Chrysler was the styling leader when it came to automobiles built in the late 1950s. The 1957 model year reinvented the “Forward Look”, which Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth took full advantage of. Tailfins were virtually a requirement in those days, and the restyled 1959 Plymouths had them in spades. A new model that year was the Sport Fury, available only as a hardtop and convertible. This sweet example looks to have been fully restored, but the dealer here on eBay doesn’t provide us with any history. Located in Olathe, Kansas, this rad ragtop has been bid to $35,400 without triggering the seller’s reserve.
The Sport Fury was a one-year offering in 1959 (though it would return later in the 1960s). Production numbers weren’t huge, but not incidental either. Plymouth sold 17,867 2-door hardtops and 5,990 drop-tops. If the survival rate for these rust-prone Mopars is 10%, then the population of ’59 Sport Fury convertibles that are still around may only number a few hundred copies. And the overall condition of this one should put it at the top of the list.
Marketing-speak describes this car, so let’s get down to the facts as presented. The Plymouth has a 318 cubic inch V8 and a push-button automatic transmission, both presumed to be original and rebuilt at 86,000 miles. The interior, which is most inviting, has the swivel front bucket seats that were popular in that era. Options the original owner went for included power seats, steering, and brakes. Radial tires have been affixed at all four corners.
The body and white paint look flawless, and there is only one little blemish on the matching convertible top (power-assisted?). If this car could talk, it would probably have a lot of interesting stories to tell. But if you’re looking for a machine that encapsulates everything over-the-top about 1950s automotive culture, this Sport Fury would be it. If even has a custom “built-for” plaque on the dash.
Future generations will look upon this as some kind of alien spaceship. I remember my dads business partner, who lived a more flamboyant lifestyle, they bought the same cars for a spell, while the old man went the conservative route, “Eddie” always had a much nicer car. When the old man had his ’59 or ’60 DeSoto, a plain 4 door, Eddie had a much nicer one, with these swivel seats. It was a $106 dollar option, but came with the convertible. Me and my brother laughed about those, who would need that? Now, as an old man myself, I wish the Jeep had that. Wonderful car, clearly restored, that alternator didn’t come out until ’61(?) and just too clean. They weren’t this nice new. This car cost a whopping $3125 new, or almost a grand more than a Belvedere. It’s no wonder they put a similar one in a time capsule( ’57 exhumed too early, but wasted anyway), because nobody would believe you this was the style in another 50 years.
Dealer has it listed on their website for $59,000.
Steve R
I no Mopar guy ,but, that doesn’t look like a 318 to me. Sweet period ride though, I’d take it for nothing and show it often!
That is a 318 commonly called a “wide block” that preceded the LA block.
In the Parts Dept, people would ask for an oil filter for a 318. We we told to always ask which one. As usual, a know it all would say something like, Well, they only made one! So, of course, we always brought up the earlier series ones. LOL
’59 Sport Fury – best looking Plymouth ever? It has my vote.
Sorry the best looking Plymouth was the 58 golden fury. And I am a mopar and Plymouth fan.
Sorry, the best looking Plymouth was the 1953, followed closely by the 1954. The idea of Chrysler’s outlandish and uttery ugly “Forward Look” being the “styling leader” of the late 1950s, is a major American automotive tragedy, in my view. I thought so in 1957, and time has only degraded my opinion of the look of these cars and their equally hideous “off-spring” from other makes — especially, G.M. in 1959. That said, the swivel seats were a grand idea on easy access in and out of a car. Wonder why they died-out?
To all who criticize the ’58 GM cars for their excess, keep in mind that these were across the street. It’s arguably cool but do you wave to bystanders or drive with a bag over your head?
318 Poly you can tell by the valve cover bolts on top of the valve cover and close to the end
Had the 2-door hardtop and boy was it sharp! Mine was turquoise
with a black and white interior. I
got it for $400 just because the man who owned it couldn’t find a set of factory exhaust tips for it!
It had a 361 V-8 and the push button auto tranny. The car was in near mint shape when I bought
it from a family friend that bought
my hemi powered ’61 Valiant sedan a year or so earlier. That
engine made 305 HP and scared
my Mom the first time she drove it. And the exhaust tips? Found a
set down at Reliable Auto Parts
downtown. It didn’t have those
swing out seats, but it was nice all the same. One day, Mom and I
we’re at the market when a gentleman came up to us and wanted to buy it. He followed us home and wrote a check for $2, 500 without saying a word! After that, I bought Jonesy’s ’57 Pontiac Star Chief 4-door hardtop
and still had money left. Bet mine would be worth at least $30
thousand at least today. Wish I had it now.
Obviously they were trying to get into Guinness Book of World Records for tallest finn!
“the “Forward Look”, which Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth took full advantage of. Tailfin”… You forgot to include DESOTO!
Sweet old sled.
If loving a car is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
It’s a “ Fin-o-Rama”! On this one.
Love this car, What a piece of sheet metal artistry as most 50’s cars were!
I’m not a convertible guy, but I am a Mopar guy, and these were beautiful cars.