Meet Large Marge - Ultimate Road Warrior, Parts Chaser and Patina Queen 1959 Plymouth Suburban

Kiwi scored with this one! Fresh off a 2000 mile run from California back to home base in Nashville, the ancient Poly still runs strong enough to pull down 18 MPG on the highway, but she's tired and has an appetite for oil.
The original plan was to build and swap in a 392 Firepower Hemi to replace it, but now it seems the old Poly has begun to grow on Kiwi, so we're going to leave it for you guys to decide. Chrysler Whale power or a Stroker 390 inch Semi-Hemi.
#cars #classiccar #engine #survivor #roadtrip
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[@peterkovacs8654]

Poly wants a crack at staying in Large Marge! She’s earned it

[@DanEBoyd]

Put some fancy cracked-cap (fracture-split) rods in it too!!

[@jimf4492]

Rebuild the original engine. It earned it!

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

Agree. If yer not going to paint or restore, pull the heads, cheap overhaul them, new rings, light hone, don't touch the bottom end.

[@BrewBlaster]

Yes indeed.

[@garymckee8857]

Paint it and rebuild the engine.

[@billywird]

That's my vote as well.

[@edc6333]

Yep keep it!

[@animoetprudentia2865]

It's unanimous, original engine's a keeper! Kiwi has already bonded with Marge, the kind of love you don't take for granted!

[@KB10GL]

It is, apparently, not unanimous. There are other options. Good ones at that.

[@Mike_Collins392]

@@KB10GL If he's flipping it freshen up the 318. If he is keeping it , the 392 can't be beat .

[@chronicburful]

I say keep it original. That engine pulled that beauty 2,000 miles back to Tennessee. It deserves to live on. It's been bolted between those fenders for 64 years. It's earned its place. Keep it.

[@paulbruno8327]

She’s letting you know to keep the original engine. Don’t mess with Christine’s bigger sister!

[@powertoyz]

Bigger slightly more bulbous sister, lol

[@mirisch64]

​@@powertoyz It's more like automotive equivalent of sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's fat sister Lulu😂😂😂

[@downfallofempires170]

Younger sister too.

[@greg227]

Tony, it is a great opportunity to show the original poly rebuilt for those who have never seen one broken down and rebuilt.

[@keithmourglea3101]

I agree rebuild the poly

[@specialclassicscruisers2487]

If it were me I would rebuild the old poly. It sat for 45 years and after a little freshening pulled a 2000 mile trip home. That alone is enough for me to keep the original drivetrain and rebuild it. Whichever way Kiwi goes with it I'm sure it will turn out great. I'm not one for station wagons but I love the look of that one and would drive that daily with a big smile on my face. Cheers Tony and Kiwi, that's going to be a awesome ride!

[@BloodRaven1969]

She pops right off and does the solid lifter purr, keep that engine in her!

[@jeffc6268]

Keep that original engine. It’s beautiful! The entire car is beautiful!

[@josephfalls1585]

Rebuild the original. It is an excellent piece of history that deserves to live on. And it did what I didn't think was possible, making a 2000 mile trip. My wife also agrees with me.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

That Poly deserves to live! 18 MPG is seriously impressive for a big old machine like that.

[@jerrycomo2736]

"Large Marge" is the greatest nickname I've ever heard. It's appropriate for this car and my first wife.

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

I have to side with Kiwi on keeping the old girl intact. After 45 years the old girl made it 2,000 mile! That is a good sign! Large Marge is awesome!

[@brucejones2354]

Try 65 years.....

[@ldnwholesale8552]

65 years!

[@gmo1515]

@@brucejones2354 I think he meant that the car sat for 45 years.

[@mexicanspec]

I vote for rebuilding the Poly. Save the Hemi for a car that came with one like an older Imperial.

[@DanEBoyd]

Rebuilding and modding the poly would be as cool as the Hemi. But the Hemi is pretty dang cool too...

