1-of-38 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I Hemi Four-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Like a nuclear bomb stuffed into the tiny confines of a businessman’s demure briefcase” is how Mopar Muscle Magazine described it. The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I Hemi is a legendary muscle car that played a pivotal role in the golden era of American drag racing. Built by Chrysler’s Plymouth division, the Belvedere I was a stripped-down, no-frills model designed for economy and thrift. But in 1966, Plymouth offered the mighty 426 Hemi engine — nicknamed the “Elephant” for its massive size and power — as an option in the Belvedere I, creating a factory-built street and strip monster. 

The 426 Hemi was a race-bred engine, originally developed for NASCAR, and featured hemispherical combustion chambers that allowed for superior airflow and combustion efficiency. Producing a conservative 425 horsepower, the Hemi-equipped Belvedere I was capable of blistering quarter-mile times, making it a favorite among drag racers. 

Only about 136 of these cars (including just 38 four-speeds) were produced. With lightweight construction, minimal interior features, and raw power, the 1966 Belvedere I Hemi exemplified the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” philosophy of the era. Today, it represents the peak of Mopar muscle and might be one of the great “sleepers” of all time. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Burnyzz Collection 

• One of believed 38 Hemi-equipped 1966 Belvedere I sedans with four-speed 

• Documented and authenticated by Mopar expert Galen Govier 

• Finished in Silver Metallic (AA1) with a Blue Vinyl (L1B) bench seat interior 

• Matching-numbers 426 ci-in Hemi V8 with dual 4bbl Carter carburetors 

• Four-speed manual with Hurst shifter 

• The chassis number (RL21H61179112) decodes as: 

  • R – Plymouth Belvedere / Satellite 

  • L – Low price class (Belvedere I) 

  • 21 – Two-door Sedan 

  • H – 426 Hemi V8 (2x4-barrel carburetors, 425 hp) 

  • 6 – 1966 model year 

  • 1 – St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant 

  • 179112 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Dana 60 rear axle 

• High-capacity cooling system 

• Sun tachometer 

• Auxiliary oil pressure, voltage, and water temperature gauges 

• AM radio 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1-of 38 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I Hemi Four-Speed is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections.  

Included 

• Documentation from Galen V. Govier 

Ownership History 

The consignor states, “The restoration on this Belvedere was done to an extremely high standard, returning the car to factory correct specs with meticulous attention to detail.” 

Additional Notes 

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.