The Plainsman back on the Block

[Hudson]

The concept car known as the Plainsman hits the auction block next weekend, but here's the whole story behind the car at www.automotivetraveler.com

What do you think?

[balthazar]

I disagree with the piece's contention that the Plainsman is "plain". It's biggest perceptional disadvantage is the color, but the design both in & out is easily in step with '55-56 ChryCo designs, Exner or otherwise. Look at the '55 Falcon- a beautiful design, but one that can also be called 'plain', in fact moreso than the Plainsman. It's just tough to make a comparatively aspirational wagon design, even in the '50s. The Safari nails it, albeit in a blockier, gaudier execution.

The degree of the Plainsman's anonymity is the biggest factor in holding back it's value- not it's design.

[Robert Hall]

'Ugly' is probably a better description than 'plain'.

[Hudson]

Compared to the other concept cars from Chrysler at that time, the Plainsman is not as memorable. I think the Falcon and the others are far more distinctive where as the Plainsman is more extreme in design, but much less attractive.

[balthazar]

'More extreme, less attractive' = agree.

'plain' or 'ugly' = disagree.