[Dr. Sivana]

but even when a Plymouth was a bottom line car with a flathead six, it was still a fairly good car.

I wonder how much would be saved if you could buy an entry level car like those old Plymouths?

No carpet (rubber liner)
Bench seats (no six way adjustments, no center console)
AM Radio optional, as is the cigar lighter
Crank windows
Manual Windshield washer cleaner (squeeze with left foot)
Standard 7" headlamps
AC optional
No airbags or mandated cameras. Certainly no screens.
Cardboard insert in glove compartment


Now, carb adjustments and points can be a nuisance. The old single cavity master cylinders were a bona fide safety hazard
And on Mopars, the voltage regulator (separate from the alternator) liked to fry every so often.

Lots of character.

[Getready]

Agree that lots of simplifications and improvements could be made. They had compressed air powered starters a long time ago.
Easily done DIY capabilities....e.g. spark plug, water pump, fuel pump, thermostat, headlamps replacement.
Built in OBD system with updateable codes.Large trunks. Fiber optic mirror system instead of cameras.

[dznutz]

Now, carb adjustments and points can be a nuisance. The old single cavity master cylinders were a bona fide safety hazard And on Mopars, the voltage regulator (separate from the alternator) liked to fry every so often.

Cleaning and gapping points isn’t very hard or time consuming, and you can keep a set of points and condenser in the glove box just in case they crap out on you while driving, it is easy to swap out on the side of the road. If an electronic ignition goes out you will be calling for a tow truck. I wanted to keep my 64 Dodge as close to stock as possible but am changing out my single for a dual master cylinder after the pedal went to the floor.

The charging systen is the Achilles heel of old Mopars.