Plymouth killed off the two hardtop versions, trying to simplify the lineup and make it more compelling for American buyers. The company still offered three body styles: coupe, sedan, and station wagon.
Savoy’s popularity increased among Americans who wanted an economical companion to pick up groceries and in certain business sectors, such as taxi companies. Plymouth noticed Savoy’s strong sales in this industry, so in 1960, the carmaker launched a Plymouth Taxi Special version based on the Savoy and boasting increased front legroom.
Now it’s time for a time capsule.
The 1959 Plymouth Savoy posted this week on Craigslist is a stunning discovery, as the seller found the car in a barn where it spent no less than 55 years. Considering its age, the vehicle’s condition is impressive, but the metal still exhibits signs of rust on the floors and in several other places.
The photos indicate the rust hasn’t yet gotten through, so you won’t find any holes in this Savoy. Metal patches are not required, but I’d still inspect the undersides for rot. The owner says the car needs a little work; otherwise, it’s an impressive time capsule waiting for restoration.
While it’s unclear how original the car continues to be and whether it has ever been restored, the Savoy comes with two major selling points.
First, its condition is fantastic for a vehicle that rolled off the assembly lines 64 years ago. Second, its mileage is unbelievable, as the odometer indicates only 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km). The seller claims they are original, as the odometer never rolled over.
The engine in charge of putting the wheels in motion is a six-cylinder unit. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but the Savoy was mainly aimed at economical driving, so the available powerplants weren’t supposed to turn it into a racecar. The top unit on the third-generation Savoy was the 318 (5.2-liter) V8, but many people ordered the straight-six, particularly because they were primarily interested in fuel economy.
Unfortunately, the engine no longer starts and runs, but the seller says it’s not locked up either. This is surprising, considering the long time of sitting, so I believe the owner started the engine regularly, at least in the first years, to keep it alive.
The selling price makes perfect sense for a car this old with such low mileage, as the owner wants to get $6,500 for their Savoy. You can find the vehicle in Davis, close to Chicago if you want to see it in person. You’ll also need a trailer to take it home.