1962 to 1965 Mopar Web site logo, based on early 1960's Mopar Logo

1965 Plymouth Belvedere II

August 2012 Mopar of the Month

John writes: This is a 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II Max Wedge tribute Mopar. This Plymouth was formerly owned by Tom Sneden, driver of the factory lightweight drag car that was sponsored by Bob Banning Dodge which was named Bounty Hunters.

1965 Plymouth Belvedere II driver side front
1965 Plymouth Belvedere II Bob Banning Dodge graphic 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II t-shirt Bob Banning Dodge

The engine is a 1968 Mopar industrial R/RB block bored and stroked to 512 CI using a 440source kit to pump out over 600 horses. The big block features 1963/64 Max Wedge (MW) heads (4 bolt valve covers) with a Mopar Performance (MP) .590 flat tappet cam and MW cross ram intake manifold with Edelbrock carburetors. The ignition is controlled by a Mallory Unilite distributor and MSD-6AL control box. The engine is mounted with a motor plate and 1/2 inch fuel lines with a Holley blue fuel pump. Engine cooling is performed by a OEM 3 core radiator and high volume aluminum water pump. The exhaust is handled by TTI 2 inch headers and 3.5 inch pipes bolted to Flowmaster mufflers, with the system ending at the rear axle.

1965 Plymouth Belvedere II max wedge style engine

The Plymouth has the TorqueFlite 727 Automatic transmission with 9 a inch stall convertor (4500 rpm) and reverse manual valve body, controlled by a column shift. The power hits the road trough a Dana 60 rear with 4:56 gears, using MP Super Stock springs which have been moved inward and coil over shocks. The frame is tied to hold the power in check. 15 x 8 steel wheels keep the Mopar rolling.

The interior is styled after the A990 cars with A100 lightweight bucket seats on aluminum seat rails, with the rear seat removed and carpeted plywood separating trunk of interior compartment.

1965 Plymouth Belvedere II front interior 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II rear interior 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II dash - steering wheel
1965 Plymouth Belvedere II trunk -battery 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II trunk -battery

This Plymouth is an older restoration but the body is solid and presents well. The original dealership’s metal tag from Essex Dodge Baltimore, MD is still intact. Like a lot of old timers, it could use some freshening up. The floor pans are complete with some thin spots. The trunk appears original, with factory wheel wells remaining. The battery was relocated to the trunk with a MP/Direct Connection battery box kit.

1965 Plymouth Belvedere II driver rear side
1965 Plymouth Belvedere II passenger side 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II rear end 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II  max wedge 426 decal

Editor’s Note: This Plymouth is SOLD. currently FOR SALE in Newport News, Va. 23601. $18,900 Phone John at 757-871-6799. or 1965 Plymouth Belvedere contact


Thanks John!

The Max Wedge Mopars continue to insprire and motivate fans!   smile!

Gary H.


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