After being launched as a high-end version of the Plymouth Cranbrook in 1951, the Belvedere became a series of its own in 1954. A broader selection of body styles was added and the Belvedere stuck around for another 16 years. This ’54 Belvedere sedan (likely a 4-door as the layout escaped the seller’s camera’s eye) has tons of patina but has been sitting outside long enough for it to no longer be a runner. From Conifer, Colorado, this Mopar is available here on craigslist for the cheap wheels price of $1,750. Another cool tip brought our way by “Zappenduster”!
Some folks assume the Belvedere was named after Chrysler’s assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. However, they would be mistaken as that operation didn’t begin until 1965 and the Plymouth Belvedere was never produced on that property. More likely it came from the Italians where the word meant “beautiful sight.” The engine in the seller’s car is likely a 230 cubic inch Flathead-Six and the seller says its paired with an automatic transmission. The 2-speed PowerFlite was first offered later in the 1954 model year.
Plymouth was at least a distant third behind Chevy and Ford in sales. They built 463,000 cars in ’54 of which 150,000 carried Belvedere badging with 70% being 4-door sedans. The seller says this Belvedere in “fair” condition and that seems like a reasonable assessment. We see no problematic rust (just lots of the surface stuff) and the paint was likely once light blue. The seller makes a point of saying the glass is all intact.
We’re told the Plymouth hasn’t run since its timing chain was replaced. But when was that? Last month, last year, 2010? The odometer reads 12,000 miles (plus 100,000 more), so it’s a safe bet that stuff was getting tired by then. The seller seems anxious for the car to disappear, so chances are he/she might take less, at least making it an affordable donor.
I am SURPRISED the glass is still intact. It is actually in remarkable condition and it probably has 112,000 miles on it.
Somebody’s autocorrect is broken. “Live in conifer, chrome descent?” From the Craigslist ad. This would be a great car for somebody, I just see a lot of work. Good luck.
i think “live in conifer” is code for “I just pulled this out of the treeline to make a buck”
A friend of mine had one that was the same color, year and model. It had been his granddaddy’s car. The reverse didn’t work, so moving it around was a bit of a problem.
Removing the brake drums was chore; they needed a puller. Another friend’s daddy made one.
My friend never did get his Plymouth back on the road. He wound up junking it. :(
Actually, the car was named after the Belvedere Stratford hotel in Philadelphia. Plymouths through the ’60s were named after hotels…..Plaza, Savoy, etc.
The Belvedere Stratford was notorious as the place where Legionnaire’s Disease first appeared in the late ’70’s……..
good for parts. hoe about the 68 pontiac in the background?
Colorado in the snow and no rust?
They don’t salt their roads.
That flathead Six was indestructible. I had one in a 59 Plymouth Fury with a 3 on the tree that my uncle gave me. It d on bald tires and had a rod knocking that you could hear over Sweet Home Alabama turned up high on the am radio. I drove it that way for over 50k miles before the rod let go.
I had a ’54 station wagon and later, a ’54 Cranbrook coupe. Both cars were solid and easy to service. Wish I had both of them back again.
The interior looks surprisingly good. I hope someone saves it.
My oldest brother inherited a 54 Meadbrook from our great grandfather 2 door wagon, flathead 6, 3 on the tree.Car had holes in driver side floor big enough to let his size 16 feet fall through.Whined and cried till the old man made him go out and drive it, he came back with the biggest grin on his face, seems car had over bored cylinder, shaved head, 2 carbs, and dual exhaust.Was fastest old Plymouth in the town.He made money racing some of the kids in towns around us, till the brakes went out and he hit 2 trees, totalled it.He sold it to some guy from another town, never heard about it, or where motor went, wouldn’t mind having at least engine now.