The Belvedere became a Plymouth series in 1954 and remained a Mopar fixture through 1970. Beginning in 1962, it was produced on the B-body platform and positioned as a full-size car when it was really an intermediate. The seller has what appears to be a basic 1964 Belvedere 2-door sedan. But it sports a 383 cubic inch V8 that may have been tweaked. Located in Viborg, South Dakota, this Plymouth needs some cosmetic work and is available here on craigslist. The trade-free price is $13,250. The source for this tip was Jack M. (thanks, Jack)!
When you visited a Plymouth showroom in 1964, you had plenty of these B-body cars to choose from. There was the entry-level Savoy, or the mid-range Belvedere, and the upper-end Fury and Sport Fury. Plymouth built only 5,384 Belvedere 2-door sedans like this one, but we’re betting most of them had either a Slant-Six or 318 CI V8. The seller’s car has a 383 with loads of bling and would have been a decent powerhouse in its day – if the motor is original (no mention).
The 1962-64 Plymouths and Dodges were at a competitive disadvantage. They were a tad smaller than the Chevy Impala and Ford Galaxie. Supposedly, Chrysler execs heard that Chevy was going to shrink their full-size cars in 1962, so Chrysler went that route (the rumor was probably about the Nova compact that came out in ’62). The 1964 Belvederes gained a little extra sheet metal, but Plymouth wouldn’t have a true full-size car again until 1965.
We’re told this Belvedere has a push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission, along with a 3:23 Sure Grip differential and an 8 ¾ rear end. The seller says the car runs and drives, and everything works as it’s supposed to. The exhaust is new, the radiator newer, and disc brakes have been installed up front. The body only rates 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 10 (per the seller), and the interior is a bit dirty and the upholstery a tad worn. Would you buy it to take to your local racetrack?
The Belvedere and Fury shared the same body that year, and you could get a 383 in either, however the engine was called “Commando” not “Magnum.” These are handsome cars, and the hardtops even more so.. I think our seller is dreaming with that asking price. If it was a hardtop and not showing its age as much, they might have a case.