Plymouth marketing literature sure touts the luxury that abounds in the Belvedere II, whether it’s a convertible, sedan, coupe, or wagon. There aren’t many features that most of us would call luxurious on this car, but it sure looks nice at first glance. This 1967 Plymouth Belvedere II convertible is listed here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they’re asking $21,998, or you can make an offer. Thanks to Curvette for the topless tip!
This car doesn’t have power steering or power brakes, and it has a three-speed manual with a column shifter, which doesn’t seem to make it very luxurious to me. Sometimes, that’s a very good thing, though, given how overly-complicated new vehicles are. I’ve had endless trouble with the “media screen” system on my new car, and it’s already been replaced once under warranty. The next owner won’t have to worry about any of that nonsense here. This car is as analog as it gets, other than maybe the power convertible top.
The sixth-generation Belvedere series was made for only three model years: 1965, 1966, and 1967. The Belvedere I, Belvedere II, Satellite, not to forget the one most of us want, the GTX. You can see a few dings and other issues on the exterior of this car, and it appears to need a lot of work on the details. You probably noticed the slightly bent grille in the first photo, and the dented bumper in the photo above. The trunk is hard to gauge, condition-wise, but I’m betting there’s a lot of surface rust in there as well. This car is almost 60 years old now so it should have some surface rust by now. The underside looks as expected, other than for a new exhaust, which is already showing a lot of rust on the fasteners.
This theft-proof Belvedere II has a three-on-the-tree manual shifter, something I did not expect to see in this car. It brings me back to the era when buyers could pick and choose the features and options they wanted, rather than having them all lumped together in two or three packages. Even if you don’t want a free-range oat milk steamer in your new $85,000 black on black on black on black on black SUV, you have to get it as it’s part of the preferred package 2. The interior here looks good on first glance. The seats look perfect and have surely been recovered. The steering wheel is cracked in a few spots, and there’s a lot of surface rust in the cracks and crevices of this car. A lot. Maybe that’s a Florida thing, with it being wet and humid as much as it’s dry and sunny.
The engine is Plymouth’s 273-cu.in. OHV V8 with 180 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by the three-speed column-shifted manual sending power to the rear wheels, we have to guess that all is well, as the seller doesn’t mention the operating condition at all. $21,998 seems like a lot of cash for a car with this much going on in the details. If you’re a detail person like I am, this car needs a lot of work. If you like it for just driving around with the top down and shifting that three-on-the-tree, this is the car for you.
This has got to be some kind of Unicorn. I didn’t realize you could get a Belvidere II in a drop top. And the fact it was ordered with the 273 ( good engine) and a 3 speed on the column( lets face it folks, all you need in life is 3 speeds….. Slow… Medium… and fast…) Manual steering and brakes. Somebody was watching their checkbook very carefully. . I like this one as is. I’d check for rust and keep it at bay, but tgats about it. This is a really cool find Curvette. Enjoyed what has to be rare Belvidere drop top write up Scotty. Thanks!!!
Fun write-up SG on an unusually-equipped Plymouth. Doesn’t look bad. Any car with a three-on-the-tree is okay by me.
I agree with the discussion about option packages. The sentence “Even if you don’t want a free-range oat milk steamer in your new $85,000 black on black on black on black on black SUV, you have to get it as it’s part of the preferred package 2” is perhaps the most humorous, yet accurate, verbiage I’ve read in a long time.
I’m glad you pointed out Scottys line Bob. That was really funny, and I got a good laugh out of it, and whats ironic is, its true. “Option packages” sadly include a lot of what we may not want or need but have to pay for anyways.
-Dave
….options package….And have to repair when they crap out!!
It’s an interesting car, the lack of power steering and brakes are easy to deal with if a future owner so desires. Ditching the column is a bit more complicated, a 4spd or 5spd conversion can be expensive proposition depending on what parts are need to be sourced and who/where they come from. Floor shift columns can also be expensive. I know the idea of a 3spd column shifts has its share of fans in this site, but it more often than not acts as a repellent for potential buyers. I’ve never personally heard anyone I known over the last 40+ years say the words “I’d like to have a 3spd column shift car/truck”, but have known many that walked away from cars so equipped.
