This 1959 Plymouth Belvedere underwent a restoration approximately thirty years ago. The seller feels it deserves a repeat performance, although its respectable presentation and lack of significant rust means that the work could proceed at the buyer’s leisure. It runs and drives perfectly, making up for its lack of outright performance with its sheer physical presence. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Belvedere listed here on Craigslist in New Britain, Connecticut. The seller set their price at $17,000 for this promising project.
Plymouth introduced a significantly updated Belvedere range in 1957, with that generation remaining on sale until the end of 1959. There is no mistaking Virgil Exner’s hand in the styling, from its low body lines to the enormous fins. This final year example underwent a restoration around thirty years ago, and it appears to be a prime candidate for a cosmetic refresh. The color combination of Silver Gray and Iceberg White is classy, but the darker shade is developing the patchiness that is often a hallmark of age. However, the panels are straight, and there is only minor panel rust requiring attention. The seller states that the frame carries dry scale, but it and the floors are rock-solid. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade build, as does the glass.
It would be fair to describe this Belvedere’s mechanical specifications as entry-level. Its engine bay houses a 230ci flathead six producing 132hp and 205 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The acceleration will be quite leisurely, but I don’t see that as a problem in a world where life is moving at a constantly increasing pace. However, those with an eye on improvement would have no trouble substituting a V8s in place of the flathead. The buyer could take their time with such decisions because this classic runs and drives perfectly. The engine kicks into life immediately, the three-speed shifts smoothly, and the seller includes a range of documentation that will greatly enhance its appeal. The new owner receives the original Bill of Sale, Service Manual, and a selection of invoices and receipts for work performed over the years.
It would be fair to classify this Plymouth’s interior as serviceable, and perfectionists will probably view a retrim as a long-term goal. The front seat base features an aftermarket cover, but the remaining upholstered surfaces feature their original vinyl. It would be worth cleaning everything before spending money on replacement parts because a few hours of hard graft with modern cleaning products might yield positive results. There are aftermarket gauges visible in some shots, but every factory item, from the gauges to the radio, works as they should.
This 1959 Plymouth Belvedere isn’t perfect, but is a turnkey classic the new owner can enjoy immediately as they contemplate their plans for it. A faithful restoration would seem an obvious choice, although sliding something more potent into the engine bay would improve its performance markedly. If you long for the days when fins were king, maybe you should give this Plymouth more than a passing glance.
(IMO) This is one of the most awkward looking two door cars ever, with the four door greenhouse. Otherwise, it looks like a good candidate for a refresh at the new owner’s discretion. GLWTS!! :-)
Generally, people aren’t that year savvy when it comes to cars in movies, and this surely strikes a “Christine” chord with anyone that doesn’t know. Never saw that hack, Christine was a ’58, and close enough.
This here was one basic car, but not totally devoid of options though. Mechanically they knew nothing and skimped on, but I bet many trim and interior boxes were checked. I too always laughed at how the 2 door looked just like the 4 door, only no back doors. This car cost about $2500 new, the automatic was still an expensive option then, pushing it closer to $3grand, so the 3 speed was still the norm. This was a “go to the factory at 5am, tavern by 3pm” car, with no intent of highway travel. Has a snowballs chance in Hades without an automatic. Yep, I must get that in there because it’s true.
I LOVE the 59 Plymouths. The “older restoration” certainly seems long faded on this old gal.
It’s basically a high #4 post car, low trim level, in a color that isn’t all that sexy. The 6-banger doesn’t help it, and personally the manual transmission doesn’t help it either.
But, the Scandinavians love this stuff, and will probably pay that much for it.
Nice for $3,000, not $17,000.
Steve R
I didn’t even notice the four door style roof until it was mentioned. It’s probably helped by the pillars being so skinny. Face it, a roof like like this on a modern sedan would be called coupe style. Visibility is probably great anyway. But I would have to put something more potent under the hood. Can you move the shifter to the floor ?
I think someone removed the rear door handles.
Nope. It left the factory with only two door handles. It just has a way different roofline then antwo.door hardtop. This kept most folks heading over to the box that said two door hardtop. It looks better as a four door, but Plymouth figured that you have to start somewhere, and this was the best way to push the much better looking hardtop. They did sell a bunch of the four door sedans.
As a long time fan of Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler Corp, The fins bear a strong resemblance to the 1960 Imperial. COLLECTIBLE AUTOMOBILE ran a feature on Chrysler styling in the 50s. A great read. 👍 This Belvedere seems relatively calm compared to 1961 Plymouth. FURY iuosly love the era of OTT excessive chromed luxury and flying FINS!
Could be a very fun car. I would have bet my estate it was a 4-door at first glance. It seems to me it has a very optimistic seller. Seventeen grand with the condition and that dynamite engine, I am sorry I meant to say you need to dynamite the engine
There are always seems to be two camps commenting on cars like these. Gotta have an automatic or manual is fine with me. Put me in the second category. As to retaining the flattie; I say: Yes! I am betting that this car gets its share of attention at cars and coffee from geezers like me and they will appreciate that the car has kept the running gear that it left the factory with. GLWTS
I do like the flat 6’s. I had a 51 Plymouth and a 46 Dodge 1 ton pickup when I was much younger. They’re good engines, and now as an “old” man (still feel fairly young), there isn’t as much need for speed, especially with drum brakes. Wait, they stop fine too if not fading while traveling down a long hill. It all depends where you live, as far as manual trans versus automatic. The four way stop signs in Philadelphia are less “fun” with constant shifting, but okay for the country. Too much $ for this one though, as mentioned.
Had a neighbor who had this exact car in green. He drove the wheels off of it for years, much of the time with beekeeping equipment and full honey frames to bring to his extractor. It served him well until there was no way to outwit the rust any longer (although a reinforcing wood floor for the trunk helped the cause.) The mechanicals proved to be indestructible as well they should have, being the same as a half-ton Dodge pickup would have had. My vote is to freshen the restoration and enjoy it as-is.
My Dad had the 57 Plaza and the push-button transmission where owners manual instructed you to select Neutral when stopped. It often failed in the middle of an intersection requiring driver to whip out a screwdriver and put the button back on. The torsion bar suspension broke twice costing several hundred to repair. Car rusted out so completely within THREE YEARS in Detroit Michigan weather that it was dangerous. Sold for $200. My dad loved the marque before realizing his dream of his first ever brand new car. Incredibly disillusioned, he never bought Chrysler product again.
Needs a 413
In 1961, my dad wanted to purchase a ’59 Plymouth wagon. The rest of the family talked him out of it and he bought a ’59 Ford (a much nicer-looking car). The Ford broke down on the way to Tahoe the next summer, but that’s another story.
Did this car get sold or something? ”Cause I clicked on the Craigslist link and it said the owner deleted it or something like that.