1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere: A Classic American Car Review

1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe Browse the article 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe

1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe

1957 Plymouth Belvedere convertible

The 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe were Plymouth's top-of-the-line models (aside from the limited-production Fury), and all new again for 1957 with "Suddenly It's 1960" styling, longer wheelbase, torsion bar front suspension, and a newly available three-speed TorqueFlite automatic.

As before, the convertible came only with a V-8, and there were hairier options available throughout the line, which also included the stripped Plaza and mid-priced Savoy models. Unfortunately, these dramatic new Plymouths were let down by noticeably poorer quality control, a problem that plagued all Chrysler products in this period and one that damaged the corporation's fine engineering reputation.

Styling was modestly revised for 1958, with the then-obligatory four-headlamp front-end, horizontal-bar grille, and shorter tail lights residing in the 1957 fins. Though very rust-prone, these Plymouths have a lot to recommend them as collectibles.

Pluses of the 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:

• A budget collectible
• Big recent value jumps
• Fine handling
• Good V-8 performance
• Important and striking design

Minuses of the 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:

• Much smaller following than Chevy or Ford
• Rust can be fatal

Production of the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:

• 2-door hardtop: 67,268
• Convertible: 9,866

Production of the 1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:

• 2-door hardtop: 36,043
• Convertible: 9,941

Specifications of the 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:
Wheelbase, inches: 118.0
Length, inches: 206.1
Weight, pounds: 3,325-3,585
Price, new: $2,349-$2,762 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1957-1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible & Hardtop Coupe:

TypeSize
Horsepower
Years
sv I-6
230.2 cid
132
1957-1958
ohv V-8
277 cid
197/2351957
ohv V-8
301 cid
215/2351957
ohv V-8
318 cid
225/2501958
ohv V-8
350 cid
305/3151958

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