Buzz
While similar in appearance to the Dodge models of the same era, the 1937 Plymouth PT-50 half-ton pickup was more affordable when new, yet today it holds a higher value. Browse more photos of this vintage truck.The 1937 Plymouth PT-50 half-ton pickup was not only a joy to drive but also became the most sought-after Plymouth truck of that year. Yes, Plymouth made trucks.
Plymouth, a division of Chrysler founded in 1928 and discontinued in 2001, was never really a truck manufacturer. It only produced trucks briefly—from 1935 to 1942—and later made a fleeting return with the forgettable Trail Duster car-pickup hybrid in the mid-1970s.
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Between 1935 and 1942, most Plymouth trucks were pickups, though there were also a Commercial Sedan delivery model and a Westchester Suburban. The latter, a woody wagon instead of a truck, was classified in the commercial lineup because it used the truck chassis.
Plymouth also offered a bare truck chassis that buyers could outfit with bodies from third-party suppliers, capable of carrying up to one ton. In 1937, just 158 of these chassis were sold, priced at $495 ($395 without the cab, although only 11 of those were made).
The 1937 Plymouth PT-50 half-ton pickup, priced at $525, was easily the best-selling Plymouth truck of 1937. Nearly 11,000 units were produced that year. Standard features included safety glass all around, a spare tire mounted on the right front fender, and a six-foot-long pickup bed, about four feet wide.
The 1937 Plymouth PT-50 half-ton pickup was powered by the Plymouth L-head six engine, delivering 70 horsepower. It featured a three-speed, floor-mounted transmission with silent helical gears in second gear.
Available options for the 1937 Plymouth PT-50 half-ton pickup included a rear bumper, bumper guards, a left-hand spare wheel mount (which allowed for dual sidemounts), a right-hand windshield wiper, and a chrome windshield frame.
The fenders were typically painted black, though buyers had the option to match them to the body color. The sedan delivery model was priced $140 more than the pickup version and came standard with chrome bumpers at both ends. However, it wasn't a top-seller, with only 3,256 units produced.
Collectible Pluses of the 1937 Plymouth PT-50 Half-Ton Pickup
- Rare
- Enjoyable to drive
- Simple mechanics
- Mechanical parts are still fairly accessible
- Strong support from enthusiast clubs
Collectible Minuses of the 1937 Plymouth PT-50 Half-Ton Pickup
- Pricier than most 1937 pickups
- Finding replacement body parts is challenging
For more insightful articles and stunning images of both modern and vintage trucks, check out the following:
- Classic Trucks
- Ford Trucks
- Consumer Guide Auto Reviews and Prices
