Nine years ago, a 1961 Plymouth Belvedere, once destined for the scrapyard, found a new lease on life. Abandoned in a field in North Dakota, the car was purchased for a mere $300 by a man who saw its potential.
Today, it’s a roaring beast with a big block engine, no hood, and a striking green paint job. Its unique design, characterized by its oversized front end and rocket booster like taillights, has earned it a cult following.
The Belvedere’s transformation is a testament to the passion and creativity of its owner. With meticulous attention to detail, he has restored the car to its former glory, while also adding his own personal touches.
The result is a stunning vehicle that is both a tribute to classic American automotive design and a reflection of its owner’s individuality. The massive Titanic-sized vehicle’s new owner had a radical idea: lower it.
He installed an air ride suspension and a powerful 493 cubic inch engine with twin turbos, removing the hood and fender wells to accommodate them. Tony’s vision was realized. He didn’t know the exact power output, but estimated it to be around 800 horsepower.
The crankshaft held up, and an automatic transmission delivered power to the rear wheels. It ran on gas without overheating, allowing Tony to drive it. He replaced the back seats with sporty front seats and added a roll cage. He even took it to the drag strip once.
It took three years for Tony and his team to create the aviation inspired instrument cluster. The car was showcased at the Route 66 Mother Road Festival, a 10 hour drive from Minnesota to Springfield, Illinois. The days of neglect were over.
