Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth, custom rod

Beyond Business – Brian Baker’s 1950 Plymouth Business Coupe

Brian Baker’s 1950 Plymouth business coupe is precisely the type of car Goodguys had in mind when we established the Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year award nearly three decades ago. It combines traditional customizing techniques and elements with modern street rod refinement and attitude in a cool, clean, and cohesive package.

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

There’s no doubt this coupe showcases distinctive and classy style, but what makes Brian’s Plymouth even cooler is its family history. His uncle Bob bought the coupe in the late-’60s and drove it around his Phoenix-area home for years. Brian’s parents bought the car in 1979 after it was involved in an accident and Brian helped perform the repairs to get it roadworthy again. The Plymouth was driven in stock form off and on through 1995, when it went into storage for roughly 20 years.

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod


Brian began the current rebuild three years ago, using a 2007 Dodge Magnum as a donor for the 5.7-liter Hemi, overdrive automatic transmission, and independent rear suspension. He narrowed the rearend 9-inches and also narrowed the Plymouth’s original front A-arms and added a GM power steering rack, as well as air springs. The engine, meanwhile, was upgraded with Sullivan Performance valve covers, JBA Headers, custom exhaust, and a Hot Wire wiring harness. One-off 18×7- and 20×12-inch wheels in Continental rubber got things up and rolling.

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod
Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

A host of subtle body mods includes shaved handles and emblems, flipped and tucked bumpers, custom bumper filler panels, one-off hood trim, hidden front turn signals, custom taillight bezels and lenses, a flush-fit fuel door, and custom license mount and trim. Brian did the bodywork himself, and also sprayed the PPG Vintage Maroon finish.

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

Well-thought design continues inside, with a modified dash that incorporates Classic Instruments gauges, custom trim, Vintage Air, and a tilt column with a custom-wrapped GM wheel. Ryders Custom Upholstery stitched the modified bench seat and custom door and side panels in a combination of leather and ’57 Chevy material, with patterned metal inserts. Brian’s uncle Tom carved the pirate-themed shifter knob.

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

The LMC Truck Spring Lone Star Nationals was the Plymouth’s first outing and it garnered plenty of attention and accolades throughout the weekend. From there, Brian headed to Arizona for the FiTech Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, where he took his 93-year-old uncle Bob for a ride. We can only imagine the look on Bob’s face when he saw how cool his old 1950 Plymouth business coupe is now!

Brian Baker 1950 Plymouth business coupe, custom rod

Photos by John Jackson & Damon Lee

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.