1956 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible
Only 6,735 buyers chose the Belvedere Convertible for 1956, placing it at the top of Plymouth’s lineup in both price and presence.
Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” design philosophy was in full effect that year, with taller sharp-edged tailfins, an enlarged egg-crate grille, and aircraft-inspired detailing that gave the restyled body a distinctly modern character compared to the conservative offerings from competing manufacturers.
The Belvedere occupied the uppermost trim position in Plymouth’s three-tier hierarchy, separating itself from the Plaza and Savoy with additional chrome brightwork and a more lavishly appointed interior.
Power came from a 277ci overhead-valve V8 with a four-barrel carburetor producing 200 horsepower, paired with Plymouth’s PowerFlite two-speed automatic (operated via pushbuttons mounted to the left of the steering column, a novelty at the time).
Four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes and a 115-inch wheelbase completed the package, and optional equipment in 1956 included Chrysler Corporation’s Highway Hi-Fi, an under-dash 16-rpm record player that ranked among the first in-car entertainment systems offered on an American production vehicle.
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