[@mexicanspec]

Yes but a HEMI car can be found for that engine. This already has a good running poly. Why mess with success?@@DanEBoyd

[@michaeladamo1188]

Poly!❤

[@roncross9984]

Isn’t it magic how we fall in love with old cars. I vote keep her as she was made she so deserves it. Keep the Poly 🤠👍

[@garryhatchett775]

I like the idea of rebuilding the 318 as a stroker. It would be cool to find a 2-4 barrel intake also. Very cool!

[@Grumpy_Stiltskin]

She brought you back, and I didn't think she would, give the engine some love and keep the ol girls engine.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

Looks like you're in the majority. 😊

[@Wyowanderer]

Leave the poly in it - it's only original once. Put the 392 in a beater that's missing stuff, rusted out, needs major work.

[@goodguysgunsllc9369]

PLZ KEEP THAT POLY!!! that is a beautiful part of Americana! She needs to maybe be modified slightly, but keep those old bones! You can still get decent power outta that poly without exterior mods. What an awesome find!! Thank you both for doing that voodoo that you do!! Mopar or no car!

[@Mark-qw8lc]

I would have liked to see Tony build the 392 Hemi. However, I understand Kiwi's and Tony's viewpoints about rebuilding and keeping the Poly. My vote is for rebuilding the original Poly. Like another viewer stated - I didn't think this trip would be possible, much less as successful as it ended up being. If for no other reason, you must keep the Poly simply for the story! 😎

[@Vegaswill714]

Rebuild the Poly - the most under appreciated Mopar engine. I always remember how smooth and torquey mine was.

[@ercost60]

Love it! I saw Large Marge in California. Definitely keep that stock poly engine/tranny combo. You can't break up this winning team after 65 years. I used 2 qts of Red Kote to seal my Corvair's rusty 14-gallon gas tank in 2 coats, worked GREAT after proper prep. 6:18 That's my Dad's remote start switch and check out the custom ruler battery hold-down strap I made! So glad it didn't short the battery and burn Marge down. In college I drove a '66 Plymouth Fury WAGON with this same 318 poly, Stromberg WW carb and Torqueflite. First car I ever worked on, first carb & tranny I ever rebuilt.

[@wizardking2631]

Keep her heart original! She sounded soooo happy to be back on the road!!

[@jefffixesit60]

Keep the poly! Patina under the hood matches the exterior. Hang on to the 392 for a shiny hot rod 😊

[@toddburgess6792]

I grew up in a 57 Belvedere rust-o-rama. This brings back memories, like the time my Mom caught me before I fell out the front door, or how we'd lift our feet when a parent would announce "Puddle!" as the water would gush in through the rotted out floors. Good times!

[@58sportsuburban]

As the owner of a 1958 Sport Suburban, I approve of this.

[@GhettoWagon]

Spaceman spiff

[@LongIslandMopars]

I'd keep it original. That's what I did with my dad's Coronet. Still has the original 273 that took him to his job for 30 years and went up and down the east coast from NY to Maine to Florida and all points in-between. Not fast and doesn't have to be. Being able to talk about its history gives me more enjoyment nowadays than burning rubber. To each their own but that's my vote. I followed Kiwi's adventure on his channel and it was awesome.

[@donsims1941]

Needs a kiwi's surf shop lettering and surf board rack with Mexican blanket interior. With a restored poly under the hood

[@hutchjohnson2184]

Go with the poly in large Marge. Yes to the 400 crank. Yes to a quick bowl port and gasket match. Yes to a rare-ish 4bbl set up. Yes to a simple cam upgrade. Essentially, all simple Marge-inall upgrades.

[@davehenry673]

Rebuild that Poly all the way Tony!

[@jeffreyvietzke228]

Keep the Poly and rebuild it as needed. You know in your heart it's a no-brainer. Still have Cars Illustrated mags from 40 years ago with your excellent articles. Keep up the excellent work, guys.

[@billwyatt1115]

I had a 59 plymouth with poly motor and standard shift on the column when i graduated from HS.. My grandmaw gave it to me when my grand dad died. I loved that car.

