Plymouth Trailduster (1974-81)

This was Plymouth’s one and only foray into the Sport Utility market: a badge engineered Dodge Ramcharger. The removable top and simple two door configuration fits right in with the Scout II, Blazer, etcetera and the front end is obviously just a lightly modified Dodge fascia.  

I’m sure even in its prime this was not the most well loved model, but Ramchargers are still cool, and quirky badge engineered ones are sometimes even cooler.

Seen in SE Portland

Third Generation Plymouth Valiant (Signet Trim, 1967)

Over its many generations, the Valiant earned a reputation for being a great family car, often paired with a reliable slant six.

This one looks to be all original, and despite some blemishes to its Beige paint, it still manages to look quite good. It also has one of the nicest logos the brand ever had, meant to reflect the Chrysler corporations participation in Moon rocket manufacturing during the space race.

Most likely a Vancouver transplant, seen for sale in NE Portland.

1966 Plymouth Belvedere II 2-door Hardtop

The sixth generation Belvedere was the starting point for an entire line of vehicles, from the base model to the Satellite trim level, no fewer than 5 bodystyles and 6 engines were available.  This V8, 2-door Hardtop is the “II” trim level with one of 4 optional V8 motors under the hood.

Though the styling is decidedly minimal, one of the nicest features has to be the decorative gas cap.  Adorned with Plymouth’s logo of the day, just twist it counterclockwise to gain access to the filler.  Nicely done.

A blue car in disguise in NW Portland

First generation Plymouth Barracuda (1964-66)

In the early ’60s both Ford and Chrysler had the same idea about small, sporty coupes.  Through Plymouth, Chrysler offered up the Barracuda, while Ford introduced the Mustang.

Barracudas were never as successful as their crosstown rivals, but they have their own cult following.  And while an aggressive fish may not compete with the vision of a horse running wild across the country, it’s much better than what Plymouth originally wanted to call it…the “Panda.”

Seen in the N Portland neighborhood of St John’s.

Plymouth Special DeLuxe (1946-50, this is a ‘48)

This was the first Post-War Plymouth, and as you can see it wasn’t the jet age quite yet.

The proportions are really nice though, bigger than a modern PT Cruiser or HHR and much roomier inside.  I love all of the badging and details, including the surprisingly modern third brake light, and the beautiful stylized Mayflower hood ornament.

Seen in NE Portland

Second generation Plymouth Barracuda fastback (1967-69, this is a ‘67)

While the third generation really sticks in people’s minds as the quintessential Barracuda, there’s lots to like in the second generation, despite its Valiant-based exterior.

As it can be said for many Chrysler products, this one was meant to go head to head with its US competitors (mainly the Ford Mustang) though it was never quite as successful. Shame, though, because they are quite nice cars and are much harder to come across than your ordinary Mustang.

Seen in SE Portland.

I was down the street taking pictures of a horrible brown Plymouth Scamp when my friend Shahin called me over to see something special.  It was an amazing Plymouth Barracuda pulling out of a driveway down the street.  The owner, Davey Loprinzi had some idle issues and we stopped to chat while he worked them out.  

It was only then that we noticed the amazing 1968 Pontiac GTO stored on a lift above the ‘Cuda.  I’ve never seen a blower motor so big.  This one has 650 HP on tap and Davey reassured us he and his uncle spent a great deal of time to make it both comfortable to drive and race.  He started it up for us and it sounded incredible.  

As for the ‘Cuda it is freshly restored with a transplanted hemi, putting out 576 HP.  The whole thing was perfect down to the sweet Rapid Transit sticker on the windshield. 

Davey stresses that this work couldn’t have been done without his Uncle Larry, becasue “Two peoples money goes a lot further than one!”  Rarely have I seen money better spent.

Seen in SE Portland

After Friday’s Plymouth bashing I feel a bit guilty…so here’s some redemption.  It’s a Plymouth Voyager full size van (1974-83).  Precursor to the revolutionary Minivan, and cousin to the Dodge Sportsman, the Voyager shares 99% of its components, but that front grille sure does a lot to give it some character.  

Plus, I have to give it some respect for name retention….seems it’s all too often the case with American manufacturers to change the name of cars generation after generation in an effort to reinvent themselves.  If you have something good, stick with it.

Seen in NE Portland

This is a seventh generation Plymouth Fury (1975-78, though this is a ‘75-76). Not a Gran Fury which was sold the same year and had a different look, and not a cool Fury like any of the other six generations that preceeded it.  This is a boring old Fury Custom. This is the reason Plymouth is dead.  

Well, I exaggerate, I guess I am just mad because after looking it up I realized almost nothing about this car is interesting, and it took me so long to find what model this was that I am venting.  Anyways, today I learned a valuable lesson that Chrysler Corp in the mid Seventies had no idea what the hell they were doing.

Seen in SE Portland

Second generation Plymouth Valiant (1963-66, though this is a 1964 or newer based on the front end redesign).  The Valiant was a very popular midsize sedan for the now defunct brand, even warranting its own unique badging like the Mustang or Monte Carlo.

This generation’s rear end is probably its greatest asset, and while the color is boring you can rest assured it’s timeless.  Overall it looks to be in decent shape, and since taking these pictures last week I have noticed a “For Sale” sign go up in the window…

Seen in NE Portland, for now.

Chrysler Conquest TSI (1982-89).  Also known as the Mitsubishi Starion.  The Conquest was sold under the Dodge and Plymouth nameplates through the DSM joint venture.  Super futuristic, fuel injected rear-wheel drive and turbocharged.  Just an awesome car that still looks good.

Seen in NE Portland

I spotted this 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Coupe parked outside of the Portland Bazaar this past weekend.  While brown would not be a color I would have chosen, it certainly appeared to be in good shape, though the driver’s door handle was missing.

The Deluxe was the first post WWII Plymouth to be designed by the now defunct Chrysler brand.  While it really isn’t revolutionary, I do like some of the small details, like the liftgate hinges and the stylized Mayflower hood ornamentation.

Seen in SE Portland