Owning a Station Wagon often means striking a compromise between practicality and performance, but must that always be the case? The answer is a resounding “no” if the Wagon is this 1963 Plymouth Belvedere. Its interior offers enough space to swallow a large family, but the original V8 under the hood makes it a genuine performance classic. It recently emerged after decades in hiding and needs to find a new home with an enthusiast willing and able to return it to its former glory. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Fountain, Colorado. Bidding has raced past the reserve and currently sits at $6,100.

This Belvedere has been part of the same family since it rolled off the lot and spent its time in a dry, salt-free climate. That makes the baked Code P Red paint and surface corrosion unsurprising. However, those seeking a straightforward project will rejoice that this small section in the passenger-side lower rear quarter panel is the only penetrating rust. The remaining prone lower extremities are clean, and the underside shot confirms the floors are rock-solid. The panels are straight, and while the paint is tired, the trim looks excellent. The chrome roof rack is a practical feature, as is the power back window. The remaining glass is spotless, and the longer I examine the photos, the more I wonder whether the winning bidder might address the rust spot but then opt for preservation over restoration. It would undoubtedly attract attention in both forms, but leaving it largely untouched would place less stress on the bank account.

This Wagon’s interior is a mixed bag, but there’s no escaping the fact it will eventually require a complete retrim. Some objects, like the visors and back seat, wear protective plastic covers. However, many upholstered surfaces have succumbed to age and harsh UV rays. It is serviceable but at a point where the deterioration will accelerate with ongoing use. Recapturing its lost youth won’t be cheap, but the results should be worthwhile. It is also worth remembering that a refreshed interior should continue to present well for many decades if treated respectfully. Enthusiasts with large families could find this classic irresistible because its practicality increases courtesy of the original owner’s decision to order it with third-row seating. That leaves room for eight people…or six, and a mountain of luggage! The seller states everything works as it should, including all gauges, lights, and the factory AM radio.

Plymouth only offered V8 engines to Belvedere Wagon buyers in 1963, and any of them provided plenty of power. However, the original owner of this classic went straight to the top of the class by selecting the 383ci “Golden Commando” version that placed 330hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal. They decided that shifting duties should fall to a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes making light work of the driving experience. This Wagon tips the scales at 3,870 lbs, but its ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds makes it a genuine muscle wagon. Compromise? What’s that? The seller states the original owners placed the Belvedere in storage in 1999, and it only recently emerged from hiding. They replaced the tires and the battery and performed an oil change. The V8 produces no smoke or odd noises, has plenty of power, and the transmission shifts smoothly. They drive the car locally but recommend a complete inspection and the replacement of the belts and hoses before attempting any long journeys. That sounds like wise counsel.

We are often told that we should learn to compromise, but there must be exceptions to every rule. This 1963 Belvedere Station Wagon could represent one of those moments. Plymouth produced 84,660 Belvederes across all derivatives in 1963, but only 4,012 buyers selected a V8 Wagon with third-row seating. How many survive is unclear, but the rust problems suffered by many could make this a rare beast worthy of restoration. Are you up for the challenge?