1957 Plymouth Savoy sedan. September 2007

Seen as revolutionary at the time, styling on the 1957 Plymouths was really an evolution of a number of design elements from the previous two years. However, on the '57s, they all came together to create one of the most striking automobile 'looks' of the 1950s.
Longer, lower and wider, the attractiveness of the "Forward Look" proportions contributed in no small part to boosting Plymouth to third overall on the sales chart for 1957, only beaten by Chevy & Ford.
The lower overall height was achieved through chassis modifications, smaller 14" wheels and torsion bar front suspension. While sedans, including Savoys like our feature car, were about 1 to 2 inches lower compared to the previous year, the sportier 'Fury' hardtop chopped a full 5 inches off the overall height - a major achievement considering it was done without compressing the passenger compartment or glass area. The '57s were wider (by about 4 inches), but despite appearances to the contrary, were actually slightly shorter than the 1956 models.
The Savoy line had debuted in 1954 and sat in the middle of the Plymouth range, between the economy Plaza and range-topping Belvedere. For 1957, Sport Coupe (2 door hardtop), Sport Sedan (4 door hardtop), Club Sedan (2 door post) and 4 door sedan body styles were offered, all with optional 2-tone trim, like that worn by our feature car. A different 'Sportone' side trim was another option, but one that was more commonly seen on Belvederes.
The broad front end was enhanced by the wraparound grille and inboard-mounted parking lights, which created a quad-headlight look, although true quad headlights didn't arrive until 1958.
Mechanically, the '57 Plymouths continued to offer the dash-mounted push-button auto transmission that debuted the year before (as well as a manual), while six different engines were on the options list. A 'V' on the front guards indicated a V8 under the bonnet. For Savoy models, the new-for-'57 301ci, 215hp V8 with 2 barrel carby was standard. An optional 4 barrel carb version of the same powerplant added an extra 20 horses, while a 318ci V8, standard on the 'Fury' 2 door hardtop, was also available as an option.
Our feature car runs the stock 215ci V8 with the PowerFlite 2 spd auto, which provides more than adequate grunt. Like most of its contemporaries, the '57 Plymouth was built to cruise - and do it smoothly. However, if you did want to explore its limits, the suspension could certainly handle more spirited driving.
The quality of the handling is one of the things you really notice when you're behind the wheel of this car. Thanks to the "Torsion-Aire Ride" given by the torsion bar front end, it's quite stable through turns. Canted upper suspension arms mean it doesn't dive under braking or squat on acceleration, either.
The drum brakes are adequate, although front discs (which can be fitted fairly easily) are certainly a worthwhile upgrade if you want better stopping power.
The duco has been treated to a repaint in its original 'Sand Dune White' & 'Ginger' some time before this ex-California car arrived here. Importantly, all the exterior trim and aluminium grille parts are there and in good nick, as are the popular "coolie hat" wheel covers.
Inside, all the brightwork and trim is complete, including the novel, dash-mounted push-buttons for the transmission (note: the pushbutton radio doesn't work). The green cloth/vinyl seats has a few rips, as does the headlining, so the interior would benefit from a thorough detailing and light restoration. The drivers front door glass needs replacing, and there is minor rust in the usual areas, although it's surface-only and easily removed. The panels are quite straight and the body is in very good overall condition, but you will need to spend some dollars to bring this car to concours standard. After getting it so right with their '57 range, it was surprising that Chrysler could get it so wrong with their next major restyle. The 1959 Plymouths weren't too bad, as they carried over a lot of design elements from the '57, but the '60 and '61 models were met with widespread disdain. So, just as the attractive styling had been a big factor in Plymouth's climb up the sales charts in '57, the unattractive '59-'60-'61 restyle was equally attributable to their tumble down the charts. By 1961, Plymouth had dropped to seventh, and would never again return to the top three.
Despite being Plymouth's best seller for 1957, 4 door Savoy sedans are a rare sight these days, even in the US. Unlike the high-performance Fury or the more luxuriously-appointed Belvedere, the mid-range Savoys seem to have avoided the attention of restorers & collectors. Several '57 & '58 model Savoys (and Belvederes) have also been turned into "Christine" lookalikes, so an original-spec Savoy, like our feature car, is something of a rarity these days.
One for the Mopar fan? Absolutely, but our feature car would - or at least should - appeal to anyone who appreciates classic automotive styling. In my opinion, only the '57 Chevy BelAir beats the Plymouths of 1957/58 for pure visual appeal. However, you won't even come close to buying a BelAir in comparable condition for the same price as this. About the only 'bowtie' model that matches our feature car on price would be a very tired Chevy 150 or 210. A Rambler or even a Studebaker of the same era would be another option, although these are just as rare.
The similarity of our feature car to the 'Body by Plymouth, Soul by Satan'-Christine would cause a few knowing smiles from those you pass on the street, while knowing what you paid for it should put a smile on your dial, too!
Yes, it needs some work, but if you're after a non-traditional, attractive and affordable piece of American iron, then suddenly this Plymouth is looking like a pretty good deal.
Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Plymouth Savoy
Year: 1957
Dealer: Joe's Golden Gasoline
357 Martins Road
Parafield Gardens, SA, 5107
Ph: (08) 8281 5759
Mob: 0412 815 759
Price: $17,490
0-100 kph: about 10.5 seconds
Best point: Rare, complete, affordable
Worst point: Needs some work
Recommendation: "Christine" looks without the "Christine" price tag

Trivia: In 1957, respected US auto publication Hot Rod, took a Savoy hardtop, nicknamed "Suddenly", to a speed record of 166 mph (265 kph) on Daytona Beach. Thirty years later, enthusiasts created a replica, appropriately-named "Suddenly II".