The Belvedere filled several roles within the Plymouth line-up between 1954-70. It took over the position as the brand’s intermediate beginning in 1965. Three trim levels were offered with the Belvedere II being the middle offering which the seller’s sporty 2-door hardtop represents. From what we can tell, this ’65 edition is largely original except for an engine swap to the mighty 426 cubic-inch Wedge V8. Located in Livermore, California, this Plymouth is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $25,100, but the reserve is still outstanding.
Chrysler made a strategic decision to downsize its larger Dodges and Plymouth for 1962 when some bad intel told them Chevrolet was going that route. So, for the next couple of years, they were at a big disadvantage by peddling intermediates as full-size cars. That was corrected by 1965 and the Fury had taken a growth spurt, leaving the mid-size sector to the Belvedere.
This ’65 Belvedere II is said to be cosmetically original, wearing its factory blue (with a hint of turquoise) paint. It has a few little nicks and chips which you would expect after 56 years. All the chrome and stainless trim all present well as does the undercarriage which was undercoated at the assembly plant. We’re told there is no rust on the car even though the seller has been looking carefully. The interior is original and well-preserved, with a bench seat as opposed to buckets that you’d find in the car’s upscale brother, the Belvedere Satellite.
The car was built with a 361 V8 that should have been rated at 265 hp. In its place now is the 426 Wedge, but we don’t know the vintage year of that motor. Both engines were attached to the same 4-speed manual transmission and the seller says the car runs and shifts well. New to the Plymouth are its Max Wedge exhaust manifolds, exhaust system, brakes, battery, and American racing mag wheels with period-correct tires.
Surprising (at least to me) is that these mid-1960s Plymouths aren’t worth more. A ’65 Satellite (a fancy Belvedere) tops out at $24,000 according to Hagerty, but the Wedge – even though not original – should add a nice premium. This is an auction to follow if for no other reason than to see how much folks are willing to pay for adding this beautiful car to their automotive harem.
I think it’s stated as a 426 Street Wedge on the Ebay listing, not a Hemi.
My bad. Hemi on the brain. Corrected.
It’s a very nice car but it’s not a Hemi, it’s a Wedge.
Oops. Corrected. Sorry.
Russ, The ad says the motor is a 426 street wedge, not a Hemi. 426 street wedge is a cousin of the “RB” series 413 and 440 motors. Hemi is a whole different story. You can see the difference from 15 feet. A Hemi has the spark plugs in the middle of the valve covers, this one doesn’t.
For the record, I own six old Chevys, but I also have a 65 Belvedere. That drives both sides crazy.
My mistake. When I hear/see 426, my head goes to Hemi. This posting has been corrected. Thanks!
The engine in the photo is not a Hemi. who is proof-reading this site ????
A total error on my part. When I hear/see 426, my brain automatically goes to Hemi. This posting has been corrected. Thanks!
Russ, don’t sweat it. Most people hear 426 and assume Hemi. No need to answer more than one guy, they need to read the comments first
Nice car. Last time the car was listed for auction the high bid was $35,600 without meeting reserve. That’s not surprising, if it’s nice as it looks someone out there will be willing to pay more.
Steve R
FYI. The spark plugs go through the valve covers on a hemi…….
426 does not equate to hemi alone, air cleaner gave that away…again do your research, or at least read the ad…yes imma frickin Mopar expert…
1000 pardons. When I hear/see 426, my brain goes to Hemi. This posting has been corrected. Thanks!
Tough crowd today Russ.
Lighten up Ray
I believe you could have special ordered a 426 wedge. The Belvedere did have the 383 as an option too, called the “Commando” V8. You could get a slant 6 and 318 too. The Satellite had bucket seats as well, unlike this car.
I truly believe Russ has come to grips with his error on the Hemi thing, lol! Give him a break.
A car of many hats as they say. With white walls and wheel covers it’s Ward Cleavors family car, steelies in two tone paint it tranforms into a decent police car, rusted out with four different wheels and its target practice, but….with those American mags and roaring dual exhaust its the ultimate Mopar street machine. The 426 wedge backs its play. Great ride.
Thanks Troy. People lighten up Russ hasn’t left Kansas yet. He’s not a machine he’s do a boo boo once in awhile . Chill have cold one and smoke it if you got it.
Geez, do these gas pumps still work?! Or could this be inside some big museum/private car collection?
Not sure if this is outside! …
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/fUsAAOSwBmZg-cof/s-l1600.jpg
It seems each month i find another local corner gas station closed.
A lot less in town gas stations(& new car dealers & repair shops) these days for a ton more motorists, compared to back in the day.
After many years in an all-boys Catholic school I never thought I’d want a Wedg-e again.
A lot of noise here with very little signal. For the uninitiated folks, why is it called a “Wedge”? I know the HEMI-spherical head story and I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I don’t have that right.
Frank,
With the advent of the 426 Hemi a few years later, it became important to use a similar term like the word “Hemi” to describe the older 426. That “Hemi” word described the combustion chamber of that later engine very well.
The Wedge 426 had a combustion chamber, that when viewed from the side [like the hemi view], it showed a definite “Wedge” shape. Hence the name. It’s as simple as that!
Here’s a Chrysler Corporation page that shows all 4 of the common combustion chamber designs:
https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-8c687e789e5cad803fd98eab2c01f1d7
You’re joking right, it’s designated as wedge for the shape of the combustion chamber, But of course you knew that. it’s a very nice, well kept car, a might too high priced but probably worth it if it checks out in person .
Chill out
“Thanks” to one of you.
Very nice car. Well done.
Hey Russ, in case nobody’s mentioned it, it’s a Wedge, not a Hemi. :)
So the Hemi thing was a goof. It is still a great machine and if it had the 361 in it, it would be even better.
The 426 Street Wedge had a well-earned reputation as a pooch. The 383s were quicker. Exhaust manifolds notwithstanding, this engine is a far cry from a Max Wedge.
The swapped engine does nothing for the car’s value in my estimation… it’s still a 361 car. A very nice 361 car, but $30K seems steep.
Valentine, you’re exactly correct. I beat one or two of them with my mother’s 383 Dodge Coronet when I started driving (and street racing) in 1969. I never knew why Mopar, who was known for engineering, built the 426 street wedge. As you say, even most Mopar types admit that it’s a turkey.
I’m 100% sure my 65 383 Belvedere (with a few hard to spot modifications) would kill this one on a drag strip. This one’s a nice car, but you’re right about the car being more desirable with the original 361. If you’re going to change the motor, the only thing that makes this one is more valuable is a 426 Max Wedge or Hemi.
IMO and it’s only my opinion, I think there should be some curtailing of negative comments regarding the writers. I think they do a great job writing and if we think we can do a better job then we need to apply to become one. Personally, I am not up to the task and appreciate all of the Barn Finds’ writers who are.
Sold with a high bid of $40,000 with 76 bids among 18 bidders.
Steve R