The Plymouth Belvedere carved a unique path in the muscle car world, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with even before the iconic HEMI engines roared onto the scene. During a brief but impactful period from 1962 to 1964, the Belvedere became the unlikely host to the ferocious Max Wedge engine, a true trailblazer that paved the way for the HEMI’s future reign.
This Chrysler RB block powerhouse debuted in 1962, boasting a substantial 413 cubic inches of displacement and packing a serious punch of 410 or 420 horsepower depending on the chosen compression ratio. By 1963, Chrysler wasn’t content to rest on its laurels. The engineers upped the ante, enlarging the engine to a staggering 426 cubic inches.
This transformation resulted in even more awe-inspiring figures, with the highest compression version churning out a remarkable 415 and 425 horsepower an output that wouldn’t be surpassed until the arrival of the HEMI. But the Max Wedge story goes beyond sheer power. Nicknamed the Ramcharger in Dodges and the Super Stock in Plymouths, these weren’t just any engines.
They were strategically placed within lightweight intermediate cars, meticulously crafted to dominate the drag strip. Remarkably, despite their competition-focused intentions, these asphalt-eating machines retained their road legality, creating a fascinating paradox – brutal, track-ready beasts that could, somewhat surprisingly, double as somewhat practical daily drivers.
This unique combination made them true pioneers in the muscle car era. Plymouth offered the Max Wedge in the Belvedere, Savoy, and Fury, while Dodge placed it in the Polara and 330, resulting in a range of potent muscle car forerunners that continue to capture the imagination of enthusiasts today. Stepping away from the chrome-laden giants of the muscle car era, a 1964 Plymouth Belvedere with an unassuming black paint job and a practical bench seat interior seems like a relic of a bygone era.
But beneath this sleeper facade lies a legend the mighty Max Wedge engine. Produced in miniscule numbers between 1962 and 1964, Max Wedge vehicles are the holy grail for collectors, and this Belvedere is a prime contender. However, a deeper look into this car reveals a metamorphosis that elevates it from a coveted classic to a singular masterpiece.
Beyond the expected hood scoop hinting at hidden power, a closer inspection of the engine bay reveals a thrilling transformation. Originally a testament to Chrysler’s performance engineering, the 426 cubic-inch Max Wedge powerhouse has undergone a remarkable revision by Wheeler Racing Engines.
Displacing a monstrous 505 cubic inches, this stroked engine unleashes a fury of 623 horsepower and 652 pound-feet of torque, a staggering leap of nearly 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft over the stock Max Wedge III. A dyno sheet stands as undeniable proof of this awe-inspiring power.
Intriguingly, this Belvedere’s story doesn’t begin and end with its impressive restoration. Historical records reveal a glorious past on the drag strip. The car carved its name into NHRA National Class history in 1970, a testament to its racing prowess.
Remarkably, the car emerged from its quarter-mile battles relatively unscathed, retaining its original sheet metal, including the lightweight aluminum front end. This perfect blend of impeccable heritage, documented racing achievements, and a surge of hidden power makes this Belvedere a true collector’s dream, a one-of-a-kind fusion of classic muscle car looks and earth-shattering performance.
