Recently, we had the pleasure of talking to the owner of a breathtaking custom classic: a Plymouth 1952 Cranbrook. Owner and Indiana resident Jason Hicks has put in a great deal of love and work into his classic Cranbrook. While the car stays true to Plymouth’s original vision, Hicks modified the vehicle, crafting a one-of-a-kind beauty complete with custom artwork and a powerhouse engine.
In this premiere episode of Classic Auto’s Driver’s Notes, we’ll explore this unforgettable ‘52 Plymouth Cranbrook, including how the owner obtained it and molded it into an eye-catching dream car.
Buying a 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook
The Chrysler subsidiary Plymouth debuted the Cranbrook in 1951, and they only sold the model the following two years. While the vehicle was only available for a short time, the car solidified its place in motor history with its silky smooth ride, luxurious style, and top-of-the-line reliability.
Jason Hicks obtained his Plymouth 1952 Cranbrook a decade ago. His father was an avid car collector, so Jason grew up around impressive antiques and custom rides, such as classic Corvettes and Hot Rods. Inspired by his father’s noteworthy collection, Jason began searching for a loveable classic of his own.
He spotted the 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook at a swap meet in Indianapolis. The car still had its original gray exterior and was far from a showstopper. Despite its boring appearance and wear and tear, Jason knew that he could turn the vehicle into a breathtaking custom ride.
Chevy Small Block Engine
Jason has greatly enhanced his 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook’s value with notable upgrades, including the installation of a Chevy small block engine.
He originally utilized the car’s authentic 217.8 cu in Plymouth Flathead Straight six, but the engine was far from reliable. The Plymouth even momentarily died the first time Jason attempted to drive his wife around in the vehicle.
Two years later, the Plymouth’s Flathead Straight six completely failed after Jason attended a nearby Rock & Rumble car show. After that, Jason collaborated with his father to equip his Cranbrook with a Chevy small block. It took Jason over a year to complete the project, and he finished installing the new engine inside of a friend’s livestock barn.
The Plymouth 1952 Cranbrook’s New Exterior
In addition to improving his Plymouth with a better engine, Jason extensively worked on the car’s exterior. He revitalized the car’s body with a stunning matte finish and glossy accents. Jason also opted for a Hot Rod Flatz red paint. Rather than selecting a common bright red, he chose a warmer shade that makes the vehicle even more distinctive.
One of the Plymouth’s most eye-catching details is that its rear sits very close to the ground. Since acquiring the vehicle, Jason lowered the car by three feet, and he had the car’s suspension converted into an air ride. This allows the Plymouth to rest strikingly close to the road, making it even more remarkable.
Jason also streamlined the car by removing its body trimmings, bumper guards, and door handles. Furthermore, he equipped it with 1954 Mercury hubcaps and new spotlights. Finally, Jason created a custom grille by removing some of its standard bars. In addition to his work on the car, Jason had VooDoo Larry Kustoms expertly install custom pinstriping along the Plymouth’s body.
Driving the Plymouth 1952 Cranbrook
While Jason’s ride has certainly posed unique challenges and setbacks, he adores the look and feel of his custom Plymouth. He described driving the stalwart classic like operating a tank — it’s got a large, heavy body but sitting behind the wheel is unimaginably fun. He also noted that it’s impossible to drive the Plymouth while in a bad mood.
Part of the reason why Jason has had so much success and enjoyment in the collector car hobby is thanks to the VooDoo Kings car club. He spoke highly of the organization’s members and expressed his love for attending the club’s events. Community is clearly an integral part of getting the most out of your classic ride.
Get the Best Insurance for a Plymouth 1952 Cranbrook
Whether you own a classic Plymouth, Corvette, Mustang, or another breathtaking piece of motor history, you need to protect your ride for years to come. Fortunately, you can get robust and customizable classic car insurance policies with Classic Auto.
We provide our clients with flexible policies based on agreed-upon value coverage, and our insurance coverage comes with exceptional benefits, like inflation guard, rollover miles, and nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing.
You can learn more by calling 888-901-1338 or get an instant quote online here.
