To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve | $60,000 - $80,000 USD
- One of 6,986 Deluxe Convertible Coupes produced for 1940
- Benefits from an excellent rotisserie restoration under previous ownership
- L-head inline six-cylinder engine; three-speed manual with overdrive
- Wonderfully presented in Boatswain Blue over red leather
- Richly appointed with a remarkable range of factory accessories
Shortly after Walter P. Chrysler created his new automobile company in 1925, he replicated Alfred P. Sloan’s business concept of stair-step marketing, which had proven a success at General Motors. The idea was to create a product lineup with little overlap or cross-brand competition, where customers would move up the Chrysler family as they climbed the economic ladder. The first step was introducing the value-priced Plymouth brand in 1928. The timing could not have been any better, as Plymouth would carry the Dodge, DeSoto, and Chrysler divisions through the Great Depression. By 1940, it had earned an enviable reputation within the industry, creating cars of supreme reliability.
Plymouth referred to its all-new 1940 P10 Deluxe as “the low-priced beauty with the luxury ride.” Lower and wider than preceding models, it had 18 percent more glass, internal door hinges, twin taillights, a partially synchronized transmission, sealed-beam headlamps, and a host of other advancements, including an optional "Vortex Air Cleaner," precursor to today's engine air filters. As usual for the era, it came in a variety of body styles.
The 1940 Plymouth P10 Deluxe offered here is one of 6,986 Convertible Coupes produced that model year. Owner Michael Leith notes that it benefits from an “open checkbook” rotisserie restoration by a prior owner. With many years now passed since its completion, the convertible still shows in splendid condition with its Boatswain Blue body over a striking red leather interior, topped by a black Haartz cloth top featuring lovely red piping. An impressive array of factory accessories dresses up the exterior and includes bumper and fender guards, exhaust extension, mirrors, wind wings, dual trumpet horns, spot lamp, fog lamps, backup light, and more. The interior is also well-equipped, with a push-button radio, clock, defroster, heater, and glovebox lock. The long list of options even includes a windshield washer and the "Vortex Air Cleaner."
Well cared for within The Michael Leith Collection since 2011, this beautifully restored Plymouth P10 Deluxe Convertible Coupe showcases the best of pre-war motoring, making it a prime choice for showing at local meets or simply enjoying on the road.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.