Plymouth Savoy
The Plymouth Savoy is an automobile model produced from the 1954 through 1964 model years by Plymouth.
| Plymouth Savoy | |
|---|---|
_01.jpg.webp) 1958 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Plymouth (Chrysler) |
| Also called | Dodge Kingsway (Canada) |
| Production | 1954–1964 |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Layout | FR layout |
Early history
Plymouth used the name Savoy on several automobiles. From 1951-1953, the Savoy name was used on a station wagon, upgrading the base model Suburban. Later was a line of full-sized Plymouths from 1954-1961.[1]
Another incarnation was among Plymouth's downsized full-size cars from 1962-1964.
As with Plymouth's Plaza and Belvedere models, the Savoy was named after an upscale hotel, the Savoy Hotel in London.
1954
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 1954 Plymouth Savoy four door sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1954 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | |
| Related | Plymouth Belvedere |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 217.8 cu in (3.6 L) I6 |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 114.0 in (2,896 mm) |
| Length | 193.5 in (4,915 mm)[2] |
| Width | 74.25 in (1,886 mm) |
When introduced in 1954, later in the year with 1955 model paint schemes, the Savoy was Plymouth's mid-level car and priced between the base Plaza sedans and the top-line Belvedere models.
In 1954, the Savoy was available as a two-door Club Coupe, four-door sedan, and 2-door Club Sedan.[3]
1955-1956
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 1956 Plymouth Savoy 2-door club sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1955-1956 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.7 L) I6 270 cu in (4.4 L) V8 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 395 cu in (6.5 L) V8 |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 115.0 in (2,921 mm) |
| Length | 203.8 in (5,177 mm)[4] |
In 1955, the Savoy was available with new power steering.[4]
In 1956, the line added a hardtop coupe and the Custom Suburban station wagon.
In 1956, seat belts were added for safety.[5] The Highway Hi-Fi record player was also optional.[5]
Here is a promotional video produced by Chrysler, where the 1955-1956 Plymouth models were built on the assembly line at Lynch Road Assembly.
.jpg.webp)
1957-1959
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 1958 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan (with 'Sport Tone' side trim) | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1957-1959 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | station wagons: 122.0 in (3,099 mm) all others: 118.0 in (2,997 mm) |
| Length | 208.2"[6] |
| Width | 78 in (1,981 mm) [6] |
| Height | 54.6 in (1,387 mm) (4-Door Hardtop) 56.6 in (1,438 mm) (Sedan) 54.0 in (1,372 mm) (2-Door Hardtop) 54.8 in (1,392 mm) (Convertible) |
For the 1957 and 1958 model years, the line added a four-door hardtop sedan.
In 1959, Plymouth dropped the Plaza and replaced it with the Savoy, making the Savoy the model's entry level full-size Plymouth. The two hardtop models were dropped, as well as the side trim and interior appointments. Sales were not diminished as the Savoy became fleet vehicles used by taxicab companies, police departments and other fleet-minded customers where luxury was not a concern. The model was also available to customers who were in the market for a low-cost, economical vehicle with the availability of a V-8 engine and automatic transmission, and room of a full-size vehicle. By 1960, a new model, the Plymouth Taxi Special, was spun off from the Savoy. Front leg room was 45.5 inches (116 cm).[6]
1960-1961
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 1960 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1960-1961 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 118.0 in (2,997 mm) |
Plymouth models were restyled in 1960. The styling for 1961 was a year "most beholders would agree...it was hit with the ugly stick".[7] This was because of the odd chromed "lashes" on the front.[1]
.jpg.webp)
1962-1964
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 1964 Plymouth Savoy 4-Door Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1962–1964 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.69 L) I6 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2,946 mm) |
| Length | 202.0 in (5,131 mm) [8] |
Plymouth discontinued the Savoy nameplate at the end of the 1964 model year, except in Canada, where it continued through 1965.[1]
In 1965, the full-sized entry level Plymouth model in the U.S. was the Fury I; in Canada it was called the Savoy but the top-level models were named Fury II and Fury III.
.jpg.webp)
1962 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan.jpg.webp)
1962 Plymouth Savoy 4-door Sedan
1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan.jpg.webp)
1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-door Sedan with Max Wedge engine option..jpg.webp)
1963 Plymouth Savoy wagon
Other markets
.jpg.webp)
- The Plymouth Savoy and the Dodge Kingsway were built in India by Premier Automobiles in Kurla, Bombay.
- In Mexico was assembly by Automex between 1960–1961, the car was rebadged as the Dodge Savoy. The plant was localited in Lago Alberto, Mexico City.
- Chrysler Australia produced the P25 series Plymouth Savoy from 1954 to 1957.[9] An Australian developed coupe utility variant of the Savoy was produced from 1956 to 1958.[10]
References
- Inline
- Consumer Guide, Auto Editors of (1989). 50 Years of American Automobiles. New York: Beekman House. p. 319-322. ISBN 0-517-68640-6.
- "1954 Plymouth foldout, specifications". oldcarbrochures.org. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- "1954 Plymouth foldout, models". oldcarbrochures.org. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- "1955 Plymouth prestige brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- "1956 Plymouth album". Oldcarbrochures.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- "1959 Plymouth brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- Flory, J. Kelly (2004). American Cars, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year by Year. McFarland. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-7864-1273-0.
- "1962 Plymouth Full Size brochure". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
- Gavin Farmer, Great Ideas in Motion, 2010, pages 23 to 25
- Automotive oddity website, www.roadkillontheweb.com Retrieved 1 March 2016
- General
- Gunnell, John, ed. (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-87341-096-0.
- Butler, F. Donald (1979). The Plymouth and DeSoto Story. Crestline Publishing. ISBN 978-0-912612-14-0.
- Motor Vehicle Data Book Sanford-Evans Communications, various issues 1955-1966
