Ms. Belvedere, Belle Of The Car Show

Saturday, June 16th 2007, 8:55 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsans get up close with a piece of history. The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere, underground for half-a-century, is on display at the Tulsa Convention Center. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports people traveled far and wide to see the buried car, and what's inside.

The Belvedere didn't stand the test of time; still, some signs survived the like several signatures scribbled on the whitewall tires, and the reflection of light in the corroding chrome. It's that glimmer of hope that attracted so many. All eyes, viewfinders, and flashbulbs were on Tulsa's resurrected ride. Belvedere fans went to great heights, and depths, to capture a frame of history.

"Something to tell our grandchildren about, being here in Tulsa for this," said Vander Tavares from Brazil.

Vander Tavares and his wife are expecting twins; still they all flew from Brazil to satisfy his classic car obsession.

"That was a â€˜57 we bought in February of â€™57," 1957 Plymouth owner Marty Rumsey said.

Marty Rumsey brought a photo of her classic Plymouth. She's disappointed the gold-painted car doesn't glisten the way many hoped.

"I hate it. I wanted it to come out looking real good," she said.

You have to do a fair bit of searching to find just the smallest bit of shiny chrome peeking out underneath 50 years of rust and corrosion, but even the smallest sparkle still hasn't shrunk the car show crowd.

"This is history, this is the way she should be, this is the way we should keep her, and I hope a museum gets her, and have a good destiny for this piece of history right on my back," said Tavares.

Max Williams says it's a special car show to be a part of.

"It's special because these are all fine cars, there's no bad car in this show, I mean they're all great cars," the classic car owner said.

Max Williamsâ€™ car is in pristine condition, but he says he doesn't mind the crumbling Belvedere getting all the attention.

"They've been waiting 50 years to see that one. I think that's unique," Williams said.

"Was it worth the trip from Brazil?" News On 6 reporter Joshua Brakhage asked Vander Tavares.

"Sure. I would do it. I hope to do it again in 2048 for the other Plymouth. It would be great," Tavares said.

That other Plymouth is buried in Centennial Park. The 1998 Plymouth Prowler was put in the ground on Tulsa's 100th birthday. Crews plan another automotive unveiling 41 years from now.

Watch the video: Belvedere On Display

Watch the video: The Buried Belvedere Unveiled

Watch the video: News On 6 Coverage Of The Unveiling Of Tulsa's Belvedere

Watch the video: Unearthing The Belvedere

Watch the video: Time Capsule Removed From Belvedere Vault

Related Stories:

2/15/2007 Car Show Entries Sought

4/17/2007 Unearthing Tulsaâ€™s History

06/01/2007 Tulsa's Population Holds The Key To A Piece Of Tulsa History

6/7/2007 The Story Behind A Famous Photograph

6/9/2007 Crews Practice Lifting The Buried Belvedere

6/12/2007 Crews Prepare For The Unearthing Of The Buried Belvedere

6/13/2007 Water Seeps Into Vault Holding Buried Car

6/15/2007 Hundreds Gather To Catch A Glimpse Of Tulsa's Belvedere

6/15/2007 Belvedere Lifted From The Vault

6/15/2007 Meet Ms. Belvedere