Playboy Car (Mar, 1948)
Source: Mechanix Illustrated ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Mar, 1948
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Nothing says Playboy like a 40hp engine. Also, wouldn’t you think that an ad for a car called “Playboy” would have a man driving it?
it’s NEW… it’s TERRIFIC!
The Playboy
PLAYBOY FEATURES
• The only car now being displayed with an all-steel convertible disappearing top.
• Combining the essentia! features of 3 body styles: business coupe, club coupe, and convertible car, all in one.
• All steel body and frame welded into one piece.
• 4 independent coil springs guaranteeing smooth comfortable ride, and 4 wheel hydraulic brakes.
• Powered by a 4 cylinder, 40 horsepower Continental or Hercules engine.
• Gives 30 to 35 miles on the gallon.
• Equipped with quality standard automotive parts.
• Priced at $985 f.o.b. factory.DEALER AND DISTRIBUTOR FRANCHISES NOW BEING AWARDED,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WRITE . . .
Playboy Motor Car Corporation988 ELLICOTT STREET • BUFFALO 8, NEW YORK
The Playboy was made to be a second car when most families only had one.
When the men returned from WW II, the wife now had to give up having a car to drive. That is the reason it was marketed to women. How do I know this?
The Playboy was made by my family in Buffalo NY, that is my Aunt Helen in the ad, and I have a Playboy in my garage.
Comment by Dennis Spiegelman — September 7, 2007 @ 8:27 am
That’s cool Dennis. How long did they make them? Do you have a picture of yours? I’d love to see it.
Comment by Charlie — September 7, 2007 @ 9:06 am
WOW! That’s a fantastic insight Dennis! Thanks for contributing that. How long were they manufactured for?
Comment by Firebrand38 — September 7, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Very cool having you here for the info, Dennis.
How many Playboys are still on the road?
Comment by Rick Auricchio — September 7, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
I found this article aboout the history of the car at http://www.canadiandriver.com/.....layboy.htm. The article makes mention of the Mechanix Illustrated feature mentioned here. According to the linked article 97 were built.
Comment by Mike Brisendine — September 7, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Try this link instead (there’s a period on the end of yours that’s throwing things off) http://www.canadiandriver.com/.....layboy.htm
Comment by Firebrand38 — September 7, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
My bad. I’m sorry about putting that period at the end of the link. I also found by googling the NADA Guides priceing guide. It shows the value to be between $6,000 to $17,675 for the 1948 model. Pretty neat looking car, I wouldn’t mind owning one.
Comment by Mike Brisendine — September 7, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Mike, no sweat. Thanks for finding the link in the first place.
By the way I used an on-line cost of living calculator, and $985.00 in 1948 is equivalent to $8,407.24 today. Still a bargain!
Comment by Firebrand38 — September 7, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Going back to Charlie’s comments: I would suspect that 90% of Playboys were driven by women and 10% by men.
Of course, some may have been driven by both
Comment by Blurgle — September 7, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
Out of the 97 Playboys reportedly built, we can currently account for 41 still in existence. Of those, only about 15-20 are in roadworthy condition. Please check out my website for Playboy cars: http://www.playboymotorcars.com
I own Playboy car #34
Comment by Ed Howard — November 28, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Saw this the other day, hopefully this car can be restored to original (ie: Playboy body with GMC Jimmy(!?) mechanicals):
http://jalopnik.com/cars/choos.....324079.php
Comment by Tuckeroo — January 8, 2008 @ 1:47 pm
My brother had one with 5000 miles on it, it was two tone . dark Brown with a cream fenders. It had the hard top with it. in like new condition. I have some nice pictures of it. He sold it to a museum before he died about 6 years ago.
Comment by gordon williams — January 25, 2008 @ 10:40 am
This is a real long shot. I knew a Dennis Warren Spiegelman in LA in the Mid 60s. I recall he was originally from New York State.
We worked on Wilshire Blvd at AFCO.
Is that you???
Fred
Comment by Fred Tucker — February 13, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Interesting car! I saw this today in the LA Times, A Playboy in a Oklahoma junkyard.
Comment by Al Bear — August 14, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
DUH! forgot to put the address, sorry. Here it is,
http://www.latimes.com/classif.....ry?index=5
Comment by Al Bear — August 14, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Fred
Yes, I am one and the same. I assume this is Fred Tucker. Contact me if you read this dennis@spieglemanentertainment.com
Comment by Dennis Spiegelman — November 12, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
I saw a red, roadworthy Playboy Car today at a car consignment /antique auto building today near Springfield, Mo. I had never heard of one before and thought it might be a kitcar or fabricated one-of -a-kind. This one looked near new. WOW–what an interesting vehicle. It was for sale, but no price was listed on the For Sale sign.
Comment by Larry — August 24, 2009 @ 12:07 am
Can you provide some information helpful to find the car for sale. Perhaps a phone # or email?
Thanks
Dennis
Comment by dennis Spiegelman — August 24, 2009 @ 11:32 am
My wife and I just saw a beautiful Playboy at the auto museum in Saratoga Springs, NY
Comment by Phil — October 20, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Hef should have purchased a few as company cars.
Comment by jayessell — October 21, 2009 @ 1:54 pm