The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe stands as a testament to the ingenuity and design prowess of the American automotive industry during the mid-20th century. This vehicle, designed for both business and personal use, was a popular choice for its affordability, reliability, and stylish design.
Its sleek lines and innovative features made it a standout among its contemporaries, capturing the spirit of an era marked by economic recovery and technological advancement.
This article delves into the fascinating history of the 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, exploring its design, mechanical specifications, production, cultural impact, and lasting legacy. We’ll uncover the story behind this iconic vehicle and its enduring significance in the annals of automotive history.
Introduction
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was a stylish and practical vehicle designed for both business and personal use during a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. Emerging from the depths of the Great Depression, the automotive industry was experiencing a revival, and Plymouth, a brand known for its affordability and reliability, was at the forefront of this resurgence.
The Business Coupe was specifically targeted towards professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals who sought a balance between work and leisure. It offered a sleek, modern design, a spacious interior, and a powerful engine, all at a price that was accessible to a wider range of buyers.
The vehicle’s versatility and practicality made it a popular choice for a variety of purposes, from commuting to business trips to weekend getaways.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, a sleek and practical vehicle, represented a shift in automotive design, emphasizing functionality over extravagance. While it may seem a world away from the 1972 Plymouth Scamp , a compact and sporty coupe, both cars share a lineage rooted in Plymouth’s commitment to offering affordable and reliable transportation.
The 1937 Business Coupe, with its distinctive Art Deco styling, remains a testament to the brand’s early innovation and enduring appeal.
Significance in Automotive History
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was a significant vehicle in automotive history for several reasons:
- Affordable Luxury:The Business Coupe exemplified Plymouth’s commitment to providing affordable luxury to the masses. It offered a sophisticated and stylish design, comfortable features, and a powerful engine at a price point that was competitive with other manufacturers. This accessibility made the vehicle popular among a wide range of buyers, contributing to Plymouth’s growing popularity and market share.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, with its sleek lines and functional design, was a popular choice for both businesses and individuals seeking a reliable and stylish vehicle. While it may not have been as flashy as some of its contemporaries, the 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe offered a solid and practical driving experience.
For a glimpse into the earlier years of Plymouth’s design, take a look at the 1931 Plymouth Coupe , which showcased a more traditional aesthetic. Despite the differences in style, both models represented the evolving automotive landscape of their respective eras, showcasing Plymouth’s commitment to providing affordable and dependable transportation.
- Aerodynamic Design:The Business Coupe featured a streamlined and aerodynamic design, which was a departure from the boxier and more utilitarian vehicles of the past. This design not only improved the vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency but also contributed to its sleek and modern aesthetic.
The Business Coupe’s aerodynamic design influenced future automotive designs, shaping the look and feel of cars for years to come.
- Technological Advancements:The Business Coupe incorporated several technological advancements, including a new suspension system, a more powerful engine, and improved brakes. These innovations contributed to the vehicle’s performance, handling, and safety, making it a more enjoyable and reliable ride. The Business Coupe’s technological advancements set a standard for other manufacturers to follow, pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.
Design and Styling
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe showcased a design that embodied the era’s streamlined aesthetics and functional practicality. Its exterior and interior design elements reflected the evolving automotive landscape, blending elegance with efficiency.
Exterior Design Features
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe featured a distinctive exterior design that exemplified the streamlined aesthetic popular in the mid-1930s. Its body lines were smooth and flowing, with a gently sloping hood and rounded fenders. The grille, a prominent design element, was characterized by a series of horizontal bars, creating a sense of width and presence.
The headlights were integrated into the fenders, adding to the car’s streamlined appearance. The coupe’s profile was defined by its long, sweeping roofline and a pronounced rear deck. The rear end featured a distinctive, integrated taillight design that added to the car’s overall cohesiveness.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was available in a range of colors, including black, blue, green, and brown. The color options reflected the era’s preference for understated elegance and practicality.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, a sleek and practical model, was a popular choice for professionals and entrepreneurs. While it shared many design elements with its predecessor, the 1936 Plymouth Sedan , the Business Coupe offered a more streamlined profile with a distinctive fastback design.
This made it a standout vehicle on the roads, attracting attention with its sleek lines and efficient performance.
Interior Design and Amenities
The interior of the 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The dashboard featured a simple, uncluttered layout, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. The seats were upholstered in durable cloth or leather, providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passenger.
The coupe’s interior offered a number of amenities, including a heater, a radio, and a clock. These features added to the car’s appeal and enhanced the driving experience.
Overall Aesthetics and Influence
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s design was a testament to the evolving automotive design trends of the era. Its streamlined exterior and functional interior reflected the growing emphasis on efficiency and aerodynamics. The car’s design also reflected the changing social landscape, as it offered a practical and stylish option for both business professionals and families.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s design influenced subsequent automotive design trends, contributing to the development of the modern coupe. Its streamlined aesthetics and functional interior design elements paved the way for the sleek and efficient cars that we see today.
Mechanical Specifications
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, like other vehicles of its era, boasted a blend of robust mechanical components designed for durability and practicality. The car’s engine, transmission, and suspension system were meticulously engineered to deliver a reliable and comfortable driving experience, catering to the needs of both business professionals and everyday commuters.
Engine Performance
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was powered by a 2.4-liter straight-six engine, known as the “Plymouth Six.” This engine, featuring a cast-iron block and a single carburetor, produced a modest 66 horsepower at 3,200 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm.
