Classic Car Catalogue

Plymouth 1954

  wb: R6 L-head
217.8 cu.in.
100 hp
Belvedere 114 in. x
Savoy 114 in. x
Plaza 114 in. x

USA

The 1954 Plymouths are not radically different in appearance from last year's line, but some 64 advancements in styling and engineering are nevertheless claimed, and the three new Series-Plaza, Savoy and Belvedere-come in 11 body types. Power-steering remains an optional extra, as does Hy-Drive which is said to have strength enough to haul the car up the side of a house. This torque converter, used in conjunction with a normal transmission, provides a maximum torque increase of 2.6 to 1, which is claimed the highest in any passenger car. Plymouth sales line is a frank avowal that the 1954 styling and color schemes have been influenced by women for whom such exotic colors as San Diego gold, San Pedro blue, San Gabriel green and Santa Rosa coral have been created in the Belvedere line. For the minority who still prefer a conventional gearshift, there is the Synchro-Silent transmission with (optional) overdrive providing a fourth speed. Detail technical advances include silicon chromium alloy intake valves; higher capacity oil pump and improvements to the clutch and the electric windshield wipers. A valve control system to the Oriflow shock absorbers is termed a further improvement in the "balanced ride" introduced in 1953.
*Hy-Drive Dual-Range Fluid Coupling optional.

Belvedere

4 Door Sedan
2 Door Hardtop
2 Door Convertible
Suburban 2 Door Stn Wgn

 

Savoy

4 Door Sedan  
2 Door Club Sedan  
2 Door Club Coupé  
Suburban 2 Door Stn Wgn ?

 

 

 

Plaza

4 Door Sedan
2 Door Club Coupé
2 Door Business Coupé
Suburban 2 Door Stn Wgn

 
 
 

 

Prototypes

Explorer  R6 L-head, 217.8 cu.in., 100 hp
Belmont  


The Ghia influence is prominent in the styling of the Plymouth Explorer's front end-a large air-scoop grille, slanted forward and upward from the bumper line. The over-all length is 185 inches on 114-inch wheelbase.

 PLYMOUTH's new experimental Explorer, fashioned by the Italian genius, Ghia, from specifications provided by Plymouth styling, is another motorists' dream which may never come true–in toto. But for those goggle-eyed over the prospect, some of the features they like may find their way into future Plymouths.
 This one, a picture of smooth, flowing design only four and a half feet high but still has over thirty-four inches of headroom. The Explorer made its debut at the Washington Automobile Show and was a magnet for 170,000 persons.
 A polished, natural-wood steering wheel with aluminum spokes adds to the sport-car flavor. Design treatment of the radio controls is unique. They slide back out of sight with a mere push and a portion of the instrument panel drops down to cover the opening.
 The Explorer has a combined taillight and tail-pipe assembly with the lights set into rear-fender creases in round housings surrounded by heavy chrome rings which also encircle dual exhaust ends.
 The power is a standard Plymouth Power-Flow engine with Hy-Drive torque converter transmission.

Built as a styling experiment on a 1954 Dodge chassis, the body of this two-passenger sports car is made of reinforced fiberglass by Briggs Manufacturing Company for Chrysler Corporation. Finished in light metallic blue, it has little ornamentation. Radio and
power antenna controls are located in the center armrest between the white leather bucket seats, and a luggage comportment is provided behind the cockpit. A removable fabric top and the spare tire are stored in a separate trunk.


Belmont at Chicago Motor Show.