1941 Plymouth P12 Special Deluxe Coupe (LHD)

First introduced as a separate model line in 1929, Plymouth produced cheaper vehicles as part of the Chrysler Corporation and played a significant role in the company’s survival during the difficult years of the Great Depression, ultimately rising to the number three position in overall sales by 1931.  Contributing to the success of the brand, Plymouth offered features like hydraulic brakes on all four wheels and all-steel construction before either of its two main rivals in Ford and Chevrolet.  Switching to a six-cylinder engine in 1933 boosted sales considerably, as did independent front suspension the following year.  Not content with totally redesigning the Plymouth for 1935, the company further developed their product for 1936, starting with an oval centre section chassis with an X-frame riveted to it and boxed side rail members for additional rigidity, using the ‘Unit Frame & Body Construction’ method of bolting the body both vertically and horizontally at 46 points for excellent structural integrity.  By the late Thirties, styling had entered the art-deco age of streamlining, with skirted fenders and curved radiator surround, with an all-new body released for the 1940 model year.  The model line-up for 1941 consisted of two distinct lines – the decidedly “no frills” Model P11 and better-equipped P11 Deluxe were augmented by the upmarket Model P12 Special Deluxe.  Additional features found on the more expensive Special Deluxe included two-tone finishes for both the paint and upholstery.  Under the bonnet, Plymouth continued with the 201-cid straight six, rated at a healthy 87 horsepower, while an alloy head was optional.   A wide range of body styles were available, including the Business and Club Coupes, various Sedans and a Convertible Coupe, plus the timber-panelled Westchester Station Wagon.  With America edging ever closer to war, sales actually rose in line with the economic benefits of stronger employment and a young Mickey Rooney heralded the arrival of the four millionth Plymouth by painting the number on the side after it rolled off the Los Angeles production line.