When introduced in 1954, later in the year with 1955 model paint schemes, the Savoy was Plymouth's mid-level car and priced between the base Plaza sedans and the top-line Belvedere models. Midway through the model year (on February 26), the engine's stroke was increased by a quarter inch, increasing displacement from 217.8 to 230.2cuin (3.6 to 3.8L) and increasing power from 100 to 110hp (75 to 82kW).[3]
In 1954, the Savoy was available as a two-door Club Coupe, four-door sedan, and 2-door Club Sedan.[4]
The Savoy was an upscale trim of the Suburban station wagon in 1957.[9]
For the 1957 and 1958 model years, the line added a four-door hardtop sedan.
In 1959, Plymouth dropped the Plaza and replaced it with the Savoy, making the Savoy the model's entry-level full-size Plymouth. The two hardtop models were dropped, as well as the side trim and interior appointments. Sales were not diminished as the Savoy became vehicles used by taxicab companies, police departments, and other fleet customers. The model was also available to customers who were in the market for a low-cost, economical vehicle with the availability of a V8 engine and automatic transmission, and the roominess of a full-size vehicle. By 1960, a new model, the Plymouth Taxi Special, was spun off from the Savoy. Front leg room was 45.5 inches (116cm).[8]
Plymouth models were restyled in 1960. The styling for 1961 was a year "most beholders would agree...it was hit with the ugly stick".[10] This was because of the odd chromed "eyelashes" on the front.[1]
1960 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan1961 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
New for 1962, the redesigned Savoy lineup started with the 225-cubic-inch (3.7L) Economy 6 engine, producing 145hp (108kW). Three optional V8 engines were available initially: The Fury V-800 and the Sport Fury V-800 both displace 318-cubic-inch (5.2L), with either a two-barrel or a four-barrel carburettor. The Fury produces 230hp (172kW) while the Sport Fury has 260hp (194kW). The top engine was the 361-cubic-inch (5.9L) Golden Commando, producing 305hp (227kW).[11] Later in the year, Plymouth added an optional 383 V8 with twin, four-barrel carburettors and 335hp (250kW), followed by the Super Stock "Max Wedge", raised block 413-cubic-inch (6.8L) V8. Maximum power is 410 or 420hp (306 or 313kW), depending on compression ratio. Only 289 examples were built.[12] Sold with the intent of being a competition car only, the 413 was supplanted by the 426 Wedge engine for 1963 and 1964; power increased to 415 or 425hp (309 or 317kW).[12]
Plymouth discontinued the Savoy nameplate at the end of the 1964 model year, except in Canada, where it continued through 1965.[1] In 1965, the entry-level full-size Plymouth model in the U.S. was the Fury I; in Canada, it was called the Savoy while the top-level models were named Fury II and Fury III.
1962 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan
1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan with Max Wedge engine option.
Todd Industries in Petone, the assembly unit of New Zealand Chrysler franchised importer and distributor Todd Motors, assembled the right hand drive Savoy and its "Plodge" Plymouth/Dodge siblings from CKD kits imported from Canada. Canadian cars were preferred to US-built ones, as a lower, "preferential" import duty rate applied to British Commonwealth products. Cars sold under the three brands were all based on the contemporary, comparable Plymouth models but nose and tail styling varied, as did engine availability. Dashboards were usually RHD Plymouth and typically differed in design from the LHD ones. "Plodge" assembly ended with 1963 model year models, replaced on Todd's large car line by locally built Australian AP5 Chrysler Valiant models. Dodge versions were produced under contract for Wellington-based Dominion Motors which held the retail franchise for the brand (and also for Pontiac, assembled at the nearby General Motors NZ factory).
References
Inline
1 2 3 50 Years of American Automobiles. New York: Beekman House. 1989. pp.319–322. ISBN0-517-68640-6.
↑ Zavitz, R. Perry (1990). "The Postwar Plymouths Changing Personalities From Staid to Flashy". In Lee, John (ed.). Standard Catalog of Chrysler, 1924-1990. Krause Publications. p.119. ISBN0-87341-142-0.
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