Chrysler designer Virgil Exner began modernizing the appearance of the company’s products in 1955. The “Forward Look” cars were longer and lower than before, setting the stage for the restyle in 1957 that would set the automobiles apart. The Belvedere was the top-of-the-line car at Plymouth in those days, including this 2-door sedan from 1955 that was found in a barn. Its body looks in decent shape for the experience, but it’s far from running with engine parts missing. Located near Austin, Texas, this old Mopar is reasonably priced at $1,600 OBO here on craigslist for anyone wanting a restoration project. Thanks to fellow Barn Finds writer, Adam Clarke, for another great tip!

There were three primary model lines at Plymouth in 1955: the entry-level Plaza, the mid-line Savoy, and the more upscale Belvedere. The latter could be identified by its higher level of trim both inside and outside of the car. Because the machines were longer than their predecessors, Plymouth had to extend the length of the production lines at its Detroit plant by sixty-seven feet to accommodate the changes. The company would go on to build 705,455 cars in 1955 of which 41,645 would be the Belvedere Club Sedan like the seller’s car, equipped with a six-cylinder engine (V8s were optional).

The seller likely discovered this ’55 Belvedere in a barn. Some photos show it in the darkness with flat tires and tons of dirt and dust. Others show it outdoors having received a bath at a minimum, along with a set of mag wheels with inflated tires (both sets of wheels come with the car). There doesn’t appear to be any visible rust on the car, but you shouldn’t be surprised to find any when digging into the project. The entire car wears an older coat of primer red and traces of the car’s original color – white – can be found when you pop the hood or look at the interior. There may be issues with the driver’s side window.

Although the seller says it has an eight-cylinder, a partially disassembled six looks to be under the hood. If original, that would be a 230 cubic-inch inline L-head motor with a cast-iron block. Because the compression ratios back then were low (7.4:1), the horsepower rating from the factory would have been only 117. We’re told this car has an automatic transmission, which would have been a $165 option in 1955. The odometer is said to be broken, so we don’t know how many miles this old car has seen. Also, the title is missing, so the buyer will have to accept a bill of sale.

The 1955-56 models don’t seem to command the same money that the 1957-59 models do. Hagerty estimates a ’55 Belvedere in top condition to be a car worth in the high teens. Although the seller is not asking crazy money, bodywork, paint, a new interior, and an unknown amount of mechanical work will add up quickly, but it will be a car you can drive that is seldom seen today, except perhaps in Plymouth circles.