Driving any vehicle cross-country on Route 66 would be fun, but taking a car like this 1954 Plymouth Belvedere would be a dream. That’s exactly the route the seller took with this mind-blowing 44,200-mile sedan when they bought it from a dealer in Michigan back in 2018. They now have it posted here on craigslist in, oddly enough, the Belvedere/Tiburon, California area (just north of San Francisco) for $16,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
We always ask that folks click on the eBay or Craigslist links to see the photos and descriptions, but this is one case when I’m begging you to do that. The seller’s description is impressive, and their photos are some of the best to ever be on Craig Newark’s company since he founded Craigslist exactly 30 years ago in 1995. I’m serious, this is one very nice car, and the listing is a top ten, maybe of all time.
The first-generation Belvedere came out in 1954 as its own model, and that’s literally the only year the first-gen cars were made, just for the 1954 model year. That’s pretty rare, but Plymouth has a habit of making short runs, and I think that’s pretty interesting. They came in a two-door hardtop and a four-door sedan, as seen here, and also a four-door wagon and a two-door convertible. For just one model year, that’s impressive. In case you were wondering what the trunk looked like inside, here it is. Wow.
The seats aren’t what would have been available in 1954, and the seller says the interior was refurbished in 1995 at the same time the body was repainted. So, no survivor status here. I’d much rather have seen it in original condition, but that’s just me. That being said, it was reportedly sitting in a Chrysler dealership for years when the seller bought it in 2018. I can see why, original or not, it’s gorgeous.
The engine is Chrysler’s 230-cu.in. L-head inline-six with 110 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque when new. This one is backed by a two-speed automatic that Chrysler referred to as a PowerFlite transmission with no clutch. The seller says it runs and drives beautifully, starts every time, and was converted to a 12-volt system using later Mopar parts. It’s priced at Hagerty’s #2 excellent condition valuation – how much would you pay for this gorgeous Belvedere sedan? Better yet, have any of you ever driven at least part of Route 66?
Another premium find by Tony Primo!
Nice condition, nice color and the interior is impressive for a ’50s “low-priced Three” car. But I’m having a hard time trying to think of who would pay $16k for it. Is there any nostalgia for these? Dowdy styling, slow, no power assisted anything (it does have the PowerFlite at least) and a 4-door to boot. $8k would seem more realistic given the small market and the few auction comp prices out there.
If you were going to spend money on a mid-50s Plymouth, why not a ’55 which could be had with a V8? Or better yet, a ’56 Fury? I just don’t see $16k of appeal here.
I see power steering, which is quite rare on one of these.
I forgot to mention that, Pete! Thanks for catching that. I believe it came out on the ’52 Imperials and other top Chryslers? You are so right that on a six-cylinder Plymouth, it has to be rare, unless it was added later? In any case, it’s a very welcome feature.
I cannot remember the last time I was aware of $16,000 buying so much beauty, unless someone doesn’t like all that blue.
Didn’t Steve McQueen drive a blue 53 convertible in The Blob?
Very nice Plymouth! 1953 and 1954 were the NICE looking Plymouths of the 1950s. 1950-1952 were dowdy-looking, and 1955-1959 were insanely UGLY, to my eyes: I utterly HATED THE mopar “Forwark Look”!!! The 1955 Dodge was okay, but 1956 and later, no. The 1954 Plymouth was rhe last NORMAL-looking one, untul 1965. Oh well… I would love to have this one, had it not been modified to 12 volts and given non-original seat upholstery. Pretty car!
Great car, I’m willing to forgive its faults except the wipers would have to work here in rainy Oregon; and I’d probably pay $10k. The seller’s price is on the high side.