[@edberry78]

Stroke the poly. Definitely.

[@jeffhutchins7048]

I stole your idea! To be fair, I didn't know it at the time of theft.😅

[@RustBeatersDerelicts]

My opinion is rebuild the poly, rumbley mufflers with resonators to make the right noises when cruising.

[@robbytheremin2443]

At first I thought hemi which is always awesome, but after seeing what a survivor she is and hearing her run, definitely rebuild her poly. ❤

[@redsprairierust8348]

Your falling in love story hits home with me. I bought a 55 Canadian pontiac about 2 years ago. (Canadian pontiac uses chevy drivetrain so mine has a 261 6cyl). Before i bought the car I already had plans to swap it out with a 305 tbi and overdrive. Well after driving the car 10 hours home, I fell in love with that 6 cyl and decided it's staying. It's part of the cars history that makes it unique. My vote is to keep the poly and upgrade to a 4bbl (yeah I know the 4 bbl is kinda hard to find for these engines as I've got one of those too)

[@zelenskysboot361]

bulletproof motor

[@Chopper650]

i vote the poly... rebuild it and trick it up but it's original...it brought kiwi home... gotta be a love connection

[@notablynova4247]

I remember about 10 years ago when the Poly had a great amount of new interest and there was a group of guys going for max performance. My dad had a 66 Charger with a poly in it so i might be prejudiced BUILD THAT POLY

[@spaceflight1019]

I vote for a 340 Poly!

[@garypavlovich1895]

I am still "building them"...390-402" Poly Stroker motors...KILLER power for Street Strokers and I am at 600HP for my personal Poly Stroker

[@UncleTonysGarage]

@garypavlovich1895 Gary, it's an honor to see you in here. Absolutely brilliant stuff you've done with these engines.

[@garypavlovich1895]

​@@UncleTonysGarageI sent you my contact cell and email so you may give a call/text/email whenever you wish. It would be an honor to speak with you.

[@garypavlovich1895]

Steve & Kiwi, You have an absolutely stunning Mopar wagon! Definitely keep the 318 Poly and rebuild/upgrade the engine; cam/compression/Dual Quad Induction... However, if you want to stroke the Poly, you will have to use the 1962-66 Poly 318 and couple to the alum. 727 62-64,65 cable shift transmission (to retain pushbutton feature) as the 1956-61 Poly 277-318's have a different/lower bellhousing dowel pin location and used the longer 8-bolt extended flange crankshaft that only couples to the early cast iron transmissions. The LA 3.58-4.00" Stroker 6-bolt crankshafts will physically fit in the early block but are approx. 1/2" shorter and will not couple to the cast iron Powerflite/Torqueflite convertor/transmissions. I built the first 402" Poly Stroker and wrote the Mopar Muscle 2001 Sept. & Oct. articles "Rodney Dangerfield" and have been working on and building Polys since 1969...would be thrilled to help you with your intended build; give me a holler anytime.

[@williamcole464]

I vote for a rebuilt poly, with some High performance parts. A little bore and stroke could not hurt.

[@WildAzzRacing]

Poly all the way! It just fits that car. Also, I absolutely love this era of Plymouths and it being a wagon makes it even more cool.

[@ianstoys13mgs]

Engine wise. Leave it in, and work with what you have she deserves it

[@karlbishop7481]

Keep the Poly. Hot Rod magazine used to do engine build offs for big HP. One team did a poly and got big numbers.

[@steventaylor681]

Keep it original. When I was 8 years old, my dad bought a 1957 Plymouth station wagon. It was pink and white and we took two different around the country trips from California to Alabama to Minnesota and back. That car never gave us any problems.

[@robertchall8576]

Glad they made it back safe and sound rebuild the Polly if can be rebuilt.

[@u.p.tinkering]

I vote to freshen up the old girls original heart! She ran 2000 miles to get to a new home where she would be loved. Would hate to see her lose her original heart/power plant.

