Plymouth Suburban

Plymouth used the Suburban nameplate before Chevrolet, introducing its all-steel station wagon in 1949. This was a significant shift from the maintenance-heavy wood-bodied wagons of the pre-war era. Available in two-door and later four-door configurations, the Suburban was marketed as a practical family and commercial vehicle. Through the 1950s, it adopted Chrysler's dramatic "Forward Look" styling and offered V8 power alongside the dependable flathead inline-6.

Collectors appreciate the Suburban for its historical importance and its relative rarity compared to Ford and Chevrolet wagons of the period. It represents classic 1950s Americana with a unique twist. These cars aren't typically high-dollar auction headliners; instead, they are accessible classics that stand out at local shows and Cars & Coffee events.

The market for the Plymouth Suburban is modest, with an average price hovering under $20,000. Condition, originality, and year are the primary value drivers. The later Virgil Exner-styled models from 1955-1959 with V8 engines tend to bring higher prices than the earlier, more utilitarian six-cylinder models. It remains an affordable entry into 1950s wagon collecting.

Based on recent sales, prices range from $8,500 for project-quality cars to $28,000 for excellent examples.