Plymouth Belvedere
| Plymouth Belvedere | |
|---|---|
| Production period: | 1954-1970 |
| Class : | Upper middle class , middle class |
| Previous model: | Plymouth Cranbrook |
| Successor: | Plymouth Satellite |
Plymouth Belvedere is the name of a range of passenger cars that Plymouth offered from 1951 to 1970.
Cranbrook Belvedere
The Plymouth Cranbrook Belvedere was introduced on March 31, 1951 as Plymouth's first hardtop coupe. It was intended as a response to Chevrolet's Bel Air , which was introduced the previous year . At that time, the Belvedere was not yet a separate model series, but the top model in the Cranbrook model series . With this it shared the chassis with a 3,010 mm wheelbase, its specialty was the Bel Air-inspired roof construction without a B-pillar . First year pricing started at US $ 2,114.
In the 1952 model year, the Cranbrook Belvedere was largely built without any changes. What was new was the optional two-tone paintwork of the roof and the trunk lid, which differentiated the top model Belvedere from the other Plymouth models. This color scheme, known as “saddle paint”, was available in the color combinations suede / bronze, mint green / black or blue / gray. As before, the drive was the well-known side-controlled six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 3,569 cm³, a moderate compression ratio of 7.0: 1 and an output of 97 bhp (72 kW). Overdrive was now available as an option, which ensured that there were only three instead of four crankshaft rotations for one rear wheel rotation. The base price, however, rose by US $ 100 to US $ 2,216. In 1951 and 1952, 51,266 Belvedere were produced, making the Plymouth just over a quarter of the production figures for the Chevrolet Bel Air and Ford Victoria .
In 1953 the Belvedere was still part of the Cranbrook model range. That year the design of all Plymouth models was completely changed. The cars had a shorter wheelbase of 2,896 mm, a one-piece windshield, softer rear fenders and a lower bonnet. With a compression increased to 7.1: 1, the engine now achieved 100 bhp (75 kW). In April 1953, the semi-automatic Plymouth Hy Drive transmission was introduced as a bridging measure until a fully-fledged automatic transmission could be offered.
But this did not help to shed Plymouth's clumsy image. The competition was seen as visually and technically superior, after all , Chevrolet's Powerglide fully automatic had been available since 1950 and Ford's Ford-O-Matic had been available since 1951. The shorter wheelbase made the vehicle look "stumpy" and was criticized by interested parties and critics. Despite the lower base price of US $ 2,132, demand was rather low, only 35,185 Belvedere were sold.
Belvedere (full-size)
Top model
.jpg) A hard top from 1958 |
|
| Production period: | 1954-1958 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 3.6–7.0 liters (71.3–317 kW) |
| Length: | 1954: 4915 mm 1955: 5177 mm 1957: 5197 mm |
| Width: | 1954: 1886 mm 1955: 1895 mm 1957: 1986 mm |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase : | 1954: 1896 mm 1955: 2921 mm 1957: 2997 mm |
| Empty weight : | |
In 1954 the Belvedere replaced the Cranbrook as the top model. The Belvedere was now a complete model series with a convertible, 4-door sedan, 3-door station wagon called Belvedere Suburban and the previously manufactured 2-door hardtop coupé, which was now called the Sport Coupe . The design was revised with horizontal chrome strips and small tail fins on the rear fenders to make the car appear longer. From March 1954, Plymouth finally offered a fully automatic transmission, the PowerFlite with 2 gears, well-known by the Chrysler Group . There was also a larger engine for the basic equipment, a six-cylinder with 3,772 cm³ displacement, which was taken over by Dodge . This made 110 bhp (81 kW). The production numbers fell this year to 32,492 pieces.
All Plymouth models were thoroughly redesigned in 1955. This year the " Forward Look " of the new Chrysler designer Virgil Exner was presented for the first time . The front section, which was inclined forwards, created a trapezoidal shape with the fins at the rear, which looked much more modern than the old, rounded shapes. There was also an outer length that had grown by 10 inches (25 cm). With the new model, an eight-cylinder engine was also used for the first time in a Plymouth . The unit called HyFire was a Hemi-derived Poly-V8 with a displacement of 3.8 to 4.3 liters.
In 1956 the styling of the previous year was taken over. Changes included the introduction of the first push-button automatic transmission on a US car and larger tail fins. This model was also made in India . In the spring of 1956, the Fury was introduced as a high-performance special model in the model range.
