1958 Plymouth Belvedere V8 Convertible

The Plymouth Belvedere was introduced on March 31st of 1951 and offered only as a two-door pillarless hardtop. The car was built in response to Chevrolet's Bel Air and intended as a low-priced vehicle. Between 1951 and 1952 a total of 51,266 examples were produced. For 1953, there were 35,185 examples sold. The following year, the Belvedere replaced the Cranbrook as the top-of-the-line vehicle. By now, it had become more than just a two-door hardtop coupe; it was available as a convertible, two-door station wagon, four-door sedan, or two-door hardtop, now called the Sport Coupe.

In 1955, all Plymouth vehicles were restyled and given Chrysler Stylist Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look.' In 1956, the pushbutton transmission was added and styling was updated with very dramatic and bold rear tailfins. No other car in the world, at the time, was using tailfins.

The 1958 Belvedere's were repeats of the 1957 models, except for qual headlmaps, a tube grille, and smaller taillights.

This example is a Belvedere Convertible that has been given a full frame-up restoration. It is powered by a 318 cubic-inch V8 that offers 225 horsepower and a pushbutton transmission. Features found on this car include a rare factory padded dash, power convertible top and Kelsey-Hayes style wire wheels.

In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by the Worldwide Auctioneers. It was estimated to sell for $65,000 - $75,000. Bidding failed to reach the vehicles reserve and the lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008