1956 Plymouth Savoy: A Turnkey Slice of Mid-Century Motoring

Plymouth had a curious habit in the 1950s of borrowing names from upscale hotels, and that is precisely how the Plaza, Savoy, and Belvedere badges entered the lineup. Sitting squarely in the middle of that hierarchy for 1955 and 1956, the Savoy occupied much the same positional territory as Chevrolet’s 210 — respectable, well-equipped, but not the flashiest thing on the block.

A four-door 1956 Savoy sedan currently listed for sale in Newberg, Oregon carries an asking price of $8,500. What sets this particular example apart is the recent attention it has received: fresh upholstery, door panels, carpeting, and a headliner inside, alongside mechanical freshening that includes a new head gasket, carburetor, gas tank, assorted brake components, and a tune-up performed at 89,000 miles. Body and paint present well, suggesting a respray at some point in its seven decades of existence.

Under the hood sits the era’s standard 230 cubic-inch flathead inline-six, rated between 125 and 130 horsepower. The celebrated Slant-Six was still several years away from its 1960 debut, so buyers of the day made do with this proven side-valve design. Perhaps the most intriguing period detail is the push-button automatic transmission controls mounted on the dash — a feature new to Plymouth for 1956 that would remain a Chrysler Corporation signature until 1964.

Styling-wise, the 1956 model year served as something of an appetizer for what followed. Modest rear fins appeared for the first time, hinting at the dramatic tailfins that would define the 1957 lineup and set an industry-wide trend for years afterward. For someone dipping a toe into vintage car ownership, this sedan’s combination of recent maintenance and honest mid-century character makes a reasonable case — provided four doors and unassisted steering do not deter you.