In 1966, Plymouth built fifty (50) HP2 Belvedere II Hemi cars. Few are known to survive, as they were primarily used for drag racing. My 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II HP2 has 25,138 original documented original miles, with a complete owner history. In 2002 and 2003, this Belvedere received an absolute ground up restoration to true #1 condition. The 426 Hemi was completely rebuilt, balanced and restored using original and/or NOS components (by Jim Walther, 1972 NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, Wilkesboro, NC). The original A833 Hemi 4 speed transmission was also rebuilt and functions as new. The original Dana 60 axle, with a 3.54 gear, are present and accounted for, and in flawless operating condition (by John Petko, Burton, OH). Carburetors were restored and rebuilt to original specifications (by Gary Paolini, Wilkesboro, NC).
The body on this Belvedere is absolutely original, with all original panels used during the restoration process. The car was completely stripped, massaged to perfection, and repainted in the correct HP 2 red, with all work performed by a well known paint & body man (by Bill Rice, Chesterland, OH) responsible for numerous award-winning Mopars. The body is perfectly straight and the paint is absolutely stunning, with no blemishes. All of the original stainless steel trim was reused, after being straightened and polished. All chrome was triple-plated, and shines better than new. All glass in the Belvedere is factory original glass, that was installed in the car new. All wiring harnesses were replaced. All weather strips, body mounts, gaskets and seals were replaced throughout the car.
Currently on the Belvedere is a REAL R0 hemi hood, with a REAL R0 hemi hood scoop. The original hood was painted along with the car, is in perfect restored condition, and is presented with the car.
Speaking of the black vinyl interior, the following were restored or replaced: door panels, door handles, window cranks, arm rest bases, arm rest pads, seat covers, seat foams, dash pad, instrument cluster, gauges, carpeting, headliner, package tray, sill plates and, kick panels. This Belvedere II is a multiple national show winner, including First Place at Mopar Nationals-JUDGED SHOW ENTRIES (2003-B BODY STREET–(1962–1967) and 2005-RWD STREET–PLYMOUTH) and First Place at the Holley NHRA Reunion (out of more than 6000 cars).
This Belvedere has been featured in the August, 2004 edition of Mopar Action, and has also been featured on the Speed Channel, and ESPN Mother’s Polish Car Show. A complete Galen Govier report is available, based on his personal inspection of the vehicle, when it was located as an un-restored survivor in 2002. In summary, this historic car is a true piece of Chrysler history. Mopar unveiled the HP2 Belvederes & Satellites as a way of introducing the first 426 street hemi in 1966.