While not particularly powerful by today’s standards, this engine provided adequate performance for the time, allowing the car to reach a top speed of around 75 mph.
Transmission, 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe
The Plymouth Business Coupe was equipped with a three-speed manual transmission, a standard configuration for cars of that era. This transmission offered a simple and straightforward driving experience, allowing drivers to shift gears manually to manage the car’s speed and power.
While modern vehicles offer more gears and automatic transmission options, the three-speed manual transmission in the 1937 Plymouth provided a reliable and efficient means of power delivery.
Suspension System
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe employed a conventional suspension system, featuring a solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface.
The suspension system, while relatively simple, effectively balanced ride comfort and handling, making the Plymouth Business Coupe a capable vehicle for both city driving and longer journeys.
Comparison to Similar Vehicles
When compared to other cars of the same era, the 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s mechanical specifications were fairly typical. The engine’s power output and fuel efficiency were comparable to those of other American-made compact cars of the time. Similarly, the three-speed manual transmission and conventional suspension system were common features in the automotive landscape of the late 1930s.
Production and Sales
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, like other models in the Plymouth lineup, benefited from the company’s commitment to affordability and practicality, which resonated with a wide range of buyers during the era. Its production numbers and sales figures reflect this appeal, highlighting its position within the automotive market.
Production Numbers and Sales Figures
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe was produced in significant numbers, reflecting its popularity as a reliable and economical vehicle.
- Total Production:While exact production figures for the Business Coupe are not readily available, the 1937 Plymouth line as a whole saw a substantial increase in production compared to previous years, with over 250,000 units rolling off the assembly lines.
This surge in production was driven by the growing demand for affordable and dependable automobiles during the period of economic recovery following the Great Depression.
- Sales Performance:The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, as part of the overall Plymouth model lineup, contributed to the company’s success in the market. The model’s popularity was fueled by its combination of affordability, practicality, and styling, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers.
Factors Contributing to Popularity
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s success was influenced by several key factors:
- Affordability:The Plymouth brand was known for its commitment to affordability, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers. The Business Coupe, with its streamlined design and practical features, offered a compelling value proposition for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable and economical vehicle.
- Practicality:The Business Coupe’s spacious interior and versatile design made it suitable for various purposes, from personal transportation to light commercial use. Its utility and functionality contributed to its appeal among both individual and business buyers.
- Styling:The 1937 Plymouth’s styling, characterized by its streamlined body and modern design elements, contributed to its popularity. Its sleek lines and aerodynamic profile conveyed a sense of modernity and sophistication, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a stylish and practical vehicle.
Notable Events and Milestones
The production and sales of the 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe were not marked by any specific major events or milestones. However, its success, along with the overall success of the 1937 Plymouth lineup, played a significant role in solidifying Plymouth’s position as a leading player in the American automotive market during the period of economic recovery following the Great Depression.
Cultural Impact
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, a symbol of affordability and practicality, left its mark on American culture, influencing automotive design and appearing in various forms of media. Its enduring presence in popular culture reflects its significance as a representative of the era’s automotive landscape.
Presence in Film and Television
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, with its sleek lines and timeless appeal, has made appearances in various films and television shows, often serving as a backdrop or a character’s mode of transportation. For example, in the 1942 film “The Black Cat,” a 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe is featured as the getaway car for the villain, adding to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
In the 1950s television series “The Adventures of Superman,” a 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe is frequently seen as Clark Kent’s everyday car, showcasing the car’s practicality and reliability.
Influence on Automotive Design
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s streamlined design, characterized by its rounded body and integrated fenders, influenced automotive design trends for years to come. Its influence can be seen in the designs of subsequent Plymouth models, as well as in the work of other American automakers.
The car’s emphasis on aerodynamics and its focus on a smooth, elegant profile set a new standard for American automotive design, paving the way for the development of more aerodynamic and stylish vehicles.
Legacy and Significance: 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe, a product of the Depression era, left a lasting mark on the automotive industry and American culture. More than just a car, it embodied a spirit of resilience and innovation, representing a turning point for Plymouth and the broader automotive landscape.
Influence on Subsequent Plymouth Models
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe’s design and engineering innovations paved the way for future Plymouth models. The car’s streamlined body, with its rounded fenders and integrated headlights, set a new standard for Plymouth’s aesthetic. This design language would continue to evolve in subsequent models, culminating in the iconic 1941 Plymouth, which featured a similar streamlined design and was considered one of the most beautiful cars of its era.
The 1937 model’s advancements in suspension and engine technology also influenced future Plymouth vehicles, contributing to their improved performance and ride quality.
Impact on the Automotive Landscape
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe played a significant role in the broader automotive landscape. Its affordability and practicality made it accessible to a wider range of buyers, contributing to the growing popularity of automobiles in the 1930s. This surge in demand further fueled the growth of the automotive industry, driving innovation and competition.
The car’s success also solidified Plymouth’s position as a leading manufacturer in the affordable car market, setting the stage for its future success in the post-war era.
Outcome Summary
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe represents more than just a vehicle; it embodies a period of American automotive innovation and cultural change. Its lasting legacy can be seen in the influence it had on subsequent Plymouth models and the broader automotive landscape.
The 1937 Plymouth Business Coupe stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship that defined the golden age of American automobiles, leaving an indelible mark on the world of transportation and design.