Chrysler’s introduction of the affordable Plymouth line in July 1928, aimed at challenging Ford and Chevrolet, helped the company navigate the early 1930s Depression. Despite not being a revolutionary design, the four-cylinder Plymouth featured hydraulic braking, full-pressure lubrication, and aluminum pistons—innovations unmatched by rivals for a decade. The car’s instant success led Plymouth to become the third top-selling brand in the US auto industry by 1933, trailing only behind Ford.
In 1931, the 3.2-liter four-cylinder PA model was launched on May 1st and proved equally successful. Highlighted by its ‘Floating Power’ engine mountings, promising a smooth drive with minimal vibration, the PA shared a resemblance to DeSoto and Chrysler’s higher-end six-cylinder models.
This design appealed to budget-conscious customers unable to afford more expensive models. To cater to those with tighter budgets, Plymouth offered two ‘Thrift’ models, and there was also a smaller-bore export version. Chrysler’s overseas factories in the UK, Denmark, and Sweden assembled these vehicles from semi or completely knocked-down chassis.
Source: Bonhams
