The gavel recently dropped on this custom 1966 Plymouth Belvedere for $94,000, proving that Mopars still own the streets and auction blocks. We know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yeah, actually, hell yeah, this thing’s got a Hemi! She’s both show and go, with custom paint, a 426 Hemi, and a new home.
Plymouth took a new and aggressive approach when they redesigned the Belvedere for the ’66 model. Leaving behind bubble tops, they opted for sharp, deliberate lines that appealed to the younger generation looking for something tougher. Then add a gloss black paint job with custom airbrushing of flaming skulls, and you’ve got a ride that’s tough as hell. This Belvedere straddled the line between a full-blown custom job and maintaining a classic aesthetic that hearkens back to its heritage. Which is why the factory-style bumpers and chrome were refinished and remounted. 17” Magnum 500 racing wheels adorn each corner, giving this beast an updated vibe. A custom forward mount hood is a pleasure to pop at shows and gives that final touch of customization that will draw a crowd.
Since Plymouth decided to bestow the 426 Hemi unto us, mere mortals in ‘66, this motor is actually period-correct. This monster is built to produce 500 horsepower, plenty of power to dominate the track, main street, and maintain its reliability. 8 jets spew fuel into the dual intake manifold while an aluminum radiator keeps this big block cool. All that power is transferred down a 727 TorqueFlight that’s built to withstand all the punishment your right foot is eager to bestow upon it while the 8.75 Suregrip fights for traction and leaves rubber at your command. A 3” exhaust system helps this infamous motor breathe and will bring a smile to your face every time you hammer the throttle down!
The period-correct suspension underneath this tricked-out body is clean, black, and prepared to handle anything you ask of it. New leaf springs, updated torsion bars, power steering, and an upgraded Wilwood 4-wheel disc brake kit make this a dependable cruiser or bruiser.
Man, did Plymouth have the best interior designer on hand in the mid-sixties or what? Look at that chrome center console with an elegant chrome shifter sticking out of it. A set of gentleman’s lights is nestled in the side to give a luxurious touch. That steering wheel is stock and full of character. The vinyl seats are trimmed to perfection, and of course, it’s all draped in black, as it should be. A refurbished stock instrument cluster is perfectly laid out. I mean, I can’t say enough about the seamless combination of speed and taste that this interior possesses in abundance. And some lucky auction winner is going to find themselves behind the wheel of this machine with one big ol’ smile on their face.
In the end, this auction goes to show that Mopars and especially turn-key builds are still dominating today’s markets. And why shouldn’t they? With aggressive styling, brutal power, elegant interiors, and notorious namesakes like “Hemi”, classic rides like this will continue to steal the show and demand price tags like this!
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