Vehicle Description
1952 Plymouth Belvedere
Plymouth Belvedere is a series of automobile models made by
Plymouth from 1954 to 1970. The Belvedere name was first used for a
new hardtop body style in the Plymouth Cranbrook line for the 1951
model year. In 1954 the Belvedere replaced the Cranbrook as the top
trim and became a full model line with sedans, station wagons, and
convertible body styles. The Belvedere continued as Plymouth's
full-sized car until 1965, when it became an intermediate, and was
replaced after the 1970 model year by the Satellite, a name
originally used for the top-trim level Belvederes. The nameplate
"belvedere" is Italian for "beautiful sight" or "fair view". For
1952, Plymouth kept the Cranbrook Belvedere largely unchanged. The
biggest alteration was to the color scheme; to further distinguish
the top-level Belvedere from other Plymouths, the two tones now
flowed from the roof over the beltline onto the trunk, which has
been referred to as the "saddleback" treatment.
For consignment, a stunning restoration on a not oft seen car. Our
consignor states that a mere 384 copies were built for the 1952
model year. With a beautiful two-tone paint scheme, ultra clean
restored interior, and a clean engine bay, you'll be hard pressed
to find one of these models this clean or one at all for that
matter.
Exterior
A beautiful coat of shining paint in Belmont Blue adorns the
exterior straight steel panels of this massive pontoon sided car.
Meanwhile a distinctive Sterling Gray covers the roof and seemingly
melts down into the rear haunches of the car. All chrome on this
car is beautifully preserved, and even the door handles retain
their escutcheon guards to the body from errant keys or
fingernails. We need to look closely and appreciate not only the
cloisonne badge on the hood, but also the Belvedere script and
Plymouth badges on the sides and trunk of the car. The bumpers and
a big front chromed grille are spotless as are the add on
bumperettes. All window trim is buttoned up and just beautiful.
Wide white radial tires wrap Plymouth badged wheel covers which are
excellent. Overall, the exterior of this car is extremely fine in
presentation.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we are in gray vinyl with blue stitched
broadcloth insert heaven. Door panels remain excellent, as do the 2
large benches which stretch within the door panel confines and are
a stain and tear free mix of gray and white vinyl and a blue
checked broadcloth. The chrome window cranks and door releases are
all in remarkably good condition as is the armrest with its chrome
trimming, adding just a bit of contrast to the otherwise blue and
gray field. The all-steel dash is draped in Belmont Blue paint and
has a panel in front of the driver of clean bezeled glass covered
gauges which are as clean as a whistle. Additional interior dash
chrome abounds for the clock, radio, heater/defroster controls and
beautiful fronting steering wheel. Clean carpet in an almost body
matching blue, and broadcloth headliner in lighter blue finishes
off this excellently restored interior space.
Drivetrain
A 218ci in-line flathead 6-cylinder in just clean and pristine
condition resides under the hood and can be verified as original
and correct to the car. A 1-barrel carburetor feeds this engine,
and a 3-speed manual transmission is strapped to the back of the
engine. 3.90 gears for the rear, and we are all good to go.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen on the usual iron suspects such as
suspension, interior wheels, and a bit of the frame, but all remain
structurally sound. Some surface rust also in the rocker area, but
where body hangers meet the body is all clear. Independent coil
spring suspension for the front and leaf springs on the rear are
noted as are 4-wheel drum brakes.
Drive-Ability
I deferred to our test driver for this one and he reported a quick
start, smooth idle, and much comfortable ease of operation. Not a
fireball in the acceleration department, but then again it is a
family cruiser, which it handles just perfectly. Clean driver with
no smoke.
Before you is a great example of a rarely seen model year and car,
with all features functional, beautiful exterior paint and chrome,
snazzy interior, and smooth running engine and drivetrain. Even
down to the trunk interior, no stone was left unturned, and a
plethora of factory literature is included. An awesome restored and
well-kept example ready to turn the key and enjoy immediately.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.