1965 Plymouth - General

The 1965 full-size Plymouths and Valiants were introduced September 25, 1964.   A Sport Fury convertible was the pace car at the 1965 Indianapolis 500. The company then released a special Pace Car drive train package available in any Fury at extra cost. The XP-VIP experimental show car was built this year.

The 1965 Fury body introduced the use of curved side window glass on Plymouth products. A total of 6,929 Chrysler Corporation products, including Plymouths, had 426 CID V-8s installed this year. Four-speed transmissions were found in 2.6% of all Furys, 4.0% of all Belvederes, 19.4% of all Barracudas and 1.3% of all Valiants. Bucket seats were used in all Barracudas, 16% of Furys, 15.9% of Belvederes, and 10.8% of Valiants.

The Valiant was only slightly facelifted for 1965. It had a new grille with slightly more horizontal blades, most of which were thinner. The top and bottom moldings were thicker, and a central molding of the same width was placed on either side of the raised center section. This gave a split grille effect inspired by the Barracuda. A V-shaped emblem was placed in the middle. Round, chrome backup light housings, like those seen on the 1964 Barracuda, were new at the rear. The Valiant also used Barracuda-type front fenders, with the slimmer 'veed'-back feature line. Nameplates indicating series designations were placed on the sides of the cowl.

Barracuda was now considered part of the Valiant Signet line. A "Formula S" competition package was introduced which included a 235 horsepower edition of the 273 cubic inch V-8.

The big news was that there was now a "Big" Plymouth to compete with Ford and Chevrolet's large cars. The Belvedere stayed on as the intermediate (mid-size) car, the Savoy disappeared, and the Fury now sat on a 119" wheelbase as the large, full size car. The Belvedere and Fury had their own unique styling but shared enough family resemblance to tie the brand together. There was the Belvedere I that replaced the Savoy, a Belvedere II which was the old Belvedere, and the Belvedere Satellite replaced the Sport Fury line.

The Fury line now had Fury, Fury II, Fury III, and a Sport Fury. All these cars should be considered new offerings regardless of the names, since all sat on the new 119" chassis and featured their own sheet metal.

Some '65 Plymouths and Dodges were released with an altered wheelbase "drag package" for NHRA Factory Experimental class drag racing.

P. N.Buckminster was the chief executive officer of the company.

Full-size model year production peaked at 182,220 units. Valiant production was a solid 157,294. Total Plymouth model year production was 683,456 units.

Plymouth Models -

1965 VALIANT V-100 6-CYL6-CYL and V-8

The V-100 was still the base series. Standard features included heater and defroster, vinyl trim, turn signals, courtesy lights, front door arm rests, and five tubeless black sidewall tires.  Passenger cars had V-100 identification on the rear roof 'C' pillar, but station wagons had Valiant signatures behind the front wheel housing and small V-100 nameplates on their narrow 'C' pillars. The car was available with the "170" or "225" Six or the two-barrel 273 CID V-8.

1965 VALIANT V-200 6-CYL and V-8

The V-200 had all the V-100s basic equipment plus special upholstery and trim, DeLuxe carpeting, front and rear arm rests, and cigar lighter. The V-200 was also available with the "170" or "225" Six or the two-barrel 273 CID V-8. A four-barrel version of the 273 was optional on the V-200.

1965 VALIANT Signet-200 6-CYL and V-8

The bucket seat Signet was the premium level Valiant. Appearance extras included roof pillar trim, wheelhouse moldings, rocker panel moldings, front fender top ornaments, and circular medallions on the trunk and grille. Standard equipment comprised of all V-200 features plus front foam seat cushions and full wheel covers.

