There are numerous jokes about traveling salesmen, but the Plymouth featured in today’s Nice Price or No Dice proves that the cars designed for such work were taken seriously. Let’s see if this classic commercial coupe is priced to make a deal.
The Plymouth Horizon is Just Another Hatchback of the ’80s
If someone tells you a fantastical or questionable story, you might demand, “pics or it didn’t happen!” Tangible evidence is important in many aspects of life, especially when trying to sell an expensive car and prove the work done on it. This became an issue for the seller of last Friday’s 2001 BMW M5, as they not only admitted to not keeping the receipts for the work done on the car, but they also couldn’t remember exactly what work was done. This didn’t satisfy most people, and the M5 experienced a 75 percent No Dice loss at $23,500.
Speaking of work, many of us are now working from home due to the pandemic. It’s a recent phenomenon that few want to see reversed, according to news reports. Of course, not everyone can work from home. There was a time when working meant packing up a car and hitting the road. Traveling salesmen have always existed, but their heyday in the US seems to have been in the 1940s and 1950s. It was around World War II that a special type of car was created specifically for this entrepreneurial group, known as the “Businessman’s Coupe.” Automakers designed these models to have a more spacious trunk by removing the back seat and extending the rear space forward. This allowed for more room to store goods, displays, and samples in a car that was more comfortable and cost-effective to operate compared to a truck or van. If Del Griffith had been born a couple of decades earlier, he would have wanted a car like this.
This 1948 Plymouth P-15 is a prime example of a Businessman’s Coupe. From the outside, it appears to be a standard five-light two-door, but a closer look inside the cabin or under the trunk lid reveals its unique nature. The trunk space is incredibly large, although some of it would typically be taken up by the vertically-mounted spare tire, which is missing in this car. There is also no weatherstripping on the trunk opening, so it’s best not to drive the car during the rainy season.
The paint is another concern. It has aged to the point where it looks like it’s reflecting a partly cloudy sky. However, in a car of this age, it might actually enhance its visual appeal, so it depends on personal preference.
Mechanically, the car has its pros and cons. The “Floating Power” L-head straight-six engine under the hood is said to have been rebuilt and runs extremely well. With four mains and a conservative 6.6:1 compression ratio, the 217.8 cubic inch engine is robust and not overly stressed, providing 95 gross horsepower. It is paired with a three-on-the-tree manual transmission with synchromesh on the top two gears. A newer clutch ensures smooth communication between the engine and transmission. On the downside, the seller mentions that the brakes, which are drum brakes all around, need attention once again despite having been worked on several years ago.
Other issues include a cracked window in the driver’s door, a non-functioning radio, and one or more faulty gauges. There is also some bulging of the headliner above the seats. On the exterior, there is some rust starting to develop at the bottom of the passenger door, which a new owner may want to address. However, the car carries a clean title and has slightly over 75,000 miles on the clock.
What is a classic like this worth? The asking price is $10,499, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s a bargain. So, is this old Plymouth a deal at that price, or does the price make this Businessman’s Coupe an unattractive option?
You decide! Visit the Portland, Oregon Craigslist or click here if the ad is no longer available.
Huge thanks to John M. for the tip!
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