1937 Plymouth PT-50 1/2-Ton Pickup
Plymouth surprised the automotive world in 1937 by launching its first light truck line alongside two new passenger car models, demonstrating the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy. This aggressive move paid off as Plymouth captured third place in industry passenger car sales that year, building on its reputation for economy and reliability.
The PT-50 pickup became the most popular model in Plymouth’s commercial lineup, with 10,709 units produced during its single model year. Priced at $525 before options, it featured safety glass throughout, a front bumper, and side-mounted spare tire as standard equipment. The six-foot cargo bed measured 47.5 inches wide, providing practical utility for commercial users.
Power came from an 82-horsepower L-head inline six-cylinder engine displacing 201 cubic inches, paired with a three-speed manual transmission featuring silent helical gears in second speed. The truck rode on a 116-inch wheelbase with semi-elliptical leaf springs front and rear, plus four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Unlike many manufacturers, Plymouth used unique sheet metal rather than sharing panels with passenger cars. The commercial line disappeared after World War II, making surviving examples exceptionally rare today.
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