1965 BARRACUDA 6-CYL and V-8

The Barracuda was considered part of the premium lines compacts from Plymouth -- technically a sub-model in the Signet line. However, no Valiant nameplate appeared on the deck lid's right-hand corner. This reclassification was the only significant external change from the 1964 model. An optional "Formula S" competition package was available, and that included a 235 horsepower edition of the 273 CID V-8 with 4-barrel carb, heavy-duty front torsion bars, heavy-duty rear springs, firm ride shock absorbers, sway bar, rally stripes, extra wide wheel rims, Goodyear Blue Streak wide oval tires, and "Formula S" medallions ahead of the front wheel openings. Barracuda sales took a big jump this season.

1965 BELVEDERE - 6-CYL and V-8

The Belvedere nameplate was no longer used to designate the level of trim and equipment. It was now used to classify the mid-size Plymouths. The "new" Belvedere was the same platform that had been used for all Plymouths in 1964. Styling for these cars was a revamp of the 1964 body with single headlamps and a cross-bar grille. There were three kinds of Belvederes:

• The "low level" (L) offerings were the Belvedere I Series. It replaced the Savoy. The Belvedere I had as standard equipment heater and defroster, front seat belts, oil filter, and five blackwall tires. Trim consisted of a straight, three-quarter length side body molding from the front door edge back and with "Belvedere I" in script ahead of it.
  
  
• The "high level" (H) were Belvedere II models. The Belvedere II was, for all intents and purposes, the '64 Belvedere. As standard equipment, in addition to what came with the Belvedere I, it had carpeting, special trim and upholstery, foam seat cushions, and backup lights. Appearance distinctions were wide, full-length slanting horizontal moldings with color insert, "Belvedere II" in script behind front wheel openings, and rocker panel strips.
  
  
• The premium level (P) was the "Belvedere Satellite." It replaced the Fury and Sport Fury of 1964. It was styled to display a rich and sporty character. It had all equipment of the Belvedere I and II models plus front bucket seats, center console, full wheel covers and all-vinyl trim on the two-door hardtop. Side trim moldings were deleted, but louvers were on the Satellite's rear fenders and rocker panel moldings were used. Also fitted to the Satellite where wheel opening moldings, "Satellite" in script, and a rear deck latch panel with a horizontal beauty strip. The 1965 Belvedere was available with with either a 318, 361, 383 or 426-S V-8, plus the 426 CID Hemi was available.
  
  

1965 FURY 6-CYL and V-8

This new car was 3-inches longer in wheelbase and 6-inches longer in overall length at 209.4 inches. All four full-size Plymouths sat on a 119 inch wheelbase while the wgaon sat on 121 inches.  These cars featured unique sheetmetal which included a long, narrow, high appearance, hooded, vertically- stacked dual headlamps, V-shaped rear fender profile, full-length, rectangular bodyside depression, formal sedan roof treatment or semi-fastback cantilevered roofline on hardtops, flat rear deck lid with peaked centerline, and a cove-like latch panel treatment.  There were four levels of Furys for 1965:

• The low level (L) Fury I trim consisted of a three-quarter length straight, horizontal molding from front door edge back and single tail lamps. The Fury I had as standard equipment a heater and defroster, front seat belts, oil filter, and five blackwall tires.
  
  
• The Fury II was the medium level (M) offering. It had a full-length body side molding and single tail lamps. The Fury II added front foam seats and carpets as standard equipment.
  
  
• The Fury III (H) upped the standard equipment with a courtesy light package, electric clock, and backup lamps. The Sport Fury was the Premium level (P) large Plymouth. In styling, the Fury III added a color insert to the side molding and had three, short horizontal bars of chrome on the cowl sides at mid-fender level. In addition, a twin tail lamp treatment was used.
  
  
• The Sport Fury used two bars on the side of the cowl, with color treatment, and had Sport Fury signatures on front fenders and deck. As standard equipment, over and above the Fury I, II, and III models, was added a deLuxe Fury steering wheel, bucket seats, console, special wheel covers, and rear fender skirts.

Engines -

• VALIANT V-100 and V-200 Series Engine. Inline Six. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 170 CID Bore and stroke: 3.406" x 3.125". Compression ratio: 8.2:1. Horsepower: 101 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 155 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid lifters. Carburetor: Carter BBS one-barrel Model 3462S.
  
