When World War II took over the lives of people around the planet, indulgence in material things such as automobiles was abandoned and all efforts were focused on VICTORY!  For that reason, automobile manufacturing ceased in 1942 and all of Detroit's factories turned to production of planes, tanks, guns and a myriad of other war material needed to defeat the Axis powers.  It was not until late in 1945 when automobile production began again.  When it did, a car hungry America purchased anything and everything Detroit could make.  For most car makers, Plymouth included, the 1946 models were only slightly different from their 1942 predecessors.  Minor cosmetic changes to grills, bumpers, and a few minor mechanical changes were about all you could expect.  It didn't seem to matter though.  People were just happy to GET BACK ON THE ROAD!!  In fact, it would take another three years for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors to complete re-tooling for the first truly new car design since 1942.  From 1946 to the first part of 1949, the model P15 Plymouth would remain unchanged save for a few minor details.  The P15 was available in six styles:  Business Coupe, Club Coupe, Convertible Coupe, 2-Door Sedan, 4-Door Sedan, and Station Wagon (Woody).  Except for Wagons and Convertibles, the P15 was available in either a Deluxe or Special Deluxe version; the differences again being minor. 

 

In some ways, this frozen moment in automotive design was a blessing.  It delayed the end of the "Fat Fender" era; a time when art-deco and art-moderne were tastefuly blended and chrome was king.  The coming decades would see the demise of of this elegant and curvacious style in favor of sleeker lines emphasising muscle in some cases and functionality in others.  Elegance would no longer rule the road and by the 1970s, cookie cutter box cars were the norm.  It is my hope that the restoration of this beautiful car will serve as a reminder of a more graceful moment in American automotive history.  Enjoy!