Plymouth · 1954–1965

Plymouth Savoy

The Plymouth Savoy is an automobile which was produced in the 1951 through 1964 model years by Plymouth. As with Plymouth's Plaza and Belvedere models, the Savoy was named after an upscale hotel, the Savoy Hotel in London.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Plymouth Cranbrook · Successor: Plymouth Satellite

All Plymouth Savoy data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

1951–1953

Plymouth used the name Savoy as a trim package from 1951 to 1953, as an upgrade of the base model Suburban station wagon.

1954

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. Midway through the model year (on February 26), the engine's stroke was increased by a quarter inch, increasing displacement from 217.8 to 230.2 cu in (3.6 to 3.8 L) and increasing power from 100 to 110 hp (75 to 82 kW). In 1954, the Savoy was available as a two-door Club Coupe, four-door sedan, and 2-door Club Sedan.

1955–1956

For 1955 through 1956 The Plymouth Savoy was positioned in between the base Plaza and the high end Belvedere In 1955, the Savoy was available with new power steering. In 1956, the line added a hardtop coupe and the Custom Suburban station wagon. In 1956, seat belts were added for safety. The Highway Hi-Fi record player was also optional. A promotional video was produced by Chrysler, where the 1955-1956 Plymouth models were built on the assembly line at Lynch Road Assembly.

1957–1959

The Savoy was an upscale trim of the Suburban station wagon in 1957. 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 vehicles used by taxicab companies, police departments, and other fleet customers. The model was also available to customers who were in the market for a low-cost, economical vehicle with the availability of a V8 engine and automatic transmission, and the roominess 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).

1960–1961

Plymouth models were restyled in 1960. The styling for 1961 was a year "most beholders would agree...it was hit with the ugly stick". This was because of the odd chromed "eyelashes" on the front.

1962–1964

New for 1962, the redesigned Savoy lineup started with the 225-cubic-inch (3.7 L) Economy 6 engine, producing 145 hp (108 kW). Three optional V8 engines were available initially: The Fury V-800 and the Sport Fury V-800 both displace 318-cubic-inch (5.2 L), with either a two-barrel or a four-barrel carburettor. The Fury produces 230 hp (172 kW) while the Sport Fury has 260 hp (194 kW). The top engine was the 361-cubic-inch (5.9 L) Golden Commando, producing 305 hp (227 kW). Later in the year, Plymouth added an optional 383 V8 with twin, four-barrel carburettors and 335 hp (250 kW), followed by the Super Stock "Max Wedge", raised block 413-cubic-inch (6.8 L) V8. Maximum power is 410 or 420 hp (306 or 313 kW), depending on compression ratio. Only 289 examples were built. Sold with the intent of being a competition car only, the 413 was supplanted by the 426 Wedge engine for 1963 and 1964; power increased to 415 or 425 hp (309 or 317 kW). Plymouth discontinued the Savoy nameplate at the end of the 1964 model year, except in Canada, where it continued through 1965. In 1965, the entry-level full-size Plymouth model in the U.S. was the Fury I; in Canada, it was called the Savoy while the top-level models were named Fury II and Fury III.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Plymouth Savoy
Assembly: United States: Detroit, Michigan (Lynch Road Assembly), United States: Newark, Delaware (Newark Assembly), Australia: Mile End (Chrysler Australia), Canada: Windsor, Ontario (Windsor Assembly), India: Mumbai (Premier Automobiles), Mexico: Mexico City (Lago Alberto Assembly), New Zealand: Petone (Todd Motors)
Manufacturer: Plymouth (Chrysler)
Production: 1954–1964 (1965 in Canada)
Layout: FR layout
aka: Dodge Kingsway (Canada)
Class: Full size (1954–1961), Mid-size (1962–1964)