Aging hot rod -1946 Plymouth – $8,500

As with all major automakers, Plymouth returned to automobile production following World War II using pre-war designs. The 1946 models were the first post war Mopars to hit the market. Chrysler Corporation, as with most other automakers, wouldn’t release an all new vehicle until 1949. This car comes from that hazy post-war period of auto production, and being a 1946, it’s an early edition. Originally equipped with a 218 straight six and a three on the tree, somewhere down the line this old hot rod received a Chevy 350/350 transplant. Though someone put a lot of work into this car, it’s now showing its age. Listed on Craigslist near Missoula, Montana for $8,500, this car offers a chance to drive as is, or are you looking to give it some love to light a new fire under (or on) its hood?

First things first, this author is a fan of classic flame jobs. Few things say hot rod like red, orange and yellow fire shooting off the hood and fenders. Pop that hood open and you’ll find the small block Chevy. This seller states the car runs and drives. Frankly, I think this would be a sweet daily, after a solid once over of course.

The seller doesn’t mention much about the car, other than its showing its age. The evidence in the photos shows what appears to be cracking bondo in the fenders and crusty interior behind the back glass. Without closer inspection, this hot rod for sale doesn’t appear to be suffering from too many issues, at least on the surface. One could argue that car is dated, but I’d call that character.

Aside from the rear window area and the dash, the interior presents well, at least in the photos. The diamond cut pattern is classic hot rod and should remain. On the outside, that bondo is going to have to be addressed at some point, which will mean fresh paint too. Color match technology could save you from having to redo the whole car though. That’s good, because anyone who paints over those killer flames is crazy.

Hot rod prices tend to fluctuate these days, but to find anything that runs and drives for under $10K is rare. Whether you want to redo it or cruise it, it’s hard to argue that $8,500 for this 1946 Plymouth hot rod is a bad deal. So what say you, fellow car nuts, is this a sweet cruiser or a wallet bruiser?