A Brand New Buried Car Found after 50 YEARS| PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE 1957

The discovery of a buried 1957 Plymouth Belvedere after 50 years is a fascinating story that combines nostalgia, automotive history, and a touch of mystery. This event took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is famously known as the “Miss Belvedere” story. Here’s a detailed look at this unique piece of automotive history:

The Burial:
In 1957, to celebrate Oklahoma's 50th anniversary of statehood, the city of Tulsa decided to create a time capsule project with a twist. They buried a brand-new Plymouth Belvedere under the lawn of the Tulsa County Courthouse. The idea was that this car would be a representation of mid-century American automotive engineering and culture.

The Plymouth Belvedere was chosen for its popularity and stylish design at the time. The car was loaded with various items, including gasoline and motor oil, a case of beer, and even a woman’s purse containing the usual contents of 1957. The trunk also held the entries from a contest where people guessed the population of Tulsa in 2007. The person with the closest guess was to win the car upon its unearthing.

The Unearthing:
Fast forward to June 15, 2007, when the car was unearthed to celebrate Oklahoma’s centennial. Expectations were high; many hoped the car would be in pristine condition, having been sealed and protected for half a century. However, the reality was quite different.

When the vault was opened, it was found that the sealing was not as effective as planned. Water had seeped in over the decades, causing significant damage. The car was found in a severely corroded state, submerged in muddy water up to its wheel wells. The hopes of finding a pristine 1957 Belvedere were dashed as it was revealed to be heavily rusted, with its interior largely ruined by decades of exposure to moisture.

The Aftermath:
Despite the poor condition of "Miss Belvedere," the car generated significant public interest. The event attracted car enthusiasts, historians, and media from around the world. Although it was not in the condition that many had hoped for, it still served as a time capsule of 1950s American culture.

The car was eventually sent to New Jersey to undergo a preservation process rather than a full restoration. The goal was to stabilize its condition and prevent further deterioration. The story of "Miss Belvedere" remains a symbol of the unpredictability of time capsules and the enduring fascination with buried treasures.

Cultural Impact:
The tale of the buried Belvedere speaks volumes about mid-century American optimism and the fascination with the future. The project was a way for the people of Tulsa to connect with the future and leave a piece of their world for subsequent generations to uncover.

Even though "Miss Belvedere" was not the shining example of automotive preservation that many hoped for, it still succeeded in capturing the imagination of the public and remains a quirky chapter in the history of time capsules and automotive culture.