The 1933 model was Plymouth's first six-cylinder car, following four successful years of fours. The early-1933 PC Six was introduced Oct. 29, 1932, on the third anniversary of the fateful stock market crash. The Depression of the early 1930s hurt most auto manufacturers and drove some of them out of business. But the Chrysler Corporation (maker of Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler) did well despite the hard years, because it offered reliable, well-engineered cars at reasonable prices.
The early 1933 PC looked stubby, on a 108-inch wheelbase, and its chrome-plated radiator shell made the car look even shorter. Sales were fairly good because of the new six-cylinder engine, but after March 31, 1933, when the improved PD series appeared, sales leaped ahead noticeably. The public liked the longer (112-inch wheelbase) PD, and its length was accentuated by a painted radiator shell that matched the body color, thus making the hood appear longer. The more humble PC was continued as a standard model. Notice in the illustration that the PD had a new dash, with a glove compartment.
1933 and 1934 Plymouth coupes had a very low, small cab, which gives them a hot rod appearance today. They are popular with car collectors, second only to the convertibles, which were also available.
By the way, after the PD had joined the PC series in the spring of 1933, the factory began painting the PC radiator shells in matching body colors in order to make them look longer, too.
The starters on these early Plymouth sixes had a strange "zing!" sound when engaged. They worked all right, but sounded like the Bendix spring was unraveling. By 1937, the starters were quieter.