GTX Clone? 1967 Plymouth Belvedere II
While it might be looking a bit tired, there is more to this 1967 Plymouth Belvedere II than meets the eye. This is a rust-free survivor that is ripe for restoration. However, the owner does raise the intriguing idea of transforming this original classic into a GTX clone. Barn Finder Larry D spotted this beauty for us, so thank you for that, Larry. It is located in Denver, North Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set a BIN of $6,500, but there is the option to make an offer.
The White paint that graces the Plymouth’s flanks looks pretty tired, and when coupled with the visible surface corrosion, it doesn’t make a great first impression. However, when you look past this, you realize that the Belvedere has a lot to offer its next owner. It seems like there might be a couple of tiny spots of rot in the lower quarter panels, along with a spot in the lower corner of the passenger door. These could easily be addressed with simple patches, so the buyer is not faced with the prospect of wholesale panel replacement. The photos that the owner supplies aren’t the greatest, but those of the underside seem to support his claims about the car’s structural integrity. Everything down below wears a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but there is no evidence of penetrating rust. The floors and frame rails look sound, as do the mounts for the rear spring shackles. Most of the exterior trim has been removed, but this is sitting in the trunk, and all looks restorable. The only exception here is that I can’t spot the bumpers. If they are missing, the buyer will need to source replacements. They may need to swallow hard on this because they won’t score a new set for under $1,000 per pair. I would be inclined to patiently scour sites like eBay during the restoration process in the hope of finding a good secondhand set. That could save some money that can be spent elsewhere on this Plymouth.
The Belvedere comes equipped with its original 318ci V8, a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering. While this might not be a muscle car, the 230hp on tap made the Belvedere a sprightly performer. It was capable of galloping through the ¼ mile in 16.4 seconds, and while that number isn’t earth-shattering, it was still respectable. The news under the hood is mainly positive. The Plymouth runs and drives and has recently received a new distributor, along with a new cap, points, plugs, and a rotor. It sounds like the fuel system will need a flush and some work because that 318 is running off a bottle in the engine bay. It seems that getting the car mechanically roadworthy might not be a difficult task, but the owner does offer an intriguing option to consider. There is no doubt that the vehicle would attract its share of attention once restored, and treading this path looks to be a straightforward proposition. However, his idea of creating a GTX clone sounds like it might be a bit of fun. That would mean slotting a 440ci V8 or a 426ci Hemi into the engine bay and would boost the power from its current 230 to at least 375hp. It would also make the 16.4-second ¼-mile ET look pretty wimpy because even with the 440 on board, a 14.1-second pass would be on the cards. As someone who used to race, I always say that you can never have too much power.
The Plymouth’s interior won’t be escaping its new owner’s attention because it will need some work. Apart from a missing radio, it does appear to be complete. However, most of the upholstered surfaces, the carpet, and the headliner will all require attention. This is a bit of a tragedy, because by-and-large, interior trim for Mopar classics tends to be pretty expensive when compared to equivalent offerings from Ford or The General. That might mean doing some shopping around, but if a GTX clone is the aim, I probably wouldn’t be inclined to compromise quality for price. The original owner made one wise move because he chose to order the Belvedere with air conditioning. The system is complete, but you can guarantee that it will need some work before it blows ice-cold once again.
Now we come to decision time. Restoring this 1967 Belvedere II to its original specifications and appearance would seem to be a reasonably straightforward task, and the majority of the work could be completed in a home workshop. If done correctly, the end result would be a car capable of commanding a value north of $20,000 with no sweat. However, a well-constructed GTX clone is a game-changer. Even though it would be a clone, it could still command more than $40,000 with a 440 on board. Up the ante with a Hemi, and that figure can push past $50,000. Admittedly, it wouldn’t be the real deal, but only the true enthusiasts would spot the difference. Does that sound like a tempting proposition to you?
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Comments
Rust free? What does a rusty car look like, Adam?
I believe he was saying that the car is free from the penetrating and severe rust as opposed to the surface rust this car has.
to Arthur: then he should say the car is free from the penetrating & severe rust, not rust-free which means no rust! He can’t poke rust spots with an awl & I’d bet a pointy tool would go right through some of those rust spots, especially the lower ones.
The trunk floor alone has had some patching done , so who knows what lies underneath ?
These were great cars. I would rebuild the 318 and be satisfied with that. A great looking car that runs well, what more could you want? Only children need to lay rubber.
I ve got a radio for it buts from a 64,,,might fit
This seller is dreaming.
I can’t figure out why the rust looks like it’s “rust thru” instead of surface rust!
As “rust-free” and ragged as it is, that BIN stands for “Buy It Never.”
GTX Clone? I was thinking of a GTX clone with a Hellcrate Redeye as the powerplant.
Forget the clone, just beef up the drivetrain and leave it as a Belvedere !
Last summer I bought a 1966 Belvedere II 2 door hardtop, Red w/ black like new interior, with 32,000 original miles it is a slant 6 with3 speed automatic. Everything works like it came from the factory. We put a set of Cragar wheels on it and we are just going to enjoy the this low mileage beauty and the economy and ease of repair and upkeep that comes with the slant 6.
Thank you ! Someone who bought a car and doesn’t try to make it into something it never was. You dont see much of that anymore.
This old heap isn’t worth the effort.
Yep – a little high for our side of the world but with the option for overseas buyers that’s where it might end up.
On the add presentation alone – I would pass…..