This was the 10th year for Plymouth, of the Chrysler Corporation, and yes came with hydraulic brakes and airplane tubular shock absorbers as new features for that year. Testimony to the toughness of the Plymouth, the “Lucky Teter and His Hell Drivers, used exclusively ’38 Plymouths in his stunt shows. He pioneered the touring stunt driving shows that spread across the nation and yes even Canada, unfortunately he died in a car jumping stunt. Yes, he did team up with Plymouth, using its vehicles in exchange for sponsorship, early automotive marketing at its best!! I am sure of the 555 woodies made that year none were used in this endeavor hopefully.
Jim found this gem advertised in the LA Times, 1978 edition, for the outrageous price of $1200 from a firefighter. Jim, we must send you a 1099 for the value difference as capital gains LOL! Your one lucky guy to find this gem. Jim spent the next 30 years in this project between family, work and life. Yes, there were times of dead storage and times of relentless progress. Initially he installed a small block bowtie but a “Chevy in a Mopar” was sacrilegious and he got his mind right and found a real 340ci 275 HP from a ’70 Duster as well as a 727 TorqueFlite tranny turning a 9” Ford rearend, 3.55 gears. Will give him a pass on the 9” as it’s this author’s favoring rearend. Finishing this version around 2010 just in time for the Summer West Woodie Shows, he caravaned west from San Antonio to woodie land, Cali. At the annual Woodies on the Warf in Santa Cruz this sweet Westchester Suburban took home the trifecta, Woodie Owners’ Choice, Long Distance Entry and Peoples choice. Jim was smiling from ear to ear as well as his younger brother who accompanied him on his west excursion. They did drive this ride to the event!
This sweet ride has this author’s favorite small block Chrysler engine, 340ci. Installed are Sanderson headers to get the hot air out and of course an Edelbrock 4 Barrel Carb. It’s topped with Dual snorkel Mopar air cleaner. Wiring got a jump start with a new Ron Francis wiring harness. To fit the engine in the chassis Jim had to use a Bitchin’ Custom Fire Wall. The 727 Torque Flite tranny plays host to a Jennie Floor shifter, floor of course. The chassis is Plymouth with Disc up front, drums to the rear. The corvette dual master cylinder keeps things slowing down with a power booster. The kool Desoto Artillery 16” wheel are so kool and yes are the trend on rides of this vintage, yes, they are in demand.
Lots of wood in this Woodie. Wood everywhere from headliner, door panels, floors as well as one of the neatest roof rack for those surfboards while in Cali and skiing in Northern AZ. The mercury blue is a perfect match for the package with few body mods but yes it has a 3rd brake light. Jim and friends did the body work and painted home on the driveway.
You can see Jim and his Woodie at most cars/coffee in the Quad Cities, doing at least 10 classic car events year. Can you believe he has had this Woodie for over 47 years and driven for the last 16 years. About the only other classic ride you might find Jim in is maybe a ’58 Chevy Impala one of his other favorite classics.
