Today's post features Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth brand's mid-level Belvedere and Satellite models that shared the same basic body over model years 1966-1969, including a major facelift for 1968. That facelift was drastic enough that casual viewers might easily think that '68 Plymouths were completely restyled. Which is what Chrysler marketing management hoped would happen.
Shown below are 1966 and 1968 four-door sedans and hardtop coupes. All images are of cars listed for sale.
The basic shape is simple, with a straight-through fender line and matching side sculpting and ornamentation. Pay attention to door cutlines.
The fenderline subtly curves on the rear passenger door. Sides are now ballooned out, so as to eliminate the sculpting seen above. Door cutlines are the same aside from the forward edge of the driver's door. However, it's likely that door hinging was unchanged, the cutline reflecting the new side curving. Window framing and detailing are the same for both cars, though the passenger compartment greenhouse is slightly longer here, with a shallower after profile slope.
Not a very attractive photo, but I include it because it clearly shows relevant details.
Like the sedan, the body sheet metal has been pushed out, rounded. The fenderline also undulates slightly. The door cutline situation is the same as noted above. The A-pillar and air vent pane are the same as for '66. What's clearly different is the rest of the passenger compartment greenhouse. This especially gives hardtop coupes a "redesign" appearance.
1 comment:
And deep down they were both 1962 Plymouths.
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