It was July 7, 1928, at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. While this venue was known for many amazing shows and events, on this day it became the birthplace of a new car company named Plymouth.
The Chrysler Corporation was determined to enter the low-priced field of cars then dominated by Ford and Chevrolet. Thus the Plymouth brand was launched, featuring the brand logo of the Mayflower ship. A common misconception is that the company got its name from Plymouth Rock where the Mayflower landed. Instead, the name came from Plymouth binder twine, popular with farmers of the time.
During the Great Depression many car companies failed. The Plymouth actually helped ensure the survival of its parent company, and by 1931 it had risen to third in total automobile sales. The Plymouth’s success continued until World War II brought automobile production to a screeching halt.
The conclusion of the Great War saw returning soldiers hungering to purchase a car, and with the post-war economy booming, automobile ownership became a practical reality. With its low price, the Plymouth became a popular choice as it offered many features usually available only in pricier cars like Chrysler and Cadillac.
In 1948, the Plymouth P-15 was offered in several body styles ranging from convertible and coupe to both two- and four-door sedans. The coupe became a popular choice for many younger, single people who did not need the extra space to carry a family. They also became a popular car to turn into hot rods.
When Jean Henderson met her future husband, Ron, in 1967, she didn’t know she would one day become the caretaker of a gorgeous 1948 Plymouth coupe, but it probably didn’t surprise her. Ron was a true car guy and he shared his love of cars with his lovely bride after their wedding in 1969. However, the Plymouth wouldn’t be the first hot rod the couple enjoyed.
Ron had a habit of flipping cars on a regular basis, so Jean never knew what car would find a home with them from week to week. Through the years the couple became well-known in the local car club community, and they traveled the country to enter car shows in a 1931 Ford. The tiny Ford could not accommodate their luggage so they pulled a small trailer behind.
They wanted to travel without a trailer, so they began to search for a bigger car to build. They first saw the Plymouth at a swap meet in Kentucky, and the couple loved the body style. However, they did not opt to buy it. Later they regretted the car that got away.
However, it wasn’t gone for long, as they encountered it again about six months later in Northern Indiana. They decided not to let it go again, made a deal, and brought their new project home in 2000.
They began the project immediately by tearing it completely down. The car made its way to Generations Custom Auto and Collision in Franklin where its transformation began. The top was chopped 2.5 inches, the headlights and taillights Frenched, and the door handles shaved, creating a streamlined street rod. Once the bodywork was completed it was painted in Chevrolet Butternut Yellow, and custom hand-painted pinstriping was applied.
Underneath the car is an original frame with modern updates to make it more driver friendly. The heavy and underpowered stock inline six-cylinder was removed in favor of a 305 Chevy small block to provide more power and reliability. Next the couple upgraded the interior with luxurious tan leather seats from a 1998 Chrysler Concord.
In just over a year, their Plymouth was ready to enjoy. Their first trip was planned to attend the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. After a quick stop at the bank for traveling money, they heard a loud bang and thought they were hit by another car. Then they saw smoke billow from under the hood. They had not been hit; instead, they had an engine fire. Bank employees saw the smoke and immediately came out to extinguish the fire.
While not the start they had hoped for, the car was quickly repaired and once again became ready to cruise. Unfortunately, Ron only got to enjoy the car for a short time, as he passed away in April of 2003.
Jean and Ron had built a great group of friends in the hobby, and those friends were there for Jean as she coped with her loss. She wanted to honor Ron by continuing to cruise and show their beloved ’48, and those same friends promised to help her keep the street rod in good shape.
Over 20 years later, and Jean and her Plymouth still regularly make it to shows near and far. Her lifelong friends have kept their promise and the beautiful coupe still wins trophies at most shows it enters. Her favorite show is the famed Frog Follies pre-1949 street rod show. Earlier this year while attending the show, Jean’s car was one of 16 winners in a show with over 3,000 entrants.
When asked what her future plans are for the car, Jean said there are “no planned upgrades – just regular maintenance and cruising it to more shows.” You can see Jean’s car at most local car shows throughout the summer, and she continues to make new friends in the car community. With the cruising schedule coming to an end this year, the Plymouth will go into winter hibernation soon. However, it will be ready to enjoy again in the spring.
Until then, keep cruising!
