Plymouth Belvedere Sport Sedan From 1957 by Jan Keteleer

The third generation of the Plymouth Belvedere was introduced for the 1957 model year. This was the second generation to feature a sedan, while the fifth and sixth generation featured a coupe. The 1957 Belvedere was available in four different body styles, including a convertible. The top-of-the-line model was the two-door hardtop coupe. Its distinctive tailfins were chromed in the rear fenders, and Chrysler Corporation added the PowerFlite two-speed transmission. Production of the car dropped to just 32,492 during the year, and sales dipped to thirty-two thousand units.

The Belvedere returned as the top trim level for the 1958 model year. The styling was a big step up from the sleek models of the previous year. The body was more rounded and the hood line was lower, while the rear fenders were flush. In 1953, a new Hy-Drive transmission was offered with all Plymouths. The Belvedere's engine was a 260-horsepower unit with dual four-barrel carburetors.

After the first model year, all Plymouths received a complete makeover. The Belvedere was brought back as the top model, replacing the Cranbrook. This car had a 114-inch wheelbase and a ball-and-trunion drive shaft. It sold thirty-five thousand units in 1953 and had a total of nine trim levels. It is also one of the first cars to use Hy-Drive transmission.