- Seller: Randy V
- Location: Placerville, California
- Mileage: 65,749 Shown
- Chassis #: RH41E65145120
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 318ci V8 2-bbl
- Transmission: Automatic
Finding an appropriate classic to preserve or as the base for a project build is often challenging. Buyers can wade through dozens of candidates, but none seem to tick the boxes. That is where this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II fits into the equation. It is a two-owner survivor that has avoided the rust problems that sometimes beset these cars. Its odometer shows 65,700 genuine miles, and the V8 under the hood blesses it with excellent performance. The owner feels it is time for it to find a new home, listing the Plymouth exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Plymouth downsized many of its models in 1962, with the Belvedere range becoming intermediate vehicles. It performed a significant styling update in 1965, with our feature Belvedere II rolling off the line the following year. This classic is a genuine survivor with a known history. The current owner’s father purchased it from the original owner over thirty years ago, preserving the car remarkably well. Its Citron Gold paint doesn’t possess a mirror shine but retains the warm glow only found on genuine survivors of this vintage. The paint and panels sport a few minor bumps and blemishes, leaving the buyer with a couple of options. Continuing to protect its survivor status via ongoing preservation is possible. However, performing a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward and rewarding. A critical factor for potential buyers to consider is that this Plymouth has spent its days in California. That state’s climate is renowned for protecting classic steel, and this garage-kept survivor benefits from that. The panels are clean, and scrolling through the image gallery confirms that the floors and rails are rock-solid. There are no glass issues, and the trim looks excellent for its age.
Buyers could order a 1966 Belvedere II with the venerable 225ci slant-six under the hood, but tempting alternatives were available for those seeking better performance from their new purchase. This car’s first owner obviously felt that way, selecting the 318ci V8, producing 230hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission but passed on options like power assistance for the steering and brakes. This Belvedere II is a bit of a sleeper because it provides performance that shows cars like the Falcon Futura Sports Coupe a clean set of heels. The owner’s father was its custodian for over thirty years, and as an auto mechanic, he kept the Plymouth meticulously maintained. That is another reason to preserve a classic that is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Interior trim and upholstery tell the story of a classic’s life better than any other aspect. Mistreatment and abuse reveal itself via rips, splits, stains, and other problems. Those aren’t a consideration with this Belvedere II because there is little to criticize. The seatcovers and door trims are excellent, with the two-tone Green cloth and vinyl spotlessly clean. The carpet has no significant wear, and the painted surfaces are crisp and clean. The dash is in excellent condition, with the pad crack-free and the gauges featuring clear lenses and markings. A wrap protects the wheel and is the only aftermarket addition. The winning bidder won’t receive air conditioning, but they do score an AM radio. The owner confirms that it and every light and gauge work as they should.
There is something undeniably attractive about buying an original survivor produced by a manufacturer that has passed into the pages of automotive history. That is why many enthusiasts focus on cars that rolled off the line wearing Pontiac and Mercury badges. The same is true for this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II. It offers the added advantage of being an unrestored and rock-solid survivor that the winning bidder could preserve. It is practical, increasing its attractiveness to potential buyers with a young family seeking an affordable car to park in their garage. It would be worth submitting a bid if you fall into that category. It is, even if you don’t, because you could be the person who preserves a slice of American motoring history.
Bid On This Auction
Ambulate63 bid $3,558.00 2024-07-03 13:08:35
Tazalley bid $3,100.00 2024-07-03 11:27:35
Blackplates bid $2,800.00 2024-07-03 09:09:18
oldstuff bid $2,500.00 2024-07-02 13:21:29
I have an affection for these. We had a 67, and it was the car I learned to drove in and the car in which I had my first date. This one looks more solid as I remember the lower parts of the rear fenders of ours consisted of chicken wire and bondo.
My first car as well paid $50. And my first date in it double date actually. Matter of fact the night we were to pick up the girls the battery went dead so we went and opened a hood and took the battery out many cars then didn’t have locked hoods. I feel horrible today but at the time 16 years old no conscience. Used to fill it up every Friday for $7 in 76’
Back seats look great. What about the front ones?
My grandparent’s first car was a new 67 Belvedere, almost exactly the same car. They got the 318 2bbl automatic, with factory A/C and an AM radio, power steering, maybe power brakes, no other options. It was an off white, with a black vinyl interior. It got an oil change every 1500 miles, so that 318 must’ve been as good as new even after 100,000 miles. It was stolen from there they lived in the Bronx, NY some time in 1981 or 82, never to be seen again.
front seats are in as great of shape as the rear. no tears or stains
In ’66 you could get the Belvedere II with ‘LA’ motors in 273 and 318.
One source I have is that some 1967 vehicles had the old Poly “A” and others had the new for that year “LA” 318. The 273 LA made its debut in 1964. This Belvedere would have the Poly.
It’s so refreshing to see these coming out of the woodwork. While popular with police, yep, Adam-12, for most, this was just a basic family car. Again, dry climates is the only place you’ll find one, as when they rusted, simply wee junked and replaced, usually driven to the junkyard. At around $2600 new, over 190,000 Belvederes were sold new. One apparently survived. Great find for someone that wants a classic car, so-so mileage, but like said, gas consumption on a car like this isn’t an issue. You’ll get plenty of thumbs up from gray, or no hairs that threw up in the back seat as a kid in a car like this, guaranteed.
Threw up in the back of my parents ’69 Bonneville. Never drank OJ and chocolate milk at the same meal again!
Beautiful looking car. I hope it goes to a good owner.
Don’t know what most of the upholstery looks like with only just a fraction of the rear seat provided. If the most important part (the front) is absent it makes you want to ask why. Maybe there’s a link with more that I missed
I just submitted a picture of the front seat that shows it is in excellent condition. Hope it will show up on the site soon,
We’ve added the photo of the front seat to the photo gallery.
This one has the 318 Poly….it still found it’s way into 1967 cars and trucks
Owner is seeking $7500.00.
This 318, as with all 1966 318s, is a poly. The only LA engine in 1966 was the 273, and that is the most common V8 in ’66 B-bodies, which makes this car rather unique.
The 318 moved to the LA block in ’67 except in Canada, where they exhausted the supplies of A-block poly 318s.
That trim is a matching gold, not green, although Citron Gold and its matching interior trim do have a hint of green in them.
Very strong cars, several years ago our family inherited a coupe like this. We did lots of driving in it. One of my sisters even swerved to avoid a deer and put it on it’s top. She and the girl who was with her came out without a scratch,
We dove it for a couple of more years. I am not sure how better off you would be now if you did this in your 2024 Whizmobile with all the latest safety features.