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Would you buy this?

satman72

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So, my 18yr old likes this. Would you buy one?

1952 Plymouth Cranbrook.
cranbrook..jpg
 
Nope. As far as classics go, I'd only look at cars made between 1965-1975. The older cars have style, but for the same money you can get something much more distinctive and powerful.
 
Not for me, its cool and has character but it would make a cool sleeper.
 
I almost bought a 49 chevy that looked similar in style...I'd drive it.
 
Just imagine it with some 22s and a thumping subwoofer in the trunk.... :pink banana:
 
I like it, but then I'm an old fart. If my kid was going to be driving it I would install some aftermarket seat belts/harness and make him wear 'em. These old cars are fun but not as safe as newer cars. I don't think most kids understand that.
 
any more info or photos ??

:iamwithstupid: not my cup of tea either, I like 30-40's & 60-70's Mopars a select few in the "early" 50's cars, I'm not a big fan of straight 6 cars or early Flatheads either, not that there's anything wrong with them, I just don't care for most of them, mostly I like either 2 doors, Hemi cars or 300's, pick-ups, then some more popular 57-60 Savoys, Fury's & Belvedere's etc., but if it's in decent shape & runs good, for $2k it could be a good car, I guess it really depends on what it is you want... go for it if you like it... I have had 49-51 Fords all Tudors or Business Coupes, 55-57 Chevy's a couple of 210's & Nomads, all were altered from original condition & drive-trains... IMHO most early 50's cars don't have the same style of the pre 50's {40's & earlier} or mid 50's {55 & later}... but that's just my opinion & I'm stuck in 1968 myself....
 
I like it, but then I'm an old fart. If my kid was going to be driving it I would install some aftermarket seat belts/harness and make him wear 'em. These old cars are fun but not as safe as newer cars. I don't think most kids understand that.

At least with that old car you have something thicker than a pop can around you with a full frame,something new cars lack.
 
Heck I would! I'd tool all over town with a Panama Jack hat, camel hanging out of my mouth, listening to Bing Crosby just because I could
 
He'll mind the road, because it handles like a boat...and that's not a bad thing. Too many kids lack driving experience and have a false sense of confidence because the newer cars do the thinking for them (ABS, backup sensors, etc.)

I purposely took mine out on snow covered parking lot in a rear wheel drive...or on wet roads in a 5spd with no ABS, a car without power steering, etc. (all with me in the passenger seat) so they could 'feel' how a car reacts. I learned to drive on my uncles farm(at 13!) in similar conditions back in the 70s and firmly believe it made me a much better driver when I took to the main roads of America.

If anything, he will drive slower...as to be seen and appreciated, in such a unique ride.
 
He'll mind the road, because it handles like a boat...and that's not a bad thing. Too many kids lack driving experience and have a false sense of confidence because the newer cars do the thinking for them (ABS, backup sensors, etc.)

I purposely took mine out on snow covered parking lot in a rear wheel drive...or on wet roads in a 5spd with no ABS, a car without power steering, etc. (all with me in the passenger seat) so they could 'feel' how a car reacts. I learned to drive on my uncles farm(at 13!) in similar conditions back in the 70s and firmly believe it made me a much better driver when I took to the main roads of America.

If anything, he will drive slower...as to be seen and appreciated, in such a unique ride.

Hmm. Think I gotta disagree on this one. ABS, power steering, airbags are positives no matter what. As much as us older drivers know what we're doing without these improvements, (yes, my first car had no ABS/power steering/airbags), some modern additions make cars safer to drive. I was merging onto the freeway recently when a dumbass decided to cut me off, and I hit the brakes hard in my '74. Wheels locked on dry pavement and I fishtailed. I've been driving for over 20 years, drove transit for 4. Kept control of my Charger and didn't lose my cool, I was a bit freaked out but that was it. A kid under 20 who has very little experience and their wheels lock? Very bad combination.

Older cars are much harder to control in an evasive maneuver, and kids have a tendency to get themselves into stupid situations on the road, because they don't know what to look out for. The more I think about it, the better a newer car would be for my kids based on just the maneuverability and safety factors.
 
At least with that old car you have something thicker than a pop can around you with a full frame,something new cars lack.

That's true. A big heavy old car can be safer in a crash, but only as long as you aren't bouncing around inside that thick metal box. That's why I recommend the upgraded belts and harness. JMHO
 
For the price and the condition, it looks to be a pretty good buy. I'd drive it around.
 
I'd say no rush on that.

I looked at some of these a while back since my wife was interested in something cute for HER to drive around in since the GTX scares her.

I was looking at some of these early fifties Cranbrooks and like you ---- found that they were super cheap. Well - mostly because they aren't anything special. Slow, weird transmission that was an early automatic that was kind of sloppy.

Parts are damn expensive too. I remember seeing a master cylinder for $178 bucks and dropped a Furd in my shorts!!!

http://www.rockauto.com/

After I was shopping I noticed one on craiglist about every month or two - same price - $1500 to $2000. Seemed pretty easy to find one cheap even if you pass on this one.
If you just want to drive as is, maybe OK - but if you want to restore or make a daily driver- I think it may be a losing proposition.

Get him interested in something about 10 years newer.
 
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