Upgraded Sleeper! 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I

The Belvedere was a staple in the Plymouth portfolio from 1954 to 1970. It became a mid-size by default in 1962 when Chrysler introduced the B-body platform, thinking that Chevrolet was going to downsize. In 1965, the B-body became an official intermediate when the bigger C-body returned to the Plymouth fold. This bare-bones Belvedere I from 1966 began life with a Slant-Six, but it’s considerably more potent now. Located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, this sleeper (but with a few telltale signs such as wide rear wheels and tires) is available here on eBay. The current bid is $5,000, and there is an unmet reserve between there and the Buy It Now of $42,000.

According to the VIN provided by the seller, this was a budget car when new, with the 225 six-cylinder and probably a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. It even came with no radio, so the MSRP sticker must have contained a lot of white space. But things are quite different now, with a 500 cubic inch Stroker V8 that the seller also lists as a Hemi. It also is a floor-shifted A833 transmission, 4-speed with 18 splines.

Much of the description provided reads like AI or marketing-speak. The car is even referred to twice as a Dodge, and it only has “2 seats and 2 doors”. Clearly, the car has been mechanically and cosmetically restored whose condition seems to qualify as “excellent.” The light blue paint looks great with no noticeable flaws or visible corrosion. The interior is equally nice, yet plain and simple.

The mileage is low and likely from the time the vehicle was restored. We’re told the car needs nothing, so it should be considered a powerful set of wheels. The seller is retiring and thinning the herd since at least one other car is up for sale. If you’re looking for a 1960s Plain Jane Mopar that will likely leave two strips of rubber on the asphalt, would you spring $42k for this one?