426ci Wedge Automatic Transmission Stock Looking Beast

1963 Plymouth Savoy

Mopar's factory drag racing program escalated in 1963 on two fronts, first introducing lightweight versions of their already trimmed-down competition models and then enlarging the Max Wedge engine from 413ci to 426ci. The Max Wedge was made available in three levels of tune, beginning with the 11.1:1 compression, 415hp Stage 1 engine. Special aluminum body pieces shaved approximately 150 pounds off the front of the car and included a dual scooped hood that delivered fresh air to the engine. It was a potent package, and it made the 1963 Dodge and Plymouth factory racers very tough to beat.

Born as a slant 6 cylinder, with radio and heater delete, the consigner set out to create a clone of a Plymouth Max Wedge. Sans aluminum front end, and wedge engine, the transformation began.

Exterior
Stock steel wheels in red match the exterior of this car. A hood scoop is added which emulates the original Max Wedge. All red, all around, paint present beautifully, body work is good exceptions a few noted dents and dings in particular on the driver's upper rear quarter panel, and passengers quarter panel. Brightwork, grille, and bumpers all are in gleaming good condition.

Interior
All redone in a contrasting white the front is a 40/60 split back only bench, and the rear shows a full bench. Black piping trims all the seats. Door panels to match with white and black sections as well as a colorful Plymouth logo on each door. Fresh black carpeting is seen throughout, and the dash stretching from door to door shows original gauges, western style type font in all its 1963 glory as well as a push button transmission gear selecting system. Headliner appears as new, and interestingly only the front windows are operational, as the rear are sealed, as well as having no crank.

Drivetrain
A 426ci Wedge tucked into the engine compartment is a sight to behold. Chrysler Orange coats the menacing block, and its components are pristine. Dual chromed air cleaners are atop, and a TorqueFlite transmission is bolted to the rear.

This “clone” harkens back to the earliest of muscle cars which were essentially a “B” chassis (midsize car) that was stripped down, lightened, and had a large engine dropped in. This combination made the Savoy a particularly difficult car to beat on the drag strip, and Chrysler's competitors were caught with their pants down per se, as it took them a couple of years to catch up. The car presents well and moves well too. It mirrors the saying “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.”