1965 Plymouth Belvedere II Hardtop Coupe

Chrysler engineers complied with new drag racing regulations imposed on NHRA racing during the close of 1964 with a new factory Lightweight Package. Since aluminum or fiberglass body parts were not allowed, Ramcharger member JimThornton selected thin-gauge steel for the front fenders, radiator, grille supports, and hood with scoop. Also up front was the Code A990 Hemi 426 cubic-inch engine producing 425 horsepower. It used a magnesium cross-ram intake with offset Holley 4-barrel carbs and aluminum cylinder heads, both of which would be exclusive to the 1965 releases, as well as an aluminum water pump, thermostat housing, and alternator brackets. Tubular headers lead to a minimal exhaust system.

The engine was backed by Chrysler's newly introduced New Process A833 4-speed manual transmission and just 11 Plymouth Lightweight Package examples were so equipped. Few were built with this configuration due to the Stock-class legal tire width at the time. Underpinnings included a torsion bar independent front suspension and a live Sure Grip-equipped rear axle with Super Stock-designated semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power.

This particular Belvedere I Super Stock Lightweight was scheduled for production at the Lynch Road assembly plant in Michigan on December 14, 1964. More recently, it has undergone an extensive restoration to like-original condition. The work was completed by Muscle Car Restorations in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and upon completion was displayed at the former Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

This car is finished in as-delivered single-tone white paint with stripped-down OEM-correct tan bucket seat interior. The heater, rear seat, radio, and undercoating are all deleted. It rides on white-painted steel wheels and narrow street tires.

These cars won the NHRA World Championships in both 1965 and 1967.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021