1953 Plymouth Cranbrook - 64,100 miles and All Original!

This 1953 Plymouth Cranbrook is in amazing original condition. It was purchased new in Reno, Nevada, spending its life in Carson City. The original owner kept it garaged and cared for it well for decades, first as his daily driver then as his pride and joy. When he developed cancer later in life, he was forced to simply let the car sit in the garage, driving it only very occasionally and amassing just about 64,100 original miles. After he passed away about ten years ago, the car continued to sit as his estate was settled. About two years ago, the car was moved to another garage in Western Oregon, where it sat awaiting attention. It’s become pretty clear that it’s not going to get the attention it deserves, so it’s now being offered for sale to you.

The car has not really been on the road in about ten years. It was last run to any extent about three years ago. At that time everything seemed to be in working order: it had great compression and great spark, but was then run out gas and left to sit inside a garage. Recently, we flushed the gas tank and filled it with about 5 gallons of ethanol free fuel, replaced the coolant hoses and belts, and installed new spark plugs and wires and a new 6-volt battery, as well as changing the oil and other, similar necessities. At that point, the engine cranked right over and seemed to fire ok, but as soon as it began to start the water pump broke, spewing coolant as you would expect. I intended to get back to it at some point with a new water pump, but you know how that goes… As such, I can’t vouch for the current condition of the transmission, overdrive unit, rear differential and such, except to say that everything was working properly just a few years ago, and everything seems to continue to be just fine – just awaiting your fresh lubricant and attention.

The car is incredibly complete. Off hand, I know of nothing that is missing from the car. All of the chrome and stainless trim is present, and it is all in very good shape (with the exception of the chrome on the bumpers and one headlight ring that is putting and surface rusting). All four original hubcaps are present. The body is in incredible condition, with only one small ding above the rear license plate area (pictured) – that’s it, the rest of the body is about perfect. The door jambs are clean and solid. The floors are clean and solid. The only rust I can find on the car is a small spot in each dogleg, directly in front of the rear tires (pictured). All of the windows, locks and doors work properly, but the outside left rear door handle is broken – that is the only broken trim, handle or knob I know of. Even the original radio antenna is intact.

The interior is just as complete as the exterior, but the Nevada sun and heat worked it over pretty well. The dash looks great, and to my knowledge, everything works just as it should, with the exception of the radio. The gauges, switches and lights appear to be working correctly, as well as the heater fan, although one headlight is out. Some of the chrome on the controls and on the door handles shows pitting – some just a little, some quite a bit. The door panels look to be in great condition, although some of the paint on the metal trim around the windows has worn heavily. The original blue rubber floor mat has dried out and cracked and broken in many areas. The seat upholstery has been covered with blue cloth seat covers since the 1950’s – those covers are still there but are shot. The upholstery underneath is better than the covers, and looks really neat, but is not really useable – the area of the lower part of the driver’s seat is worn through, and the top of the back seat is heavily sun damaged. The headliner is shot. The car has never been smoked in – the cigarette lighter and ash trays look new. The glove box also looks new and works just like it should. The steering wheel and shift knob are tired, like so many of these cars I’ve seen.

The trunk mat and jacking items remain with the car, although they warrant restoration. Pretty much all of the rubber door and window seals have hardened to one extent or another, and could use replacement. All of the glass is in great shape, with the exception of a small star and crack on the original windshield, which I believe to be repairable. The car will need tires.

All in all, this is likely the sweetest and most original 53 Plymouth you’ll find. It greatly deserves a “second owner” who will love it and care for it just like the original owner did. Note that you will receive a Nevada title, signed off in the name of the trustee that liquidated the estate.

Note that this is a “No Reserve” auction. Please don’t bid if you don’t intend to buy. I’ll be expecting a deposit of $500 within 24 hours of the auction close (PayPal is ok), and full payment within no more than 7 days. Please plan on retrieving the car within 14 days, unless we make other arrangements ahead of the auction close. Please ask all questions before you bid. The car is currently garaged in central Western Oregon – if you are in the neighborhood, please come by and take a look.