The Chrysler Corporation introduced a series of all-new cars in 1949. Chrysler's president at the time, K. T. Keller, wanted cars that one could sit bolt upright in while wearing a hat. They were designed to be straightforward, practical automobiles, and built to last forever. As such, their upright lines were decidedly less exciting than the designs featured by most competitors, but that was just fine with a large number of American consumers.
At Plymouth, the new cars were initially badged Deluxe and Special Deluxe. The year 1951 brought a minor redesign, as well as all new names: Concord, Cambridge, and the top-of-the-line Cranbrook. The most notable changes for 1951 were a significantly wider windshield and entirely new front end sheetmetal. The chrome trim on the rear fenders got progressively lower with each model year between '49 and '52. The 1952 model was essentially identical, although the lettering on the sides was changed from the blocky style seen here to script.
All 1951 Plymouths featured 6-cylinder engines.
I saw this '51 Cranbrook in a parking lot while I was driving down Emmett Street in Charlottesville; I wasn’t in a hurry, so I took the next turn in order to inspect it up close. Aside from a damaged right taillight, it's in very good condition. This car has some very nice details, like the ship design on the red hubcaps and that beautiful hood ornament, which appears to be a stylized sailing ship.
An additional badge indicates this particular car was once (perhaps originally) sold by Arnold Motors of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Further research indicated that Arnold Motors sold Plymouths and Desotos up until at least 1960, but I was unable to determine if they are still in business today.
A similar car, also in the Oddball Corner:
Dodge Coronet 1950
More information about the 1949-52 Plymouths:
http://www.allpar.com/history/plymou...1949-1952.html