This will eventually find a buyer, but I’d bet this dealer would get more and sell it quicker if it had a different transmission.
Steve R
I would love to once again have a 3 on the tree shift. The problem was driving with your arm around your girl friend who was sitting very close to you (no seat belts). I became proficient at reaching with my left hand and shifting.
I taught my girlfriend to shift for me. 😉
Built in anti-theft device !
I would have to change the shifter had two cars with column shifters and I hated them Would probably change to a four or five speed to get better use of the small engine
The authors use of certain phrases is always a treat, but they actually have some merit. Unlike today, where car companies tell YOU what to drive, in the 60s, US cars were the epitome of choice. One could “personalize” a car any way they wanted, often with unusual combinations. I’m sure the salesperson told their fellow sales buddies about this one. By ’67, automatics had become almost standard equipment, but some folks still didn’t trust them, and were still a hefty option. At almost $200, the convertible took all their savings, apparently. Nice car, but needs an automatic.
I’m with you Scotty. It seems like a lot of cash for a vehicle with so much work needed. I also noted that there were a couple pictures showing carpet water damage and a rusted seat belt anchor, indicating water had gotten into the interior. Buyer beware.
Being old, that’s what used to be called standard shift. The automatic was an option, so this was standard equipment. This was the, “We have a convertible for under $3000 brand new!” Car on the lot. The bait car, but TBH, I’m hooked! I love everything about this. Except rust, dang it.
Cool car, wouldn’t change a thing, especially the 3 on a tree. Really enjoy shifting them.
Pricey, but its a market I know nothing about, and not many comparables.
Definitely cooler than our slant six 1966 Belvedere I wagon! Which ran great , until a drunk stepped out in front of it in 1975
I kind of wish i was in a position to get it, this is the last car i remember mt Dad owning when i was 11, that was the last time i saw him he later died when i was 15 he was 73 so reminiscing i guess i think it would be fun to just cruise
Credit to the seller for providing so many high quality pics. The car looks pretty decent overall, but both rear quarters look to have bondo, the left rear looks to have quite a bit. If I were interested, I’d take a good hard look at the rear quarters. $21k seems a bit high.
This is an interesting Belvedere. A reminder of what it was like when buying a car in the 60s.
needle in the haystack for sure dressed as is. be a good deal @15k
I agree with hairyolds estimation of $15K, max. Too much work.
Those of you who don’t “get” the 3 on the tree probably don’t remember 2968 when you crammed six people in their swimsuits in one of these, top down, cruising down the road. Impossible to do with a floor shifter.
If you want an overdrive, easiest fix is to install an online GearVendor over under.
They don’t make them for 3spd manual transmissions. Plus they start at $3,200 for the kits they do make.
Steve R
Very cool!! Nice it hasn’t been modified!!
Looks like a well cared for car but for that price I’d want a good grill…. ! Pretty sure the little 273 and standard 3 speed were the base for that model but I could be wrong.
I have a one that my Dad and I restored back in 99. He has since passed and his DNA is all over it, would never sell for sentimental reasons! Mine is a 383-2, B-5 blue there were only 1552 Belevedere II convertibles in 67, I actually have 2 others for parts. I counted one time that at least 30 cars donated parts to restore this baby. Back then after-market for a Belvedere was hard to come by, and much of the trim is still in that category. The 383-2 is much rarer than 383-4. The 3 on the tree would have to make this BD-II super rare, wouldn’t dare change it!!
My Dad bought a 67 Satellite and decided about a year later he needed a truck. I was 17, borrowed money from the bank to pay him so he could buy a truck. I wish I still had my Satellite, maroon, automatic, 318, no air. It had the silver frame around the sides. Very pretty car. It did have a problem the dealer never could solve. The lights had a habit of going out. Not good in the dark of night.