1954 Plymouth Belvedere – The Sniper

This 1954 Plymouth Belvedere nicknamed “The Sniper” is considered as one of the most significant custom-built street rods.

The car was designed by Chip Foose and then built by Troy Trepanier as part of Hot Rod magazine’s 50th birthday celebrations. The car actually started life as a 1954 Plymouth Belvedere “Savoy” convertible and was extensively modified to incorporate much of the running gear from a Viper GTS which was donated by Tom Gale, Chrysler’s then Chief of Design. Obviously this lead to the name “Sniper” ie Savoy + Viper.

The V10 Viper engine is capable of producing 480 bhp and 500 lb-ft of torque, giving the Sniper has “Viper-like performance”. The Viper engine is hooked up to a Viper 6-speed Borg Warner manual gearbox.

The chassis was actually hand-built with the suspension being taken from a 97 Viper. The other major modifications are the Mercedes E320 headlights, a steel roof (the car was originally a convertible), extended and reshaped billet hood, grille, and much more.

Modified Recaro seats, olive green leather, suede and carbon fiber accents set off the interior that includes a custom dashboard with Viper gauges and steering wheel.

The car is painted in PPG Deep Moss Green and Spanish Olive Green and still looks as contemporary today as it did when it was first built.

This car was one of Troy’s first “big-time” customer builds and was commissioned by George Poteet.