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How Much Is a 1950 Plymouth Worth?

Most 1950 Plymouths—especially the common Deluxe and Special Deluxe sedans and coupes—sell between $8,000 and $15,000 for solid, running driver-quality examples, with well-restored cars often bringing $18,000 to $25,000. Desirable body styles carry premiums: convertibles typically range from $30,000 to $55,000, all-steel Suburban two-door wagons from about $15,000 to $30,000, and scarce wood-bodied station wagons can reach $70,000 to $120,000. Non-running projects frequently trade between $2,000 and $6,000. These ranges reflect public sales and price guides observed through 2023–2025, with condition and originality as the primary value drivers.

What Drives the Price

Valuing a 1950 Plymouth hinges on model, body style, condition, and originality. Plymouth’s postwar lineup was broad, from affordable sedans to low-production wagons and the range-topping convertible. Collectors prize complete, rust-free cars with factory equipment and documented history; modifications can broaden appeal for some buyers but often narrow the market, affecting price.

Condition and Originality

Most cars trade on their mechanical soundness and cosmetic presentation. “Driver” cars in honest shape command stable demand; professional restorations bring premiums when documented. Survivor-grade originality can add value, provided wear is even and components are correct. Extensive rust or missing trim can depress values sharply due to the cost and difficulty of sourcing parts.

Body Style and Rarity

Among 1950 Plymouths, rarity escalates from four-door sedans up to convertibles and especially the wood-bodied station wagon. The market rewards body styles in this order, broadly: four-door sedan, two-door sedan/club coupe, Suburban two-door wagon (steel), convertible, and wood-bodied station wagon.

Current Market Benchmarks (2023–2025)

The following ranges are synthesized from recent public auction results, dealer listings, and major price guides monitored through 2025. They reflect typical transactions for stock or lightly upgraded cars; exceptional provenance, concours-level restorations, or unusual options can move results above these bands.

  • Deluxe/Special Deluxe Sedan (4-door): $6,000–$12,000 driver; $14,000–$22,000 very nice; $24,000+ top examples
  • Deluxe/Special Deluxe Club Coupe or 2-door Sedan: $7,500–$15,000 driver; $18,000–$25,000 very nice; $28,000+ top examples
  • Suburban (2-door all-steel wagon): $12,000–$22,000 driver; $24,000–$30,000 well restored
  • Special Deluxe Convertible: $25,000–$40,000 good; $45,000–$55,000 excellent; rare outliers above
  • Wood-bodied Station Wagon (Special Deluxe “woody”): $60,000–$100,000 typical; $110,000–$120,000+ show-quality
  • Non-running projects (most body styles): $2,000–$6,000 depending on completeness and rust

These figures represent what informed buyers and sellers have been willing to pay recently, offering an anchor for expectations while allowing for local market variance.

Model Overview: What You Might Have

Identifying the exact variant helps align your car with the right market segment. Trim, body style, and factory options all play a part in determining value.

  • Deluxe (P-19) and Special Deluxe (P-20): The bread-and-butter sedans and coupes; Special Deluxe added more trim and amenities.
  • Club Coupe/Business Coupe: Two-door bodies with sportier rooflines; the Business Coupe has a longer deck and minimal rear seating.
  • Suburban: Two-door, all-steel wagon prized for utility and period charm.
  • Special Deluxe Convertible: The halo car; fewer built, strongest demand among open-top fans.
  • Wood-bodied Station Wagon: Low production and high restoration costs make intact examples rare and valuable.

Correctly decoding the model and body style—often via body tags, serial plates, and period literature—ensures you’re comparing like-for-like in the market.

How to Pin Down Your Car’s Value

If you’re pricing a specific 1950 Plymouth, gathering objective details and matching them to recent comparable sales will produce the most defensible estimate.

  1. Document identification: Photograph VIN/serial and body tags; note engine number if original.
  2. Assess condition: Rate cosmetics and mechanics honestly (concours, excellent, good/driver, fair, project).
  3. Verify originality: Note factory colors, interior materials, drivetrain, and any period-correct accessories.
  4. Check rust and structure: Floor pans, rockers, lower fenders, trunk, and body mounts are critical on value.
  5. Compile receipts/history: Restoration invoices and ownership records substantiate higher asks.
  6. Review comps: Look at recent listings and sales for the same body style and condition within the last 12–18 months.
  7. Adjust for location and timing: Seasonal demand and regional scarcity can move the needle several percent.

With these datapoints, you can triangulate a realistic asking or offer price and defend it with evidence if questioned by buyers or insurers.

Market Notes and Trends

The broader market for postwar American family cars has remained steady, with driver-quality sedans and coupes trading consistently while top-trim convertibles and wagons enjoy stronger, more volatile interest. Insurance data and auction activity suggest well-documented restorations sell faster and closer to ask, while modified cars do best when workmanship is excellent and reversibility is possible.

Costs That Influence Net Value

Ownership and restoration economics affect what buyers will pay, especially on cars needing work. Understanding typical costs helps explain why rough or incomplete cars discount sharply.

  • Upholstery and soft trim: $3,000–$8,000 depending on material and correctness; convertibles add top mechanisms and canvas.
  • Chrome and brightwork: $2,000–$7,000 for bumpers and trim, more if pot metal is pitted.
  • Mechanical refresh: $2,500–$6,000 for brakes, suspension, fuel system; engine rebuilds can exceed $4,000–$6,000.
  • Woodie-specific restoration: Wood fabrication/finish can add $20,000+ versus an all-steel body.
  • Parts availability: Generally good for wear items; specific trim can be scarce and pricey.

Because restoration costs can outstrip resale value on common body styles, buyers often prefer sound drivers, and sellers of project cars price accordingly.

The Bottom Line

For most 1950 Plymouths, expect mid-four to low-five figures, with the body style and condition dictating where within that band your car lands. Convertibles and wood-bodied wagons are the clear value leaders, while sedans and coupes remain approachable entry points into postwar American classics.

Summary

The 1950 Plymouth market rewards completeness, correctness, and desirable body styles, with typical sedans and coupes selling in the $8,000–$25,000 range, convertibles around $30,000–$55,000, Suburbans near $15,000–$30,000, and wood-bodied wagons stretching to $70,000–$120,000. Assess your exact model and condition, verify originality, and compare to recent sales to refine the number for your specific car.

How much is a 1950 Ford car worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,486 for a 1950 Ford Deluxe in good condition with average spec.

How much is a Plymouth car worth?

What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Plymouth? The lowest recorded sale price was $340 for a 1945 plymouth p15 on Mar 2 2024. What is the average sale price of a Plymouth? The average price of a Plymouth is $70,096.

How much is a 1950 Plymouth coupe worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,100 for a 1950 Plymouth Deluxe in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1950 Plymouth Deluxe at auction over the last three years was $33,600.

What engine was in a 1950 Plymouth?

Peering under the hood in a restored engine bay sits a 218ci L-Head Inline 6-cylinder engine. This is topped with a simple 1-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back of this I-6.

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