The nearly 20-year run of the Plymouth Belvedere carved a niche in the hearts of American automobile enthusiasts that sustains interest to this day. The car’s overall popularity makes the task of crowning one generation over another decidedly difficult. Robert Denzler remembers the first time he laid eyes on a 1955 Plymouth Belvedere, the model year that reversed a sales slide and propelled the car into the popular imagination. He fell in love with the beautiful lines that ran the length of the Belvedere’s body. Yet his impression was not shared by his wife, whose first reaction to any hint of buying such a vehicle was, “You’re crazy.”
Every time the two of them went anywhere near the car, Denzler did his best to coerce his wife to see it. At the end of that car show season, a “For Sale” sign appeared in the Belvedere’s window. Denzler wasn’t about to miss out on what could be his last chance, but his wife refused to relent.
Denzler kept applying pressure. He continued to take his wife on multiple trips to see a car she had no interest in allowing into their garage. Eventually, however, Denzler wore her down. She bought Denzler his dream car for his 50th birthday.
| » Engine: Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch small-block |
| » Horsepower: About 350 |
| » Paint: Light green |
| » Performance: Turbo 350 transmission, Dana 60 rear axle, full-tube chassis |
| » Interior: Racing seats, Monster tachometer, Auto Meter ultralight gauges, handmade dash, performance roll cage |
| » Exterior: Lexan side windows, Centerline wheels |
When the time came for modifying, Denzler found himself doing a lot more “taking apart” than “putting together.” For a while, things seemed to be moving along smoothly. But when he lost his dog, Denzler lost interest in the car.
With time and healing, the car project found its way back on his list of things to do. The result was an antique vehicle with a predilection for racing complemented by a full-performance interior complete with racing seats, Monster tachometer and Auto Meter gauges.
His next venture is to beef up the engine with a 392 Hemi that lies in waiting at his residence.
What do you drive? A 1955 Plymouth Belvedere.
Why do you drive it? Because it’s different.
What makes this car so special? You just don’t see that many, especially configured for Pro Street competition.
What was your most memorable driving experience? We went to Charlotte for a Good Guys show and got to make three laps around the race track.
What was the first car you owned? A 1966 Pontiac Bonneville.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? I don’t allow music in my car.
And your first ticket? What was it for? I think it was for speeding.