  
• VALIANT and PLYMOUTH Optional 6-CYL. Inline Six. Overhead valves. Cast iron or aluminum block. Displacement: 225 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.406" x 4.125". Compression ratio: 8.2:1. Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 215 ft lbs @ 2800 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBS one-barrel Model 3839S.
  
  
• VALIANT and BARRACUDA V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 273 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62" x 3.312" inches. Compression ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 180 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 260 ft lbs @ 1600 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3767S.
  
  
• VALIANT and BARRACUDA Optional V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 273 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.62" x 3.312" inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 235 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 280 ft lbs @ 4000 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Base V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 318 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.906" x 3.312". Compression ratio: 8.4:1. Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 340 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3682S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 361 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 361 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.125" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 265 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 380 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type BBD two-barrel Model 3472S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 383 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.250" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 270 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 380 ft lbs @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional 383 CID "Commando" V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 383 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.250" x 3.375". Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 ft lbs @ 2800 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "426-S" V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 10.3:1. Horsepower: 365 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 475 ft lbs @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic Valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 2913S.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "Hemi" V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 11.0:1. Horsepower: 415 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 470 ft lbs @ 4600 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter Type AFB four-barrels Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional "Hemi" V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 12.0:1. Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 480 ft lbs @ 4600 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter Type AFB four-barrels Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.
  
  
• Plymouth Optional NASCAR "Hemi" V-8. Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers. Cast iron block. Displacement: 426 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.25" x 3.75". Compression ratio: 12.5:1. Horsepower: 400 @ 5600 RPM. Torque: 465 ft lbs @ 3800 RPM Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: One Carter Type AFB four-barrel Model 3705S on a compact short ram induction manifold. Available over the counter to select racers only.

Chassis - 

• Wheelbase: Valiant and Barracuda 106.0" Plymouth Belvedere 116.0" Plymouth Fury 119.0". Fury Wagon 121".
• Overall length:  Valiant and Barracuda 188.2", Valaint Wagons 188.8", Plymouth Belvedere 203.4", Plymouth Belvedere Wagon 208.5", Plymouth Fury 209.4", Plymouth Fury Wagons 216.1".
• Front Tread: Valiant and Barracuda 55.9" Plymouth 59.5"
• Rear Tread: Valiant and Barracuda 55.6" Plymouth 59.6"
• Tires: Valiant and Barracuda 6 cyl. 6.50 x 13, Valiant and Barracuda V-8 7.00 x 13, Plymouth Wagons 7.75 x 14 or 8.25 x 14", Plymouth Other 7.35 x 14.

VALIANT Powertrain Options -

• Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
• Torqueflite automatic transmission, with Six ($172); with V-8 ($181).
• Four-speed manual floor shift transmission with '170' Six ($179); with V-8 ($179).
• Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift and '225' Six ($186).
• Valiant/Signet six-cylinder 225 cubic inch 145 horsepower one-barrel engine ($46).
• Valiant/Barracuda V-8 273 cubic inch 180 horsepower two-barrel engine
• Barracuda V-8 273 cubic inch 235 horsepower four-barrel engine ($230).
• Crankcase vent system, mandatory for California built cars ($5).
• Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
• Available rear axle gear ratios: (Six) 3.23:1; (V-8) 2.93:1.

PLYMOUTH Powertrain Options -

• Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
• Torqueflite automatic transmission, with 6-cyl. ($192); with '273' V-8 ($203); with other V-8s ($211).
• Four-speed manual floor shift transmission with '361' and '383' V-8 ($188).
• V-8 318 cubic inch 230 horsepower two-barrel engine ($31).
• V-8 361 cubic inch 265 horsepower two-barrel engine ($88).
• V-8 383 cubic inch 330 horsepower four-barrel engine ($153).
• 426-S V-8 426 cubic inch 365 horserpower four-barrel engine. ($545).
• 426-R' V-8 426 cubic inch 415 horsepower four-barrel engine ($1150).
• Hemi V-8 426 cubic inch 425 horsepower dual four-barrel engine ($1800).
• Crankcase vent system, mandatory on California built cars ($5).
• Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle ($39).
• Available rear axe gear ratios: (Six) 3.31:1; (V-8) 3.23:1 or 2.93:1.