1957 was supposed to be a special year for the Chrysler Group, and Plymouth was no exception. The design of the new models was so revolutionary that Chrysler gave them the slogan "... and all of a sudden it's 1960!" applied. The Belvedere model series was available for this year with a new V8 engine with 5,211 cc and twin carburettors, which developed 235 bhp (175 kW). This was only surpassed by the top model Fury, which had the same V8 block but with two quadruple carburetors and slight modifications made 290 bhp (216 kW).
In 1958, too, the Belvedere was Plymouth's best-equipped model range alongside the Fury. The design was an evolution of the sleek styling of the previous year. Double headlights as well as the V8 with 5,735 cm³ displacement and quadruple carburetors - called "Golden Commando" - introduced in the middle of the model year were new. The station wagon was now sold as the Sport Suburban .
.jpg)
- Engine range
| Displacement | designation | Maximum power | Max. Torque | construction time | comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cylinder in- line engines | |||||
| 217.8 cubic inches (CID) (3569 cm³) | Flathead | 100 bhp (75 kW) | 1954 | ||
| 230.2 CID (3772 cm³) | 110 - 132 bhp (82 - 98 kW) | 205-217 lb-ft (278-294 Nm) | 1954-1958 | ||
| 8-cylinder V-engines | |||||
| 241 CID (3954 cm³) | Poly | 157 bhp (117 kW) | 231 lb-ft (313 Nm) | 1955 | |
| 259 CID (4247 cm³) | 167 bhp (125 kW) | 231 lb-ft (313 Nm) | 1955 | marketed as 260 | |
| 268 CID (4397 cm³) | 177 bhp (132 kW) | 1956 | marketed as 270 | ||
| 277 CID (4532 cm³) | A series | 187 - 200 bhp (139 - 149 kW) | 1956 | ||
| 301 CID (4927 cm³) | 215 bhp (160 kW) | 1957 | |||
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | 225 - 250 bhp (172 - 186 kW) | 330 - 345 lb-ft (447 - 468 Nm) | 1958 | ||
| 350 CID (5737 cm³) | B series | 305 bhp (227 kW) | 370 lb-ft (502 Nm) | 1958 | |
Mid offer
 1960 sedan |
|
| Production period: | 1959-1961 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 3.6–7.0 liters (71.3–317 kW) |
| Length: | 1959: 5288 mm 1960: 5321 mm |
| Width: | 1959: 1981 mm 1960: 2032 mm |
| Height: | 1387 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2997 mm |
| Empty weight : | |
.JPG)
.JPG)
With the model year 1959, the Fury became a full-fledged model series as the new top model. The Belvedere was now only the second highest equipment line above the Savoy . The "forward look" was optically maintained, with a bonnet that followed the curves of the headlights and a flatter "sports rear" with a rounded bulge that suggested a spare wheel.
Technically, the 1959 vintage was based on the 1957 model, which is why the engines and body versions largely corresponded. There were sedans and hardtop coupes each with two or four doors, as well as a convertible . The corresponding station wagon was called Custom Suburban .
In 1960 the great Plymouths were massively redesigned. The new base engine was the "Slant-Six", which had been introduced with the Plymouth Valiant . In the Belvedere, a variant with a 3.7 liter displacement was used. That was less than in the old "Flathead", but the new engine had more power and torque. There was also a new top-of-the-range engine, the 6.3 liter V8.
The biggest innovation, however, was the construction of the body. Instead of the traditional frame construction, Plymouth was the first in its class to use a self-supporting body that was supposed to be quieter, more stable and more spacious. The engine and the torson-aire -called torsion bar suspension of the front axle were supported by a subframe. The styling, however, was heavily criticized. Like elongated eyebrows, a line ran from the headlights to behind the front wheels and the tail fins had grown further.
The 1961 revision brought new lines, but in the eyes of the public no improvement. Instead, the criticism of Virgil Exner , Chrysler's chief designer, continued to grow. The tail fins had been removed, which is why the comparison was made with a plucked chicken. According to edmunds, the 1960 and 1961 Plymouth models are the 12th and 13th ugliest cars of all time.
