Chrysler spread some fantastic engines across its various marques, and Plymouth was no exception. This 1963 Belvedere features a 361ci V8 under the hood, promising excellent performance. However, that is just the start of the story, because the seller has invested a considerable sum into this classic’s mechanical components and interior, leaving little for the buyer to do than twist the key and head into the sunset. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Belvedere listed here on Craigslist in Brush Prairie, Washington. The seller set their price at $18,500 for this turnkey Plymouth.
Plymouth introduced a new generation of Belvedere in 1962. Chrysler heard rumors that other manufacturers were downsizing their volume-selling models and chose to follow suit. The latest Belvedere was smaller than its predecessor, and with fins now a distant memory, the new model looked more elegant and restrained. This 1963 example presents nicely as a survivor-grade classic, with its Ermine paint holding a warm shine. There are a few cosmetic imperfections that the buyer may choose to address, with its lack of apparent rust making it a prime candidate for a fresh coat of paint. As we delve further into what this car offers, many readers may find that approach appropriate. The trim and tinted glass are in good order, and the seller states that the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels are new.
Powering this Belvedere is Chrysler’s 361ci V8. The first owner teamed the V8 with a three-speed manual transmission, adding power-assisted steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. Plymouth quoted power and torque figures of 265hp and 380 ft/lbs for the 361, and with this Belvedere tipping the scales at a whisker over 3,400 lbs, its performance would be pretty impressive in a 1963 context. The seller indicates that this classic is numbers-matching and that they recently invested heavily to ensure it is mechanically sound. The brake, cooling, fuel, and steering systems received a complete rebuild, and the engine exhales through a new exhaust. A high-rise Edelbrock intake sits atop the 361, which the seller mated to a new Holley carburetor. The seller states that the Plymouth runs and drives exceptionally well, ready for more adventures with the new owner behind the wheel.
The seller’s cash splash didn’t end with this Plymouth’s mechanical components, because they treated the car to an interior retrim. The seatcovers look stunning in Blue, with the Belvedere featuring spotless matching door trims and carpet. The dash is crisp and clean, and this classic only reveals its age courtesy of deterioration visible on the gauge fascia. It isn’t lavishly equipped, but the AM radio features an automatic antenna.
With so much of the expensive work already complete, this 1963 Plymouth Belvedere appears only to require a fresh coat of paint to shine like a new penny. The lack of major panel imperfections and rust should make that process relatively straightforward, and one that the buyer could potentially tackle in a home workshop. Would you choose that option, or would preserving its survivor exterior be your preferred choice?
Iconically cool. Common talk here about having its theft deterrent as a stick shift, high dollar bet that the same applies to the push button selector on the dash.
Not flash-zap eye catching like an Imperial, this is a sedate sedan with just the right touches to be unique nowadays at what may be a decent price especially for Washington prices.
The 63 Plymouth was a crash effort to remedy the disastrous 62s. You all know the story about the chicken wing 62s. So I’ll get to my point. My parents actually BOUGHT a 62 Belvedere. It gave great service, but I hated it,partly because it replaced our 55 DeSoto Firedome. But it was so ugly and a downgrade. The instrument panel on the 63 was identical to 62,and IMO every bit as ugly as the body. As mentioned, it certainly didn’t have the class and panache of Imperial. Respectfully submitted on behalf of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT PRESERVATION SOCIETY.
I owned a 63 sport fury with the 3 on the tree, you could not get a 4 speed in 63.
1963 plymouth and dodge both had 4 speed available but was not properly advertised they even came with a hurst shifter
wrong I ordered my car from the dealer and asked about the 4 speed and they said it was nor available. So the dealer did not know what Chrysler offered..
A 4 speed was introduced in late 1963 – still a T-10….the 833 would come out in 1964.
