Barn-Find 1967 Hemi Belvedere Stuns With Record Sale

A Survivor Emerges After 35 Years

A long-hidden 1967 Plymouth Hemi Belvedere I has shocked the market with a record result at Mecum Kissimmee 2026. After spending 35 years tucked away, the red-on-red survivor crossed the block for $280,500, including buyer’s premium. As a result, it set a new benchmark for road-legal 1967 Belvederes.

According to auction information, the car shows 32,383 miles and retains its original drivetrain. Moreover, it is a numbers-matching Street Hemi example that remained largely untouched during decades of storage. Many cars like it were raced, modified, or repainted. This one was not. Instead, it lived quietly in seclusion after its original owner passed away, preserved by the owner’s brother. Consequently, the car surfaced as a time capsule of late-1960s Mopar performance.

Photos provided by Mecum.

Why This Belvedere Is So Rare

Rarity drives big results, and this Belvedere has it in spades. In 1967, Plymouth launched the GTX as the upscale muscle flagship. However, the base Belvedere I could still be ordered with the vaunted 426-cubic-inch Street Hemi. Very few customers did. It is widely believed that only four Belvedere I cars with the Street Hemi were built in this configuration.

Furthermore, the car’s specific options make it even more distinctive. Many enthusiasts consider this example effectively unique among the tiny pool of survivors. Because it remains unrestored, it tells its story with original paint, trim, and components. In the collector world, originality matters. Therefore, a car that has not been torn down and rebuilt often commands a premium. Here, the combination of scarcity and authenticity proved irresistible to bidders.

The Auction and the New Benchmark

The Mecum Kissimmee sale underscored how strong demand remains for documented, unmodified muscle. The $280,500 price more than doubled what many regarded as the previous high for the model, which hovered around $125,000. Consequently, the result set a fresh watermark for a 1967 Belvedere that can be driven on public roads.

Notably, the car came from the respected Frank Karabetsos Collection. That connection added confidence and clarity to its provenance. Additionally, the venue itself played a role. Kissimmee has become a bellwether for the American performance market, and headline-worthy cars often find maximum exposure there. In this case, the right crowd, the right story, and the right specification aligned. Therefore, the hammer price reflected both the car’s significance and the current appetite for high-quality Mopar history.

What Survived With the Car

Beyond the drivetrain, the documentation impressed. The auction listing cited the original bill of sale, the factory Certi-Card, and an uncommon four factory build sheets. In addition, the car retained its original paint and interior, lending credibility to its survivor status. Under the hood, the 426 Street Hemi presented cleanly and correctly, a rare sight after so many decades.

While countless Hemi cars were modified for quarter-mile duty, this one avoided typical alterations. Instead, its mechanicals and finishes appear consistent with period production. The car’s authenticity gave bidders confidence that what they saw was as the factory delivered it. Moreover, it allowed the new owner to choose a path forward—preserve the car in its current state or refresh it lightly with sympathetic maintenance. Either way, the car’s core value rests in what survived intact.

What It Means for Mopar Collectors

This sale sends a clear signal to the market. Documented, original, and low-production muscle cars remain highly prized, even amid the popularity of modernized “Pro Touring” builds. Moreover, the result shows that collectors will pay up for cars that combine rarity and originality with strong paperwork. It also suggests that carefully stored survivors, once verified, can outpace fully restored examples.

The 426 Street Hemi’s legend continues to power values. Rated at 425 horsepower, the engine still commands respect for its engineering and mystique. Consequently, genuine, numbers-matching Hemi cars may see continued strength. For owners, thoughtful preservation and complete records will matter more than ever. For shoppers, patient research and verified provenance can make all the difference.

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