainless windshield trim make it a Cranbrook.  The windshield gaskets are different between Cambridge and Cranbrook...the Cranbrook gasket has a groove to accept the trim.  I doubt anyone would have gone to the trouble and expense of all that.

There are several other tell-tales as well, like a locking glove box and dome light switch for the right front door.