Tuesday, January 15, 2013

1967 Plymouth RO23 Belvedere 426 CI 544 HP

S177 1967 Plymouth RO23 Belvedere  426 CI, Automatic Photo 1


Competition in NHRA Super Stock racing was at a fever pitch by the mid-1960s. The factories continued to trade blows with ever more radical specials to meet the demands of their team drivers, and in 1967Plymouth upped the stakes, introducing a limited-production lightweight drag racing package for the Belvedere, the RO23. Fifty-five 2-door hardtops were built to meet the NHRA’s Super Stock/B class rules, all powered by the 426 CI Hemi backed by either a 4-speed manual transmission or a Torqueflite automatic, the latter fitted with the 8¾ rear axle housing with 4.86 final drive. 

The cars were shipped sans sound deadener, radio, heater and front sway bar; the hood wore a large fresh air scoop, thin rubber mats replaced the standard carpeting and the battery was relocated to the trunk behind the right rear wheel well to aid traction. This RO23 Plymouth Belvedere lightweight from the Joe Amato Collection is a splendid example with the correct and recently rebuilt 426 race Hemi, equipped with dual 4-barrel carburetors and dyno- tuned to 544 HP (the original factory 4-barrels have been restored and come with the car). Finished in show-quality White paint over all-original sheet metal, it wears evocative painted steel wheels with “cheater” slicks and narrow rubber on American Torque Thrusts up front.  

- RO23, 1 of 55 Plymouth Hemi race cars
- Recently rebuilt 426 CI Hemi dual quad engine
- 544 HP on the dyno test
- Original restored carbs come with the car
- Automatic transmission
- 8 3/4" rear axle
- Show quality paint over all steel metal

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