Plymouth, 1938: In the mid-1930s, Plymouth came out with a series of cars that had subtle changes in design. As a result, we've had a hard time firming up the year model for this one, parked at Stones Building Center on Bridge Street in Wausau, Marathon County. Obviously, this one has been customized, but the basic features remain, except there is no front bumper. We originally guessed 1937, and a reader said nope, she's a '38. The reader who spotted our error, said he owns two 1938s, which helps, but also remarked that the two years were very similar but there were some differences, the most obvious being that the '38 grill is shorter and wider. He recommended going to this page on the carnut.com to see a '37.
This is a very stylish car, described by some as "graceful and elegant, yet bold enough to attract attention." The first of the line was in 1935 with gently rounded and more aerodynamic then previously. Another tweaking in 1936 made the front look thinner, which turned out to be a mistake. The 1937 was fattened up. The car had a "hint of art deco." We agree with the experts who say the grill "was quite possibly the prettiest of any mass-production sedan in the 1930s." We simply cannot resist showing you the "Mayflower" hood ornament on the grill a little more closely.
Plymouth first started using the Mayflower sailing ship as an ornament in 1934. Plymouth was named after the town in Massachusetts, and the emblem reflected that sturdy vessel that carried so those brave souls to America. That was the message: sturdy, dependable, brave. By the 1950s, it started to look more like a jet airplane than the famous old ship.
The styling of the rear and side is simply outstanding. Note the Mayflower emblem on the trunk. We suspect this customized version is made to fly, as we saw a hot rod club sticker on the windshield. That would be a fun ride to be sure.
