Plymouth Savoy

Plymouth Savoy
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Corporation
Production	1954-1964
Assembly	Highland Park, Michigan, US Detroit, Michigan (Lynch Road) Mexico City, Mexico Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Newark, Delaware
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Layout	FR layout

The Plymouth Savoy is an automobile model produced from the 1954 through 1964 model years by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation of Highland Park, Michigan.

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.

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.

Plymouth Savoy Wagon 1951

1954

1954 Savoy station wagon

First generation
Overview
Model years	1954
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door station wagon 2-door station wagon
Related	Plymouth Suburban
Powertrain
Engine	217.8 cu in (3.6 L) I6
Transmission	2-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.0 inches (2,896 mm)

1954 Plymouth Savoy Sedan rear view.

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 and four-door sedan and 2-door Club Sedan.

1955-1956

1956 Savoy hardtop coupe

Second generation
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)[1]

In 1955, the Savoy got new power steering.^[2]

In 1956, the line added a hardtop coupe and the Custom Suburban station wagon.

In 1956, seat belts were added for safety.^[3] The Highway Hi-Fi record player was also optional.^[3]

1957-1959

1958 Savoy interior

Third generation
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"[4]
Width	78 in (1,981 mm) [4]
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)

1958 Savoy

1958 Savoy

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 marque's entry level automobile and echoing the treatment of the once top-line Dodge Coronet. It lost both hardtop models, as well as the side trim and fancier interior trim it enjoyed in its original position in Plymouth's lineup. Sales were not diminished however, as their use as fleet models by taxicab companies became so popular, that by 1960 a whole new model, the Plymouth Taxi Special, was spun off from the Savoy. Front leg room was 45.5".^[4]

1960-1961

Fourth generation
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)

It was restyled in 1960. Styling for 1961 was a year "most beholders would agree...it was hit with the ugly stick".^[5] This was because of the odd chromed "lashes" on the front.

1962-1964

Fifth generation
Overview
Model years	1962–1964
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Powertrain
Engine	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) [6]

Plymouth discontinued the Savoy nameplate at the end of the 1964 model year, except in Canada, where it continued through 1965.

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.

Around the world

• 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.

References

Inline

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 Ltd. various issues 1955-1966

External links

Media related to Plymouth Savoy at Wikimedia Commons

• Ben Deutschman-Owner, 1960 Plymouth Savoy 4-dr Sedan http://www.benscarpage.com