Image of 1959 Plymouth Belvedere, sourced from www.autobarnclassiccars.com , Image Link.

1959 Plymouth Belvedere: A Symbol of Space-Age Opulence

The 1959 Plymouth Belvedere stands as a gleaming testament to the era's fascination with space and futuristic design. Born from the ambitious minds at Plymouth, a division of the Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged during an age when tailfins and chrome were not mere embellishments but symbols of progress and optimism. The Belvedere, with its distinctive styling and advanced features for its time, captured the imagination of a generation poised on the brink of the Space Age. Notably, it was one of the stars in Stephen King's novel "Christine," albeit in its 1958 guise, which added a layer of cult status to its already storied existence.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere was a canvas of bold lines and dramatic angles. Its soaring tailfins hinted at rocket ships and interstellar travel, while the wide grille and quad headlights exuded a confident road presence. Inside, passengers were treated to a spacious cabin adorned with metallic accents and fabrics that promised durability and comfort. The dashboard was a marvel in itself, featuring an array of controls and gauges that resembled cockpit instrumentation. Technological marvels of the time included push-button transmission controls and available swiveling front seats. The color palette ranged from understated to vibrant, with "Iceberg White" and "Sunset Coral" being among the popular choices. Body styles included sedans, hardtops, convertibles, and station wagons, with the hardtop coupe often celebrated for its sleek profile.

Historical Significance

The Belvedere's design language spoke volumes about the era's automotive trends, pushing boundaries further than many of its contemporaries dared to go. Its influence can be seen in subsequent models across various manufacturers who sought to capture some of its space-age magic. The 1959 model year also marked the introduction of unit-body construction for Plymouth, enhancing rigidity and reducing weight—an advancement that would become industry standard in years to come.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood lay a range of powerplants from the reliable inline-six to the potent "Golden Commando" V8 engine, capable of propelling this cruiser to impressive speeds for its time. The ride was smooth, soaking up imperfections with ease while maintaining composure around bends—albeit with some body roll characteristic of vehicles from this period. Drivers often reveled in the throaty rumble of the V8 as they cruised down boulevards or accelerated onto highways.

Ownership Experience

The 1959 Plymouth Belvedere found its niche among various owners—from families enjoying its ample space to enthusiasts cherishing its unique style. Maintenance was straightforward by modern standards, though finding parts today can be a challenge for collectors. Reliability was on par for vehicles of the era but required regular attention to keep everything running smoothly.

Fun Facts

This iconic model has graced both big and small screens, further cementing its place in American pop culture. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks for style and design flair. Criticisms at the time focused on its boldness—some loved it; others found it polarizing—but today it is this distinctiveness that endears it to collectors.

Collector's Information

As a classic car enthusiast's dream, the 1959 Plymouth Belvedere varies widely in value depending on condition and originality. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands were produced across all body styles; however exact numbers remain elusive due to historical record discrepancies. In terms of appreciation, well-maintained examples have seen their value climb steadily over recent years with prices ranging anywhere from $20,000 to over $60,000 for pristine or rare variants.

Conclusion

The 1959 Plymouth Belvedere is more than just a car; it's a rolling piece of art that encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of an era looking boldly towards tomorrow. Its distinctive design continues to turn heads and stir hearts among classic car aficionados around the globe—a true testament to its enduring allure.

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1959 Plymouth Belvedere License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each-SB 86License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-17Trunk Seal. Each

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7-DRear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 20" long. Pair

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Rear Roll-Up Window Seals-VS 7-GRear Roll-Up Window Seals. For leading edge of rear quarter window. Made with molded ends. 18-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1959 Plymouth Belvedere Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.