"Most beholders would agree ... it was hit with the ugly stick"
"Most viewers would agree ... that it was ugly as the night"
.JPG)
- Engine range
| Displacement | designation | Maximum power | Max. Torque | construction time | comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cylinder in- line engines | |||||
| 230.2 CID (3772 cm³) | Flathead | 132 bhp (98 kW) | 205 lb-ft (278 Nm) | 1959 | |
| 225 CID (3682 cm³) | Slant-Six | 145 bhp (108 kW) | 215 lb-ft (292 Nm) | 1960-1961 | |
| 8-cylinder V-engines | |||||
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | A series | 230 - 260 bhp (172 - 194 kW) | 340 - 345 lb-ft (461 - 468 Nm) | 1959-1961 | |
| 361 CID (5922 cm³) | B series | 305 bhp (227 kW) | 395 lb-ft (536 Nm) | 1959-1961 | |
| 383 CID (6286 cm³) | 330 bhp (246 kW) | 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) | 1960-1961 | ||
Belvedere (B platform)
.jpg) Belvedere from 1963 |
|
| Production period: | 1962-1964 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 3.6-5.2 liters (75-246 kW) |
| Length: | 1962: 5131 mm 1963: 5207 mm 1964: 5245 mm |
| Width: | 1920 mm |
| Height: | 1962: 1372 mm 1964: 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2946 mm |
| Empty weight : | |
At the end of the 1950s, in addition to equipment, size was also common as a distinguishing criterion. In order to be able to oppose a competitor to the smaller imported cars that were pushing onto the US market, the large US automobile manufacturers worked on smaller vehicles. So Plymouth introduced the Plymouth Valiant for 1960 ; referred to there as the compact class .
When the then Chrysler President William C. Newberg heard that Chevrolet was working on a new, smaller vehicle for the 1962 model year, he arranged for the new Chrysler full-size models to be shrunk as well. Chrysler did not want to be considered old-fashioned for smaller competitor models. But that was a misunderstanding; one had worked on the introduction of a middle class between the previous classes. The Chevrolet Nova and Ford's counterpart , the Fairlane , were somewhere between compact and full-size.
At that time, the size of the vehicle was extremely important to US customers, Plymouth's new models on the B platform had a difficult time. In addition, there was a styling that was considered unsuccessful. In the following year, the look was massively revised and the car grew significantly in length despite the same wheelbase. The four headlights were now the same size and the lines emphasized the horizontal to appear longer.
The Belvedere was available as a sedan with two or four doors, a two-door hardtop coupé or a station wagon , which was now called the Belvedere again . Plymouth's new full-size class remained on the market for just three years. In 1965 the Savoy was discontinued, the Fury moved to a new, larger platform and the Belvedere was downgraded to the middle class.
- Engine range
| Displacement | designation | Maximum power | Max. Torque | construction time | comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cylinder in- line engine | |||||
| 225 CID (3682 cm³) | Slant-Six | 145 bhp (108 kW) | 215 lb-ft (292 Nm) | 1962-1964 | |
| 8-cylinder V-engines | |||||
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | A series | 230 - 260 bhp (172 - 194 kW) | 340 - 345 lb-ft (461 - 468 Nm) | 1962-1964 | |
| 361 CID (5922 cm³) | B series | 265 - 305 bhp (198 - 227 kW) | 380 - 395 lb-ft (515 - 536 Nm) | 1962-1964 | |
| 383 CID (6286 cm³) | 330 bhp (246 kW) | 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) | 1963-1964 | ||
| 426 CID (6974 cm³) | Hemi | 365 bhp (272 kW) | 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) | 1964 | |
Belvedere (middle class)
1965-1967
 Belvedere from 1966 |
|
| Production period: | 1965-1970 |
| Body versions : | Sedan , station wagon , coupé , convertible |
| Engines: |
Gasoline engines : 3.7–7.0 liters |
| Length: | 1965: 5166 mm 1968: 5149 mm |
| Width: | 1965: 1920 mm 1968: 1941 mm |
| Height: | 1965: 1397 mm 1968: 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2946 mm |
| Empty weight : | |
The Belvedere, now assigned to the middle class , was still based on the B platform of the full-size models. It was only slightly smaller and was advertised by Plymouth as "the largest car in its class". Instead of four lights, only two headlights were installed to highlight the class difference, but as early as 1966, the change back to the four-eye face followed. Long, clear lines dominated the look under the new head of design Elwood Engel .
The Belvedere was available in three trim levels, of which the best equipped was called Satellite . In addition to sedans, hardtop coupes and station wagons, a convertible was added to the range. In addition, a 4.5 liter LA series was added to the model range, which served as the basic engine for the Satellite. In 1967, in view of the burgeoning muscle car age , the model range was expanded to include a high-performance variant, the GTX .