All I know is I ordered one and could not get the 4 speed
I really like this except the column shift I have had two and I absolutely hated. them My sister and BIL live in WA and he is a Mopar man like me I’m sure I can talk him into going to look at it
You can easily change that column shift to a floor shift I have done a few
The “King”! Petty had incredible success with his ’63 Savoy, the last year for the 426 wedge. In ’64 he had even greater success with the new hemi, and consequently it was banned for ’65. Drag racing too, some of the 1st funny cars, with those half white/half black wheels( why did they do that?).
’63 was the 1st attempt at a “normal” looking Plymouth, as previous years were pretty hideous, this car turned a corner,,like hundreds of (LH) corners every Sunday. It sure paid off on Monday. Again with the column shift. It’s as if these people are blissfully unaware of the people out there today that can actually drive this. They sink a ton of money into the car and leave the column shift. Like taking a shower and putting dirty underwear back on, it’s the weakest link. Heck, at least convert it to the floor, for a shred of interest. Can’t dispute, it is a really sharp looking car. I read, about 157,000 Plymouths sold in 1962. In ’63, almost 250,000 were sold, 158,000, had V8s, more than all of ’62 cars. It was tough for Rambler/Studebaker (#4) to compete with Chrysler(#3).
A buddy of mine has the ‘63 with the 426 wedge. That car sounded so nice!
Wrong again Howard – the 426 wedge was available into 1965….paced the Indy 500 that year if you didn’t know….
I got to agree with Howard, did I just say that? Move the shifter to the floor. Better yet make it a four speed . Love those seats.
DREAM CAR!! Wish I both lived closer and could write a check. Super toy, quick, roadable, and light.
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the 1962-64 Plymouth Belvedere. If only more pics were posted of this car. I like to see as much of a car as possible.
Right you are, Peter. For an east coast denizen like me, Washington state cars are too far away. FWIW, I am in the contingent that actually prefers the manual three speed on the column. I wouldn’t consider switching to a floor shift. If this car was closer to me I’d be making an offer. GLWTS.
I had a black one with red int!
I learned show to drive a stick shift on a 1972 Volkswagen bus, I was 19. The bus had a sloppy shifter and I had a hard time finding 1st gear from 3rd or 4th. I finally would go to 2nd a straight forward to 1st. I have owned many manual transmissions since and no problem. Howard A, I’m very proud that 2 out of my 4 kids and my 14 year old grandson can drive manual transmissions. The 14 year old’s mother, my daughter can drive a manual.
I like it alot. I was looking atv the pictures before reading the text. And saw NO PUSH BUTTONS FOR A TORQUE FLITE!! I like the fact that it is a manual gear box. If I owned it. I would be”tempted” to install a 4 speed. Please notice I said tempted. Great car for a reasonable price.
A car is original only once when you make modifications it is no longer original. I was wrong with the new manifold and carb it is no longer original
People mentioned converting it to a 4-speed, but IMO if you’re going through the effort, convert it to a 5-speed (or 6-speed) to get the overdrive.
Anybody ever seen an OEM Chrysler 4-speed shifter? Huge, high, and imposing.
Yes I know what your saying about the 1966 up to 1969….earlier to 1965 had a neat S shaped floor shift in the B and C bodies….we won’t talk about the 1970 up….
My first car was a 64 Belvedere w 318. I was looking for the push buttons on the dash and didn’t see them. Enlarging the only dash photo provided in the ad, I see them diagonally stacked on the right side of the cluster. My 64 had them vertically stacked on the far left side of the dash, along with the park lever. The lever had to be in the “up” position to push the buttons (down position locks the buttons).
Because down was park!
Buttons on the right side for HVAC. UP AND DOWN LEVER (MATCHING THE PARK ON THE OTHER SIDE IF AUTOMATIC) Is for temperature regulation.
You are correct. Lever down was “Park”, lever up was “Neutral”. There was also a neutral button. When you came to a stop (such as in your driveway) you simply push the lever down and the “Drive” button (or reverse button if you were backing up) popped back out. I remember it well.
“Ermine paint” ? its a cheapo primer paint !
I ordered a sport fury with the 383 4V and could not get the 4 speed. Like I said I ordered it from the factory and the dealer checked and no 4 speed,