Basic information and history

The Plymouth Belvedere 2-door hardtop was the brand's elegant, pillarless coupé for 1953, a model that ranked above the Cambridge and Cranbrook in the equipment hierarchy. The 1953 model year is characterized by the three-piece rear window, abundant chrome and the option of the then new semi-automatic Hy-Drive. Around 33,000 examples of the model were built per year. For collectors and brand enthusiasts, 1953 and 1954 mean small but significant differences in detail, not least in glass and decoration.

This example is a 1953 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door hardtop. According to the seller, the car has a Swedish history with a standstill from 1961 to 1993 and then back in the traffic system. According to information from the Plymouth club, there are very few examples in Sweden, among other things it is mentioned that only two are registered, the second of which is in Orsa. The current one tells the following about the history:

When I bought it in 2003, it was registered on 1993-06-17, but with a little research with the previous owners, it turned out that the registration papers had not been included in any sale but were still with the previous owners. I got the right papers, then I contacted the vehicle inspection, which helped to get it on the right papers, where it was listed as first registered on 17/1 1953. The Plymouth was first sold to Erik Eriksson, a landlord in Askeryd in Småland, and received registration number F 23397. The first registration number A 55049 was probably with a car dealership in Stockholm. In the first papers there are 8 owners, it was deregistered in 1960, and was registered again on 1993 06 17, 6 previous owners according to the registration documents of the first registration, so a total of 14 owners before me. A lot has been done, but the project has now stopped due to illness.

The car was repainted in the original color about 25 years ago, the body has had welding work done on the sills, floor and lower part of the doors in connection with the paint. According to the seller, the chrome details and emblems are nice, but the Belvedere emblems on the side have come in two pieces, but should be able to be cast together. A Continental Kit is included. Note that the rear window on this example is complete, in 1954 style, while the 1953 normally had a three-piece rear window. According to the seller, the car was equipped with Hy-Drive from the factory, but the drivetrain has now been converted to a 3-speed manual, while the Hy-Drive emblem remains on the tailgate.

All information in this ad is provided by the seller.

Equipment and options

• Continental Kit included
• 3-speed manual transmission fitted
• Hy-Drive emblem on tailgate
• Repainted in original color
• New chrome all around according to the seller
• New emblems
• Windshield new
• Side window frames chromed
• Tires new a few years ago, driven sparingly
• Service manual in English included

Modifications and deviations : The car has been converted from the original Hy-Drive to a 3-speed manual. The rear window is a full 1954-style window instead of the 1953 three-piece solution. The bodywork has been welded in the sills, floor and lower edges of the doors. Electrical system and exterior lights are being installed. Seat belts are missing.

Condition

Body and exterior : The paint is about 25 years old but is described as being in good condition. There is minor damage to the bonnet and some paint damage to the door edges. The body has had weld repairs to the sills, floor and lower edges of the doors. All chrome and the emblems are said to be new. The windscreen is new and the side window frames are chromed. The chrome strips on the right rear fender are slightly crooked.

Interior : The interior is partially unassembled. The headliner is new. The front seat upholstery has holes and general wear and tear. The steering wheel, controls and buttons have wear and tear but are described as acceptable. The door handles, cranks and panels are unassembled and the doors should be adjusted. The car has no electric windows and no seat belts. The turn signal lever is missing.

Tires and rims : Tires are new from a few years ago and have been driven a little. The rims have paint wear.

Mechanics and function : The engine was renovated by Jönköpings Motorrenovering in 2011 and, according to the seller, has been driven a maximum of approximately 50 kilometers after the renovation. Valves have not been readjusted after running in. The gearbox is a 3-speed manual that works well according to the seller. The brake system has new wheel cylinders, new pads and ground drums, the master cylinder has not been replaced. The air conditioning cooling is not in function during the ongoing renovation. Exterior lights are being installed. The car has not been recently inspected and is not completed.

Service history

The car was out of service from 1961 to 1993 according to the seller. In 1993 a new instrument cluster was installed and the car was re-entered into the system. Engine renovation was carried out in 2011 at Jönköpings Motorrenovering, with receipts to prove the work. According to the seller, the car has been driven a maximum of approximately 50 kilometers after renovation, and the valves have not been readjusted after running-in.

The car comes with a service manual in English, receipts for engine renovation and original instruments with history up to 1961.

Summary

An unusual 1953 Plymouth Belvedere 2-door hardtop with Swedish history and high potential for the enthusiast who wants to complete a rare model. The car has been repainted in the original color, has new chrome and new emblems, a new windshield and re-chromed side window frames. The engine was rebuilt in 2011 but has been driven very little since then and needs valve adjustment after running in. The drivetrain is a 3-speed manual and the brake system has been updated with new wheel cylinders and pads. The interior is partially unassembled and some adjustment of doors as well as electricity and lighting remains before inspection.

For those looking for a contemporary hardtop with the right 50s attributes and an accompanying Continental Kit, this example offers an excellent basis. The seller's statement that the model is very rare in Sweden underlines its collector's value.