Factory-built drag cars from the muscle car era rarely surface, but one of Chrysler’s most purpose-built machines is set to cross the block at Mecum Indy 2026 on May 16, 2026. A 1967 Plymouth Hemi Belvedere II Super Stock, listed as Lot R721.1, represents one of just 55 examples produced. This makes it among the rarest factory Mopar competition cars of the 1960s.
Built specifically to compete in NHRA Super Stock racing, these stripped-down Belvederes were engineered for quarter-mile dominance rather than daily driving. Powered by a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 and set up with weight-saving measures throughout, the RO23-code Belvedere II became a serious contender during the 1967 drag racing season.
With its documented rarity in production and direct connection to Chrysler’s factory racing efforts, this example offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a purpose-built piece of Mopar competition history.
Chrysler’s Return to Super Stock Competition
By 1967, the drag racing arms race among American manufacturers was in full swing. Chrysler had stepped back from building dedicated Super Stock cars in 1966, but returned the following year with a more production-based competition package. The result was the RO23 Plymouth Belvedere II, and its Dodge counterpart, the WO23 Coronet. Both were designed to meet NHRA Super Stock homologation requirements.
To qualify, Chrysler built 55 Plymouth Belvedere II Super Stock cars, each powered by the legendary 426 Hemi. These cars were assembled on the production line rather than being heavily modified outside the factory, hence marking a shift toward more showroom-based racing platforms. Buyers could choose either a four-speed manual or a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, depending on racing preference.
Unlike the radical altered-wheelbase machines that preceded them, the 1967 RO23 cars were more restrained, but still purpose-built for competition. Chrysler engineers removed sound-deadening materials, insulation, and non-essential trim while maintaining steel body panels to comply with evolving racing rules. The goal was to deliver a lighter, factory-built drag car that racers could immediately campaign in Super Stock competition.
The approach worked. Factory teams and independent racers quickly adopted the Belvedere II Super Stock. While rule changes limited their ultimate dominance, these cars still captured wins and helped maintain Mopar’s strong presence on drag strips throughout 1967.
426 Hemi Power Built for the Quarter Mile
At the heart of the 1967 Belvedere II Super Stock was Chrysler’s 426 cubic-inch Hemi, one of the most feared engines of the muscle car era. The race-ready version featured dual four-barrel carburetors, a high-performance camshaft, and reinforced internal components designed to withstand sustained high-RPM racing conditions.
Factory ratings listed output at 425 horsepower, though real-world performance often exceeded those figures. Some restored examples have been dyno-tested at significantly higher outputs, highlighting the engine’s conservative factory ratings and race-ready potential.
Weight reduction also played a major role in performance. The RO23 Belvedere II eliminated features such as radios, heaters, sound insulation, and undercoating. Lightweight components and stripped interiors helped reduce overall mass, improving acceleration and quarter-mile performance. The result was a factory-built drag machine capable of competitive Super Stock times right out of the showroom floor. These cars were not designed for everyday use.
One of Just 55 Built
Rarity remains the defining feature of the 1967 Plymouth Hemi Belvedere II Super Stock. Chrysler produced just 55 examples to satisfy NHRA homologation rules, making surviving cars highly sought after by collectors today.
This Mecum-bound example carries the RO23 designation and is powered by a 426 cubic-inch Hemi paired with an automatic transmission. The listing notes that the car is from a limited production run and shows just 395 miles on the odometer. However, that figure reflects the current reading rather than the confirmed original mileage.
These Belvedere II Super Stock cars also represent an important transitional period in Chrysler racing history. They bridged the gap between earlier lightweight factory drag cars and the even more extreme 1968 Super Stock machines.
Because many were raced hard and modified over time, original or correctly restored examples are increasingly difficult to find. That scarcity, combined with factory race pedigree, continues to drive collector interest.