NOTE: High-performance V-8s were factory retrofitted. Prices for 426 cubic inch V-8s included four-speed manual transmission. Higher price is for installation of this engine in cars originally assembled with automatic.

Valiant Significant Options -

• Power brakes ($43). Power steering ($82).
• Tinted glass, all windows ($29); windshield only ($14).
• Remote control outside rearview mirror ($12).
• Barracuda racing stripes ($31).
• Special buffed paint, Barracuda/Signet ($17).
• Two-tone finish, except Barracuda/Signet and convertibles ($16).
• Power convertible roof ($54).
• "Transaudio" radio ($59).
• Station wagon roof top luggage rack ($48).
• Retractable front seat belts ($7).
• Safety padded instrument panel ($16).
• Three-spoke steering wheel, except V-100 ($17).
• Heavy-duty shock absorbers and suspension package ($17).
• Vinyl trim in V-200 four-door styles ($20).
• Vinyl roof, Signet hardtop only ($77).
• Custom spinner wheel covers, Barracuda ($13); V-200 ($28).
• Bolt-on design sports wheel covers, Signet/Barracuda ($34); V-200 ($50).
• DeLuxe wheel covers, V-100 and V-200 ($16).
• Variable speed wipers and washers ($17).
• Basic Group, includes:
• Left hand outside rearview mirror; windshield washer ; variable speed wipers and radio ($84).
• Wagon Group, includes: power tailgate window: wind deflectors and luggage rack ($96).
• Sport Group, includes: simulated woodgrain three-spoke steering wheel; bolt-on-design wheelcovers; whitewalls ($80-$100).
• Performance Group, includes: suspension package; 273 cubic inch four-barrel V-8 and power brakes, except wagons ($156).

Plymouth Significant Options -

• Power brakes ($43).
• Power steering, Belvedere ($86); Fury ($97).
• Air conditioning ($346).
• Dual air-conditioning, Fury station wagon ($550).
• Auto Pilot speed control, Fury V-8 with automatic/power brakes ($85).
• Electric clock, standard Sport Fury and Fury III ($16).
• Rear window defogger, Fury ($21).
• Tinted glass, all windows ($40): windshield only ($22).
• Padded instrument panel ($19).
• Backup lights, standard Sport Fury/Fury III/Satellite ($11).
• Six-Way power seat, Fury III only ($96).
• Four-way power left-hand bucket seat, Sport Fury only ($78).
• Four-way power left and right bucket seats, Sport Fury only ($156).
• Four power windows, except Belvedere I and Fury I /II ($102).
• "Transaudio" radio ($59).
• "Transaudio" AM /FM radio ($129).
• Front foam seat cushions, Fury I/ Belvedere I ($11).
• Fender skirts, except wagons and standard Sport Fury ($19).
• DeLuxe steering wheel, Belvedere ($11).
• Adjustable steering wheel, automatic and power steering required ($46).
• DeLuxe steering wheel, Fury ($15).
• Tachometer, Sport Fury/Satellite only ($50).
• Tailgate assist handles, Belvedere wagons ($21).
• Vinyl trim, Belvedere II/Fury III sedans and hard¬tops ($25).
• Wheel covers, standard Satellite/Sport Fury ($19).
• Bumper guards, front and rear except nine-passenger wagon, Belvedere ($31), Fury ($34).
• Retractable seat belts, front and rear compartments ($30).
• Rear seat speaker with reverberator, except wagons ($36).
• Basic Radio Group ($86). Six-passenger station wagon
• Basic Wagon Group ($91).