1959 Plymouth Savoy
Fleet buyers and taxi companies found an affordable solution when Plymouth repositioned its model hierarchy for this model year.
The Plaza nameplate was discontinued, making the Savoy Plymouth’s new entry-level full-size offering, while the former Savoy became the Belvedere and the Belvedere moved up to become the Fury.
Distinctive styling featured an “egg-crate grille,” “double-barrel” front fenders, and the emblematic long outward-canted rear tailfins that defined Chrysler’s “Forward Look” design philosophy in its third year.
The sleek profile measured 210 inches (17.5 feet) overall on a 118-inch wheelbase.
Basic equipment reflected the model’s economy positioning. Standard features included a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission, a single sun visor, and rubber floor coverings rather than carpet.
Power came from a 230-cubic-inch L-head inline six-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower at 3,600 RPM, though V-8 options (including 318 CI and 361 CI engines) were available.
Plymouth produced 182,464 Savoys in 1959, many serving commercial duty. Some examples received unusual Perkins four-cylinder diesel engines for taxi service, reflecting the model’s popularity with fleet operators seeking dependable, economical transportation.
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