- Engine range
| Displacement | designation | Maximum power | Max. Torque | construction time | comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cylinder in- line engine | |||||
| 225 CID (3682 cm³) | Slant-Six | 145 bhp (108 kW) | 215 lb-ft (292 Nm) | 1965-1967 | |
| 8-cylinder V-engines | |||||
| 273 CID (4478 cm³) | LA series | 180 bhp (134 kW) | 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) | 1965-1967 | |
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | 180 bhp (134 kW) | 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) | 1967 | ||
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | A series | 230 bhp (172 kW) | 340 lb-ft (461 Nm) | 1965-1966 | |
| 361 CID (5922 cm³) | B series | 265 bhp (198 kW) | 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) | 1965-1966 | |
| 383 CID (6286 cm³) | 270 - 330 bhp (201 - 246 kW) | 390-425 lb-ft (529-576 Nm) | 1965-1967 | ||
| 426 CID (6974 cm³) | Hemi | 365 bhp (272 kW) | 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) | 1965 | |
| 425 bhp (317 kW) | 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) | 1967 | |||
| 440 CID (7206 cm³) | RB series | 375 bhp (280 kW) | 480 lb-ft (651 Nm) | 1967 | GTX only |
1968-1970
1968 saw the move away from straight lines towards sportier shapes. The new "Coke Bottle" shape was characterized by a drawn-in waist and a roofline, similar to the Dodge Charger . The model range has been heavily revised, with one model series becoming four different types. The "Belvedere GTX" equipment line became an independent muscle car called the Plymouth GTX . Very similar, but lower in price, was the inexpensive Road Runner muscle car . The Satellite , the more luxurious equipment line, also became an independent model. The name Belvedere was only left for the cheapest vehicles until 1970. In 1971 the Belvedere was discontinued, the Satellite remained as the only Plymouth mid-range model.
- Engine range
| Displacement | designation | Maximum power | Max. Torque | construction time | comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cylinder in- line engine | |||||
| 225 CID (3682 cm³) | Slant-Six | 145 bhp (108 kW) | 215 lb-ft (292 Nm) | 1968-1970 | |
| 8-cylinder V-engines | |||||
| 273 CID (4478 cm³) | LA series | 190 bhp (142 kW) | 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) | 1968 | |
| 318 CID (5210 cm³) | 230 bhp (172 kW) | 320 - 340 lb-ft (434 - 461 Nm) | 1968-1970 | ||
| 383 CID (6286 cm³) | B series | 290 - 330 bhp (216 - 246 kW) | 390-425 lb-ft (529-576 Nm) | 1968-1970 | |
Racing use
The 1964 Belvedere is also known for being the first to offer the new 7.0-liter Chrysler Hemi engine, which had hemispherical combustion chambers with particularly large valves. This was an improvement that allowed extremely high revs, and so the vehicles took the top three places in the NASCAR race at Daytona. One of the drivers was the well-known Richard Petty , who immediately saw the benefits of the Hemi engine. Because of its suitable size and weight, the Belvedere was used as a NASCAR car from Plymouth, and the 1964 body made the car appear slightly more crouched than the other Plymouth models of the time.
Trivia
- In Stephen King film Christine was used Belvedere and Savoy models to the evil Plymouth Fury display of the 1958th
- In the 1974 film California Kid , a Belvedere used as a police vehicle plays an important role.
- In the late 1960s, Los Angeles Police used Belvederes. These became famous when Jack Webb bought some of them for the television series Adam-12 - mostly models from 1967 and 1968.
- A 1959 Belvedere belonged to Australian rock 'n' roll legend Johnny O'Keefe .
- In the movie Michael Bay's Texas Chainsaw Massacre , Sheriff Hoyt drives a 1965 Belvedere as a police car.
The buried car (Miss Belvedere)
On the 50th anniversary of Oklahoma joining the Union , a brand new 1957 Plymouth Belvedere was buried as a time capsule in a sealed concrete coffin in downtown Tulsa . On June 14, 2007, the car was excavated as part of the state's 100th anniversary and was on public display on June 15, 2007. According to the ideas of the Cold War in the 1950s, the concrete coffin was even touted as being nuclear-safe. In fact, the coffin turned out to be neither airtight nor watertight, so that considerable amounts of groundwater seeped in, rendering the vehicle completely unusable.
The car was to be the price tag for whoever most accurately guessed the population of Tulsa in 2007 in 1957. This was achieved by a certain Raymond Humbertson , who estimated the number 384,743 (compared to an actual population in 2007 of 382,457). However, Mr. Humbertson died in 1979, leaving only distant relatives.
In 1998, a brand new Plymouth Prowler was similarly buried to celebrate the city of Tulsa's 100th birthday. It will be excavated again in 2048.
Web links
- Allpar: Plymouth Belvedere (English)
- Allpar: Plymouth Satellite, Plymouth GTX and Plymouth Belvedere (English)
- Buried Plymouth is lifted after 50 years
- The excavated car
Individual evidence
- ↑ 100 ugliest cars of all time edmunds.com.Retrieved March 5, 2017.
- ^ J. Kelly Flory: American Cars, 1960-1972: Every Model, Year by Year . McFarland, 2004, ISBN 978-0-7864-1273-0 , p. 123.
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