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Original 383 V8: 1966 Plymouth Belvedere

The Belvedere nameplate was a Plymouth staple from 1954-70. During most of the 1960s, it was the company’s mid-size entry. The car received styling changes in 1966 that gave it a more square, angular look. The Belvedere I was the entry-level model, Belvedere II the mid-level, and the Satellite was the top trim level. Because the seller’s car is a 2-door hardtop, we believe it’s a Belvedere II and comes with a numbers-matching drivetrain. Located in Florence, Colorado, it’s going to need some cosmetic attention at a minimum. The car is available here on craigslist for $10,000 OBO.

Plymouth production for 1966 included 36,644 Belvedere II 2-door hardtops, so the seller’s car was not rare when new. Though the Slant-Six and 318 V8 were common choices, the seller’s car came with the 383 cubic-inch “Commando” V8 engine. We don’t know if a 2 or 4-barrel carburetor was part of the purchase. This car is said to have just 57,000 miles on the odometer which would suggest the engine or TorqueFlite automatic have never been gone into, but that’s just speculation. No mention is made of the car’s running condition and a rag around where the water pump resides would tell you it probably doesn’t.

The seller describes this as a project car, which certainly applies to the body, paint, and interior. We don’t see any obvious rust issues other than surface and the front seat covers and carpeting will need to be redone for sure. The chrome and glass look good for a 55-year-old automobile. The seller says this auto has been in Colorado all its life, which indicates he/she knows some of the history of the car. Hagerty indicates that the top dollar for one of these Mopars without a Hemi is $31,000.

Comments

  1. Avatar John D.

    The air cleaner looks like the size used for a 2 barrel. I always thought the Commando designated a 4 barrel. So this car will require a close inspection before purchase. The 383 was a great engine no matter the induction system. This project looks to be straight forward new seat cover and maybe just careful cleaning. Overall a pretty good deal, especially if your Offer is accepted.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Phil D

      Plymouth put that “Commando V8” emblem on all cars with B and RB engines in the mid-60s, John D, whether two or four barrel.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Garry W.

    I can see by the carb base indicates an AFB.

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Don Cartwright

    Garrry W,Your correct it is afb four barrel.Rated at 325 horsepower. I had a 66 belvedere just like it.Ran really good.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Dick T

      That might be a 361 cubic inch,if it’s a 2 bbl. I had a 66 charger that came that way.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Don Eladio

    AFB for sure. Could be a cool car and would make a cool old-school hot rod. No fear of messing up a valuable GTX. If I was a high school kid, this is what I’d buy instead of some rice burner.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Don Eladio

    …and the Van Halen stickers are cool. I’d be leaving those right where they are.

    Like 8
  6. Avatar moosie

    That air cleaner looks like the same one that was on the 383 4 barrel ’66 Satellite that was my first new car, it ran very strong, I was happy with it. This Belvedere II would be a nice one to square away if the body is not Rusty, it looks pretty rust free in the pictures but would need a actual in person inspection.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar mickey tee

    I was taking the ministers daughter home in my 67 coronet .She said she was hot and I told her to pull the passenger vent open a little . she opened it all he way and her skirt went up over her face .I almost crashed. that floor vent at 70 would blow you out of the seat. .Oh to be 16 again. haha

    Like 8
  8. Avatar Sam Shive

    Van Halen Stickers on the windows and a Rebel Flag on the front bumper, I’ld leave both just as they were. Had a buddy in HIGH School had 67 Belvedere/GTX Drop top, we removed the GTX badge and the Hemi hood emblem and replaced it with one that had 318 on it. Had a blast for about a month.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Sam Shive

    Pictures 4,5,7,9 on craigslist. How about the 69 Mustang ?

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Dick T

    That might be a 361 cubic inch,if it’s a 2 bbl. I had a 66 charger that came that way.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Taylor

    Car was originally bought in Florida. Had one owner , my grandfather, and was given as a gift for them to restore.

    Like 0

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