A/FX Plymouths From 1965: 1 Of 6 Most Original And Still Survive.

In 1965 over in the US, Ford and Chrysler were locked in a battle of their own. Ford pulled out of the Super Stock drag racing series, and entered into the A/Factory Experimental class for the 1965 drag racing season.

Chrylser couldn’t let them go unchallenged, and subsequently built a dozen of extensively modified B-bodies to take the fight to Ford.

Along with another six Dodges originally built, just five A/FX Chryslers are known to still survive.
And here’s the most original 1965 Plymouth Belvedere A/FX, owned by Illinois racer Lee Smith – and it was auctioned off at Mecum Florida.

The ’65 Belvedere was originally a test mule, but modified to A/FX-spec in order to be competitive against Ford’s 427-powered A/FX Mustangs and Comets.

15-inches of sheetmetal was removed from the floorpan, allowing for the rear axle to be moved forward. The front axles too were moved forward by ten inches, supplemented by modified frame rails, revised torsion bar suspension and modified steering links.

The bodies were all acid-dipped; and gained extensive use of fibreglass panelling, as well has Lexan and Plexiglass windows and a thinner reinforced K-member all in the name of shaving vital mass.

The 426ci Hemi was also lightened at every opportunity, with extensive use of magnesium components and an aluminium head.

Overall the A/FX-spec Belvederes weighed in at just 1270kgs, below the 1450kg weight minimum for the A/FX class though Chrysler ultimately intended to bolster the weight with ballasts.

Unfortunately, the cars never met the regulation due to the excessive modifications to the wheelbase (something Ford was also guilty of) and never raced under its intended regulations.

The cars did go on to battle their Blue Oval rivals in manufacture match races.

The car has undergone a number of stages and liveries, though has ultimately been restored to the livery and specification it last competed in.