The 1953 Plymouth Suburban station wagon, in its original form, was the quintessential post-war family vehicle. It pioneered the all-steel wagon body, offering practicality and utility. However, this specific 1953 Plymouth Suburban is far from stock, having been transformed into a potent “sleeper” restomod. It cleverly marries the classic, utilitarian looks of the 1950s with the colossal power of a modern Mopar 440 cubic inch V-8 crate engine. This two-door wagon’s history as a Pismo Beach surf-shop vehicle only adds to its authentic California cool appeal.
The Definition of a Sleeper
The Suburban’s design reflects the clean, functional styling of Plymouth for the 1953 model year. This car retains that vintage charm, finished in a two-tone beige and white paint scheme. Exterior details like the windshield visor, bright chrome trim, and polished hubcaps evoke pure 1950s nostalgia. Discreet 440 badging is the only subtle hint of the immense power lurking beneath the hood.
From Surf Wagon to Street Rod
Its reported past life as a surf-shop transport in sunny Pismo Beach gives this vehicle unique character. While its original six-cylinder engine was adequate, the comprehensive modification elevates its status considerably. The wagon is now a formidable, high-performance machine ready for any modern highway. This blending of laid-back surf culture and powerful V-8 speed is highly appealing.
The Power of the 440 CI V8 Crate Engine
The heart of this build is a massive 440 cubic inch V-8 crate engine, a significant upgrade from its factory flathead six-cylinder. This Mopar big-block features high-quality components, including hypereutectic pistons and a performance camshaft. A Holley four-barrel carburetor and MSD ignition help ensure reliable, potent combustion. Tubular exhaust headers allow the V-8 to breathe easily, producing a commanding sound.
Modernized Drivetrain and Chassis
To properly manage the 440’s tremendous torque, the engine is paired with a durable TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The entire chassis has been thoroughly modernized for safety and handling. It now features four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Fatman Fabrications tubular front control arms also improve the overall ride quality substantially.
Comfort and Custom Cabin Features
The interior has been completely refurbished and is now trimmed in tasteful brown vinyl upholstery on both front and rear bench seats. Modern amenities such as air conditioning, tilt steering, and a Bluetooth-compatible Kenwood stereo have been seamlessly integrated. Crucially, the addition of front shoulder belts and rear lap belts improves safety greatly.
A Blend of Old and New Instrumentation
The driver interacts with the car through a wood-rimmed steering wheel and a floor-mounted Lokar shifter. While a push-button AM radio remains in the dash for appearance, a modern stereo hides in the glovebox. The original speedometer is flanked by auxiliary gauges, though the fuel, oil, and temp gauges currently require attention. This mixture of original and custom gauges highlights the car’s duality.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
The Carolina Machine Engines 440 CI V-8 has a performance focus, featuring 9.5:1 compression and a 270° camshaft. While specific output figures are unconfirmed, a typical street-tuned 440 of this specification produces 350 to 400 horsepower and over 450 lb-ft of torque. This is a dramatic increase over the factory 100 horsepower. Paired with the TorqueFlite automatic and four-wheel disc brakes, this 1953 Plymouth Suburban offers impressive, modern-day acceleration and stopping power.
Summary
This 1953 Plymouth Suburban two-door wagon is an exceptional restomod that maintains its period appearance while delivering serious Mopar muscle. The 440 V-8 crate engine and comprehensive chassis and brake upgrades make it a fast, practical, and reliably usable classic. The desirable beige and white paint, paired with its surf-shop background, gives it fantastic character. This wagon is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, offering an unbeatable combination of utility, style, and huge power.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