[@ercost60]

You said "old girl"... Chug a beer!

[@u.p.tinkering]

@@ercost60 LOL, too funny!!! 🤣

[@beatglauser9444]

When I was 18 in in 1978 I saw an ad for a 59 Plymouth four door. I collected the little money I had and ran to the dealer. It was gone before I showed up. Hard to imagine the vehicle was not even twenty years old back then. But to me it was a finned classic Beauty. The seller told me he did not think of the car as a classic. But now that I mentionned it, he got the point. So destiny wanted it otherwise. Insted of becoming a mopar guy, I ended up being a GM man. I own five Sixties Chevies and Pontiacs now. But those forward look cars were unbelievable! In Switzerland there were not that many US classics around. But there were some 57 to 59 Plymouth taxis and there was a Mopar assembly line here. GM had an even bigger assemlby line. They built great vehicles there. And the build quality was higher than the one of the Detroit cars.

[@terrystewart2070]

Poly wants a rebuild and a stroker please! Large Marge has made it this far with her original heart, keep her going please!

[@ercost60]

I wouldn't even stroke it, keep all original. It's a cruiser, not a race car.

[@richardthompson6366]

That's a whole lotta Rosie, keep the Poly if it's salvageable.

[@rodrocket8216]

Poly, Patina, Patch the seats, Glass packs, Drop it a few inches And Krooz, Daily. Very nice Kiwi.

[@jimbower9268]

We had a 59 Plymouth wagon that I got my license in (1966). It took us across country from California to Arkansas a couple times. Great old car.

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

The worst part about Kiwi's Big Adventure was he never did the tequila dance!🤷😁👍

[@rockymeyers4030]

LS swap...... KIDDING, rebuild the poly

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

Nice to see Uncle fall in love again!💕 🎶Fat bottomed girls, you make the rockin world go round!🎶

[@frankmcd3628]

It’s a beautiful old girl. As much as I am a fan of originality, a 392 hemi will give her a bit of old school flare yet keep it original enough to pay homage to ‘back in the day’. Thanks for the video.

[@mikebryant614]

Keep the original poly., it's a piece of history and frankly for it to still be running is a miracle in and of itself - not seized or blown so it's a solid rebuild base ., and there just aren't many of them around anymore.What an overall remarkable find ,that thing is a beauty, an instant favorite of mine!

[@MoparDen]

Rebuild the Poly ! It belongs in there and got you home and wants to serve so much more!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Kiwi's Colon Chaos and Clown Concussions😂 I love the different names you come up with 😂

[@jimhickey2276]

We have a poly in our 58 Plymouth and it runs the dual quad. 2 Carter's, starts every time, makes great power. They're a heavy engine, but they're great. Id keep it.

[@richdorak1547]

Rebuild . Definitely .

[@mikeray1544]

She is beautiful and still runs like it's still under warrantee...

[@kylewilson6497]

Poly. I've got a 65 Belvedere wagon with a poly. I've got 383,400,413,440's waiting for home's but I fell in love with the poly. They're only original once.

[@clembob8004]

How about rebuild the 318, but with a twist - build it like a 57 Fury engine with dual quads and a few other performance mods like cam, headers (is that even possible on a poly 318?). I love the 50s Mopars, now I want to find one. The patina is beyond perfect. You can't reproduce anything that good. If you can get the stock trim on the sides, that would be the icing on the cake, and then an old school looking "Kiwi's Customs and Classics" sign on each front door.

[@graydonjones6912]

Poly motor is the one and it deserves to be built and it is the heart of the car and deserves respect

[@Stevie_D]

I vote for the poly ... and if you feel you want to mod it a bit I'd keep it subtle and tasteful. This thing is sweet in its current form and I doubt you will see many driving by in the other direction. a classic from end to end!

[@ianmorley4345]

Poly for sure in this case. Kiwi is in love.

[@ericpetti305]

So thrilled to see this wagon! Breathe new life into that fantastic Poly I say!

