1932 Plymouth PA Rumble-Seat Coupe

The 1932 Plymouth PA Rumble-Seat Coupe played a crucial role in reviving Plymouth's sales, which had suffered due to the Great Depression. Automobile sales had plummeted to their lowest levels since the constrained production era of World War I in 1918. However, Plymouth defied this trend, climbing from seventh in sales in 1930 to fourth in 1931 and third in 1932. This success was driven by competitive pricing, strategic marketing, and a high-quality product.

Plymouth, known for its engineering excellence shared with Chrysler, introduced hydraulic brakes in its inaugural 1929 models.

The Series PA, launched on July 11, 1931, was designated as a 1932 model. Utilizing the Safety-Steel body from the 1931 DeSoto SA and Chrysler SM, Plymouth surpassed Chevrolet and Ford by eliminating structural wood. A double-drop frame reduced the car's height to 67 inches, giving the Plymouth a sleeker appearance despite its compact 169-inch length.

Plymouth's exclusive "Floating Power" system, featuring rubber-cushioned mounts positioned at the engine's center of gravity, delivered the smoothness of an eight-cylinder engine with the efficiency of a four-cylinder. This innovation was quickly copied by others. The car also included an Easy-Shift transmission with a quiet second gear and an optional Free Wheeling feature for $20. Closed-body models came with a built-in roof aerial for the Philco-Transitone radio, a luxury few could afford.

The PA model introduced Plymouth's first grille, with vertical radiator louvres available in chrome instead of paint. Notable design elements included a sleek "flying-lady" hood ornament and an oval rear window. Powered by a 196.1-cubic-inch, 56-horsepower L-head four-cylinder engine, the PA offered eight more horsepower than its predecessor, the Series SOU. With an 11-model lineup, prices ranged from $495 to $690.

The two- and four-passenger coupe was priced at $610, with optional features like a second taillamp, luggage rack, and dual sidemounts costing extra. Out of the 105,095 Plymouth PAs produced during its brief model run (the PB debuted in April 1932 as a '32 model), 9,696 were rumble-seat coupes. One stunning coupe, owned by Eugene W. Brotzman of Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was stolen by a 72-year-old woman. It took him two years to recover his beloved Plymouth, which he later restored between 1983 and 1984.

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