While 1966 didn’t bring anything particularly innovative to Plymouth’s intermediate-sized Belvedere in terms of styling compared to the previous year, it was indeed a very exciting period for performance, as that’s when the 426 Hemi first became available for public consumption. The Belvedere was a popular offering during this time and was available in a variety of trim levels, but with the high price of choosing a street Hemi, few would-be buyers could justify the substantial extra cost the 426 added to the car’s bottom line. Fortunately, the original owner of this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II was one of those customers with deep enough pockets, and this B-Body still flaunts the original engine under the hood. Located in Roxboro, North Carolina, this powerful Mopar is listed here on Hemmings, where the seller is asking $100,000. Great find, Curvette, and thanks for sending in the tip here!
Some of the background information provided includes that this one was restored in the late nineties, and that many NOS parts were used during the process. However, details start to fade from here, and it’s not reported what sort of body or undercarriage work was performed to get this Belvedere II into the solid condition it appears to be in now. Considering it may be close to three decades since the restoration took place, this Plymouth seems to have held up nicely, so there’s probably no reason to think the work was anything other than top-notch.
Though the 426 eventually received a meaner-looking air cleaner, there’s something about the chrome round unit covering the pair of quads on the early cars that’s just magical in appearance, at least in my eyes. Some really good news here is that the seller reports this is still the original engine in the compartment, and finding it attached to a 4-speed manual transmission will bring a smile to the face of just about any Mopar enthusiast. Apparently, just 1,664 miles have been driven since the restoration was completed, so this one’s seen very limited use during the present century.
Flaws from the interior are few and far between, and I’ve always been a fan of Hemi cars that feature a bench seat! The odometer currently reads 75,224 miles, and the seller believes it’s original as far as can be determined. I think it’s a given that this one ticks all the right boxes, and the overall condition speaks for itself, with little to find fault with inside or out. What I’m most curious about is seeing how long it will take to find a buyer in today’s marketplace at or near the seller’s asking price. What are your thoughts on this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Hemi?
Uuuf, that’s gorgeous! Nice one, Mike, and nice find, Curvette. Come on, Powerball…
Fortunately, the ad shows that this Belvedere is legit, which would have been my first concern.
My only other concern is the price. I’m sure that’s what a Mopar so equipped and in top condition would sell for, but it means the next owner won’t be likely to take it out on the road much, and certainly won’t be indulging in the kind of hijinks it deserves….
It’s been for sale for awhile – even featured on here….one other piece of ID would be the rginal owners Certificard – which is in a plastic pouch snapped into the radiator support on these early cards….if it’s still there. GM had the simular – taped to the glove box owners manual.
I’m an old man, if I could afford a ride like this I would drive it every day for the remainder of my days and enjoy the hell out of it!
That is absolutely the best way to the great beyond
A holy grail for lots of people.
Stunning machine. It is a shame it most probably won’t find its way to the streets where it longs to be.
Hemi, 4 spd, bench seat, no a/c … almost heaven. So nice to see in this body.
What a beauty! $100k is probably a fair price. Was power steering available on Hemi cars? Parallel parking this beauty would be like a trip to the gym, but it would be fun to ‘exercise’ this Hemi. GLWTS
I’ll bet a lot of GTO and SS396 owners were surprised when the got their clocks cleaned by a plain Jane Belvedere when these came out. 390 GT Fairlanes were hiding from the GTOs and chevelles so they weren’t even in the game. A 427/425 Vette was about the only competition for the street Hemi in ‘66 unless you ran across a Cobra. This car to me is worth the asking price.
The Corvettes were so very fast on the streets. Steep gears, great motors, liteweight bullets Curvette. Keep up the good work on all the finds 👍
I’m a GM guy, through and through.
Having said that, this is one Mopar car that I would love to have in my garage!
However the asking price is out of my snack bracket.
Had i been the original owner , i would have done ANYthing to make it comfortable and to NOT look like a Taxi cab inside , why people go for park benches in their muscle cars , i will never understand .
You clearly aren’t familiar with 60s taxis. This car it pretty damned deluxe.
easier to slide your girlfriend over next to you.
Buckets are heavier than a bench.
very cool and rare for sure. if the seller waits long enough, he will find a taker.
Beautiful Belvedere for sure. I would just think for the price little details like the trunk area being fully completed, jack decal, spare tire, jack, would have been done as well.
The listing states Roxboro, NC. It appears it has Maryland Historic Tags ?
Major tire shredder for sure!! A street hemi made for the strip!!