[@user-gt7fd3mc6e]

Great old Plymouth! In my youth my first car was 57 Belvedere with the 301 poly. Next was a 64 Polara with the 318 poly. They have a very warm spot in my heart. Go for the poly with the stroker. MOPAR's forever!

[@mattdavis822]

Rebuild the original motor

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

If it is numbers matching, 110%. Otherwise, what does it matter?

[@douglasfehler553]

As a kid there could be all kinds of cars in a wrecking yard and I was always pulled towards the old Chryslers dodge,Plymouth models and that's what I would play in .I really like the 60 fury.

[@user-iy6de7qi1r]

In 1959, I was going on two, my family left Long Beach for Connecticut on our way to Barcelona, Spain, dad's first overseas duty station. We left in a pink, 59 station wagon, and I still remember driving through the redwood tree as we went to Oregon, to visit family before heading east. I still have vague memories of that car. Seeing this video was a shock this morning. My only memory is of the windshield, framed in pink, and the tunnel through the tree, leaving California. Thanks for a great memory recall.

[@MtnBadger]

The first engine I ever worked on was helping my dad build one for his '62 Dodge 100 and it came out of a 50s truck and was a 392 hemi. 😊 That thing was a monster when we were done with it. It was hooked to a 1 ton 4spd. with a2spd rear end and it would lift the right front tire. 😀 Needless to say... "The Hemi." 😊

[@lonbriese1948]

The poly deserves to stay in its original home. A stroker does sound intriguing

[@robbieautrey3158]

Good to see you two together again and it looks like Uncle Tony approves of Large Marge Kiwi. I'm starting to see it your way Kiwi. It's like you owe the old girl and it would be ashame to rip out the Heart that got you and Steve home. Let Uncle Tony rebuild the Poly and work a little magic on it, the old girl deserves it. Don't tell me that an old car doesn't have a SOUL... 🙂

[@ercost60]

Take two shots, you said "old girl" twice

[@seanbatiz6620]

I agree with most other commentators here, of keepin’ her heart original.. top that with eventually acquiring every single original piece of optional equipment & accessory that would’ve been Factory/Dealer available in ‘59 that she doesn’t already have & install those items to boot! This is pretty much the approach I’ve taken with my two ‘55 Buick Super 56R’s.. got the rusty extreme patina one of them, purely as a parts donor car for the other but, over the time since I acquired that rusty one, I’ve gradually taken to liking it more, within how she looks when cleaned up, showing off all patina. Working on getting that one fixed up to be all original, employing any & all of the worst condition bright-work parts & so forth; reserving all better condition parts for the full-resto one (as full restoration as I can). Both of mine have complete factory a/c option, Selectronic “Wonderbar” radios (so far, I only have one original, correct &, fully functional power ant. and one “foot switch”), I have one fully restored and ready to install “Autronic Eye” unit, complete and correct for ‘55 Buick, just have one 4-way power front bench seat. Only option I don’t have yet for either of them yet is the complete original power window option parts… may end up having to obtain a reasonably priced, otherwise ruined ‘55 Roady coupe, as all of those came with power window option as standard/stock, just to pull out them parts. I can totally picture this ‘59 Plymouth Suburban all mechanically & electrically fully restored & fully decked out with every conceivable accessory/option!! Sweet wagon! Of the 30+ oddball classic/vintage/antique vehicles I’ve had in the past, I probably most regret selling off decades ago now, my Ol’ ‘59 Chevy Nomad wagon!

[@sunset1300]

Original engine for sure. Everything doesn't have to be a hot rod. Rebuild motor and tranny, cleanup interior, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital cruise control, and definitely some seat belts.

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

318 poly, also add the 1957-1958 duel four barrel set up with a stroker kit...

[@douglasfehler553]

That is the ultimate party wagon I bet 10 people could squeeze in and a couple cases of beer.

