Summary

One of only 531 HEMI Belvedere II Hardtop models produced in 1966. Restoration completed in 2024. Outstanding body and red paint. Powered by a 426 HEMI V8 engine with 631hp and A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.

Details

This 1966 Plymouth HEMI Belvedere II Hardtop is one of only 531 produced. Known as 'The Street HEMI,' with a 426 V8 engine featuring two 4-barrel carburetors, it first arrived at dealerships in 1966 and started the HEMI craze as we know it today. As the original VIN tag and Fender Tag indicate, this example was built on March 15, 1966, in St. Louis, MO, as a 116-inch Plymouth High Series 2-door hardtop 426 HEMI V8. It was ordered with a Citron Gold Poly exterior, Citron vinyl interior and a 26-inch radiator. The car was with its last owner for over 20 years before it was acquired by MS CLASSIC CARS in September 2021 as an uncompleted project. The bodywork, paint and restoration were completed in 2024. The exterior body is very straight with excellent panel fitment throughout. It was refinished in the glowing color of Bright Red, which highlights the factory bodylines. The high-show-quality paint was recently detailed to a brilliant shine. It was outfitted with a new front windshield and rear windshield, which are both crystal-clear. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced, such as the wiper arms, glass trim, front grille, Wagner headlights, front bumper, body moldings, rear tail panel, taillight bezels, rear bumper and emblems. The car rolls on new 15x8 Magnum 500 chrome and black wheels with new BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial red line 225/70/15 tires. The interior was refinished in black. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced, such as the headliner, dash pad and fascia, gauges, radio, steering wheel, door panels, front bench seat, rear seat, seat belts and carpeting. It has a set of AutoMeter gauges mounted under the dash and new black carpeted Plymouth-embossed floor mats. The trunk compartment was refinished with spray-on black Boom Mat and decorated with a new correct-style trunk mat. It's equipped with a new matching spare wheel and tire, along with jack tools. The painted engine compartment is highly detailed throughout. It's powered by a 426ci HEMI V8 engine that was dyno-tested with 631hp. In 1966, the VINs were not stamped on the engine, but based on all the coinciding dates, this engine is believed to be original to the car. The engine was professionally rebuilt with an open checkbook. Some of the engine upgrades include a Mopar Performance 4.150 stroker kit, Comp Cam, Manley rods, Indy roller rockers, Crower titanium retainers, Crower springs and lifters. The heads and intake were ported and polished. It's equipped with a two 4-barrel Edelbrock 600cfm carburetors, Indy oil pump and fabricated oil pan, MSD electronic ignition system and Taylor spark plug wires. The engine is cooled by a Northern aluminum radiator with dual Spal electric fans and billet overfill canister. The engine breathes through TTI headers and a 3-inch exhaust system with Dynomax mufflers. The engine is coupled to the A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, which is also believed to be original to the car. The transmission was professionally rebuilt with a shift kit and has a TCI stall converter. The power is transferred to the 489-casted 8.75-inch posi-traction rear end with 3.55 gears. The undercarriage was refinished with spray-on black Boom Mat for durability, as the car was built to drive. Some features include a stainless fuel tank, EYB Excel G gas shocks and a dual master cylinder for drum brakes. This car has been completely serviced and detailed, which is documented with an invoice that's included. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.