1954 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible Coupe

The Plymouth division was created in 1928 by Walter Chrysler as an affordable option to the Chrysler line. It was Chrysler Corporation's first entry in the low-priced field which at the time was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford.

Despite the looming recession the Plymouth brand became the third bestselling make by 1931. The logo featured a rear view of the Mayflower of Plymouth Rock fame but the Plymouth brand name came from Plymouth Binder Twine, for its popularity with farmers as a common household item.

In a revamped 1954 lineup, the Belvedere series was Plymouth's finest, designed to compete with the Ford Crestline and Chevy Bel Air. Sitting on a carryover chassis, the '54 Plymouth offered proven mechanicals, a reasonable size and sensible styling. Initially, the venerable 100 -horsepower, 218 CID flathead was the only engine offered; the larger 230 CID six with 110 horsepower became available later in the model year. The convertible's optional Hy-Style paint and trim package was introduced mid-year.

Just 6,900 Belvedere convertibles were built that year. The automatic transmission was new in 1954 — a two-speed gearbox with torque converter — and it was powered by a 230 CID flathead.

The current owner spent six years carefully doing a frame-off restoration. This included an engine and transmission rebuild as well as a new interior and convertible top.