[@960wattoffgridrv]

B-52's song "Love Shack" catchy lyrics "Hop in my Chrysler it's as big as a whale and it's about to set sail! I got me a car that seats about twenty so hurry up and bring your jukebox money!" 😅😅😅😅 My dad owned a few "Old bombs" back in the days of land yachts when I was just a wee one! I was hoping that we'd hang onto a 383 1967 Chrysler Newport. The car pileup survivor! A previous owner got caught in a multi car accident and it was the only car that drove away like nothing happened! It was the honda crusher. Japanese cars couldn't put a dent in it

[@douglasfehler553]

@@960wattoffgridrv nowadays you have to Remer the song money By the flying lizard if you are restoring an old Chrysler product you will brobly be missing some.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Large Marge got you home...you can't go ripping the heart out of her now. Show the old girl some love and rebuild the poly (and record it so we can watch)

[@Jcicaroni82]

Poly with some internal tricks! Don't think it would keep its character other way.

[@laurenceschnieber5370]

Can't believe how sold.sounded great on the road

[@RhaDesigns]

It;s an awsome car! I vote for the poly, Kiwi's comment about it being the heart is on the money. The fact it got him home is a testiment that it wants to stay where it is. Love both your shows, thanks.

[@sadie376]

What a beast! I want one...

[@IBTJn]

"Lawg-Mawg" should keep her original heart, so the Poly would have my vote. I even dig the patina on her. Nice score & adventure, Kiwi.

[@49commander]

The Poly is what it has and should keep. Plus it weighs a whole lot less too!!

[@49commander]

I just noticed it does NOT have power steering! I wouldn't want to add the hundred plus pounds of weight the 392 would add!! The cars handling would seriously degrade with all that extra weight!

[@sd9777]

Keep the poly!

[@countswing284]

The internet needs more poly, keep it! 😎👍🚙🏁🏁

[@bcbloc02]

I never drove a 50s hemi but I did daily a poly for a long time and it ran great regardless of weather and served me many trouble free miles. The old hemi is cool too though.

[@christopheransell2179]

A resounding vote to rebuild the Poly!!

[@donovanlong648]

Absolutely beautiful survivor!!

[@drp457]

Sounds like an old teletype machine, love it! Keep the poly.

[@rockdog2584]

The 392 would certainly be cool, but...I'm goin' with everybody else here; rebuild the poly (and I'm not a Mopar guy, so I don't even really know what that means)...and a stroker kit sounds like a great idea! I'd top it off with an Edlebrock Performer carb and intake (if one is available to fit this engine). The Performer cam might not be such a bad choice as well. Would make for a really nice daily driver/parts hauler. Glad to see Kiwi made it home okay. It was lookin' a little dicey there for the first couple of days. Yeah...gotta get those brakes all workin' right!

[@RobertJohnson-uo7nj]

That thing is unreal!!!!! Rebuild the poly!!!

[@brucegordon4924]

Original Engine, Many Thanks, great video!

[@domfer2540]

My mother’s car. I leaned to drive this car. 6 cyd, automatic with Manuel brakes and steering. I could parallel park it for my driving test. Aced my driving test. The state examiner was surprise that I showed up with such a big car.

[@jaygee4345]

'Large Marge' is a phrase made to be spoken in a NZ accent

[@gabrielback5615]

Poly!, find some hot rod parts for it maybe but my vote is for keeping the poly.

[@allstylinone5122]

Tell em Large Marge sent ya!

[@AceFace50001]

It was the worst accident I ever seen.

[@arthurrose6473]

This old girl deserves to KEEP her heart for SURE! After 65 YEARS she up and comes THOUSANDS of miles on the original engine! Now, THATS A MOPAR!

[@charlesforrest7678]

Remember my Dad came in from california with a 59 plymouth savoy. Had a 318 racing engine from riverside, fixed-up-loose with with either 3 or 4 speed manual tranny. Louvers in the hood. Really impressed me as a little-squirt back in mid-sixties. A real hwy 66 car😮

[@nhra7110]

Love that car Kiwi! As much as I love Hemi's, I would rebuild the poly for this one.