Check Out This 1965 Plymouth Belvedere Drag Car For Under $20K

Are you ready to step back in time and experience the thrill of classic drag racing? Look no further than this 1965 Plymouth Belvedere Satellite, a true embodiment of nostalgia and raw horsepower. Currently available for $19,900 at Garage Kept Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this vintage drag car is a ticket to the golden era of American muscle.

A Glimpse of the Past –

The moment you lay eyes on this ’65 Belvedere, you’re transported to the pits of Detroit Dragway from the late ’60s and early ’70s. Its striking white exterior, adorned with an electric blue highlight running the length of the upper body, oozes speed even while standing still. The iconic Ramchargers fiberglass hood scoop sits proudly atop the steel hood, offering a tantalizing hint of the powerhouse lurking beneath.

While it’s not a show-field restored classic, this drag racer boasts undeniable character. Stainless trim and chrome bumpers exhibit a charming patina, speaking to years of racing heritage. In its straight and purposeful form, the body wears an older paint job applied over clean sheet metal with minimal bodywork. The rear quarter panels bear the scars of rubber staining, a testament to the tire-smoking burnouts that came before staging.

The Heart of a Racer –

Climb inside, and you’ll find a cockpit built for one purpose: racing. A full roll cage surrounds a single race seat decked out in a vintage diamond-pattern seat cover. The driver is secured in place with a 4-point harness, ready to tackle the track. A Grant chrome steering wheel with a foam-rubber cushioned rim frames the steering column-mounted AutoMeter oil pressure and temperature gauges, with a Monster AutoMeter tachometer placed at eye level on the dash.

With its light patina, the dashboard is an ode to the car’s history. Starting this beast is a vintage Longacre Start/Ignition panel with an ignition system and fuel pump switches. The original carpet, showing signs of wear and soiling, is a reminder of countless adrenaline-fueled launches. Shifting is handled by a classic B&M Quick-Click Shifter, complete with a thumb-operated line-lock switch for those tire-warming burnouts and precise staging at the drag strip.

Unleash the Power –

Under the hood lies the heart of this racing beast—a 1969 440 V8 engine bored .030 over, crowned with closed-chambered 1967 cylinder heads. Fuel and air merge generously through a Holley double-pumper four-barrel carburetor with manual secondaries. This potent mixture flows into the combustion chamber via a high-rise single-plane aluminum intake, ignited by an Accel Ignition system with Moroso spark plug wires.

There’s no room for exhaust here; the spent gases exit through long tube Hooker Super Competition headers, ensuring maximum power output. Cooling is taken care of by a large brass-copper radiator, and parasitic drag is minimized with an electric water pump drive. Power is channeled through a 727 3-speed transmission to an 8.75-inch rear differential upgraded to a spool with 4.30:1 gears. The Goodyear Eagle Drag Racing slicks in the rear and skinny Goodyear Eagle front tires mounted on Weld Racing Aluminum wheels complete the setup. While the tires show signs of dry rot and should be replaced, they’re a testament to the car’s racing heritage.

Ready for the Strip –

The chassis retains its vintage charm, largely untouched except for Super Stock springs, subframe connectors, and a driveshaft safety loop installed for racing purposes. The gas tank has been relocated to the trunk, and the floorboards, rustproofed some time ago, are free from rust-through. Recent servicing of the manual 4-wheel drum brakes, including new rubber brake lines, ensures stopping power on the track.

Before hitting the drag strip, it’s essential to consult the NHRA handbook for any additional safety requirements. A thorough manual inspection is advised to ensure your safety on the track. Additional equipment, such as a front wiring harness and exhaust, will be needed for those looking to turn this drag racer into a street-legal rocket.

In conclusion, this 1965 Plymouth Belvedere is more than just a car; it’s a time machine that transports you to an era of tire smoke, roaring engines, and the pursuit of speed. Priced at $19,900, it offers an affordable entry into the exhilarating world of vintage drag racing. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of American muscle car history. Contact Garage Kept Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and start your journey back to the glory days of drag racing.

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