What an era. I miss the days when a person could pick and choose options instead having to get bundled options which often include dumb things that never seem to work right, like an auto-dimming rear view mirror which never gets dim enough when some bonehead is behind you with their brights on – not bitter.. Cars like this 1968 Plymouth Fury III are from the pick and choose option era. This Fury is located in Tampa, Florida and can be found on Craigslist, or here on the CL archive, with a $5,500 or offer asking price. Thanks to Pat L. for sending in this tip!
This was the last year of the fourth-generation Fury and they could be optioned up with some scorching hot drivetrains. The Fury III was almost the penultimate, if there is such a thing as almost the second to the best model, apart from the Sport Fury and the VIP (Very Important Plymouth). The two-door Fury was also available in a hardtop such as this example, or a convertible, and even a fastback, or “Fast Top” body style. See, you could even pick your body styles back then, unlike now when your choices are most likely a four-door sedan, an SUV, or a pickup.
There is some rust on this car but it doesn’t look like a lost cause as a lot of 1968 cars do by this point. 50 years of livin’ is hard enough on a human, just think how hard it is on steel parts in Florida! This car is “in original condition, unmolested car. Factory paint and never has been in accident, straight body.” This Fury III “has rust in bottom lower pannel [sic] and little in the trunk, the rest is solid, surface and when you see undercarriage is dry.”
The interior needs a bit of help but this pattern can be matched by a good upholstery shop quicker’n you can say, “I’ll give you $5,200 cash for this Fury III.” It looks like the front seats have taken the brunt of the wear – the back seat looks good. Power windows, locks, and a power driver’s seat would have been options that weren’t checked when this one was ordered.
Speaking of options, it’s always funny not seeing air-conditioning on a car from this era, it’s a given on today’s vehicles. This 330 hp 383 cubic-inch V8 could certainly handle the drag of having AC and it would have come in handy over the last fifty years, especially in humid Tampa. This car could have been had with various engines from a 145 hp 225 slant-six to a 440 cubic-inch V8 with 375 hp, that would have been quite the sleeper in this little C-body Plymouth. There’s work to do on the drivetrain, though, the seller put a “plastic gas tank in the front to start the engine and the engine sounds good, no leak oil or water.” It’ll also need brakes and probably other work. Are there any fans of the ’68 Fury out there?
Doesn’t look to me like they chose to pick many options. I’d love to see air conditioning at a minimum, bucket seats a definite plus, and power windows perhaps. Certainly the 383 makes it more desirable than a 318 would but there’s not a whole lot else going on.
Be still my heart! Such a beauty, but the rust/signs of rust would worry me. It’s like an iceberg, there is ALWAYS more than is seen. The rust tinged cowl vents, the panel behind the front bumper, and the bottom of all four wheel wells are suspect to me. Even the instrument panel surround shows signs of moisture induced rust. Also, the two rear wheel openings are missing the chrome trim, which means they’ve either been removed, or the car was originally equipped w/ fender skirts (no mention of them, however). :-)
Looks pretty good for what it is – a land cruiser that’s able to handle a family. Most would have a problem without a/c but then again I grew up with go-conditioning (open the windows and go like heck). Don’t know if that engine would require premium or not (not enough of an expert on that) but I suspect it wouldn’t bankrupt you at the gas pumps. Currently mileage isn’t bad either. All this is based on sellers statements, anyone looking at it should verify everything.
Hope someone gets it and fixes the rust, gas tank, brakes etc. and puts it back on the road.
This is weird. I just found this car in Mexico.
I know it is a ’67, but it is the same color and basically the same car.
I think the car here does have air. I can see vents on the dash, but I have no engine picture.
Unfortunately this one is a four door, that would kill a majority of the interest. If everything else was equal such as options and condition, it would be lucky to get half the price as the 2 door featured above.
Steve R
Yes it is a four door.
I drive a 1972 Ford LTD 2 door hardtop right now and I just about over the two doors.
The door is heavy and the windows never seal enough.
Since no wagon is available for this car, I think the four door will work just fine.
This one does have much better interior.
Sooooooooo… you don’t like having to get the ‘chrome cigar lighter lighting package and the convenience hood latch package’ in order to get the ‘twin snorkel air cleaner group?’ These convenience packages are convenient for whom? The suppliers and assembly line workers? Spec-ordering a car used to be fun. Like Leno ordering the 427 for his dad’s Galaxie without his knowledge. Who knows what group you had to order to get the rim blow steering wheel for your MoPar.
Neat car. No buckets. Maybe the owner had a family and wanted a hot rod. Jes’ fold down the arm rest and pretend it had bucket seats.
Ha, convenience hood latch package! That’s exactly what I was thinking of, being able to order a crazy engine and if that’s all you want, that’s good enough. I really like some options but the options that I hate usually come with them, like that dreaded auto-(never)-dimming rear view mirror. Not that I ever buy new cars anyway come to think of it.
Best part of the Leno story is that he also ordered the “Muffler Delete” option.
Here’s a somewhat similar Dodge counterpart, although in much nicer condition and loaded with those options that I talked about: https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/dodge/coronet/2096515.html?refer=blog
A person could do a lot of work on this Fury for $20,000!
You can’t really compare a full size Plymouth to a mid size Dodge. They are different animals.
The Coronet was a B Body, equivalent of a Plymouth Satellite. the Dodge Polara was the bigger C Body model.
I used to sit in my Dad’s office pouring over the new car order pads, building cars in my mind. Especially the Barracuda.
That’s what the “VIP” stood for? I always thought, it was made for a VIP,,,Very Important Person,,buying a Plymouth, yeah right. For a Fury lll, it does seem a bit spartan ( no power brakes either, I wonder just how this car differed from a Fury l or ll) but we have to remember, in the 60’s, it was the height of the “Snowbird” movement, and people from up north had no use for A/C and didn’t order it. I bet their next car had it. These, aside from the minivan, I feel, were the best cars Chrysler ever put out.
The name VIP took over for the Sport Fury level. I think it confused people though.
I remember as a teenager, I didn’t know what a VIP was. I didn’t know, just by the name, it was the highest trim level.
I might have bought a few if I had known that.
Rube Goldberg is that you?
Nice builder for someone starting out in the hobby.
Would be fun to play with seat pattern ideas.
Given the thickness of the engine grime above and below, and the well worn interior, I’m more apt to think that it is 155K miles than the advertised 55K.
Looks like some old Cherry Bombs or something on the exhaust, so that could all use a fresh start.
Maybe some discreet basic headers.
Adding power brakes and radials wouldn’t hurt.
But keep those factory sleeper wheel covers.
If I was selling a hardtop coupe, I’d have all the windows down in the pics.
Hope he doesn’t wreck it driving around with the parking brake.
Someone should buy it just to get it away from him…
Once owed a 1967 VIP 2dr. “Fast Top”. Car was not equipped with a right outside mirror. I had to change lanes with a cane.
Did they not teach the theory of “shoulder checking” where you learned to drive? I learned about that by the age of 16…
Plymouth Fury. The name gets me going. As the current owner of a 69 Coronet, part of me belongs to my first Mopar love, a ’70 Gran Coupe. Hidden headlights, 383 HP 4-barrel, Paisley Top. I am seriously considering selling my Coronet, and hunting down a 70-71 Fury GT, Sport Fury with a 383-440 equipped floor shift (auto or standard, standard offered only in ’70). I really have a thing for these cars, although I am not entirely sure why. A guy in high school had a ’66 Sport Fury that was really sweet, and the lines for the 65-66 were beautiful. What a great time for Detroit.
What was the movie with the black Plymouth driven by the crazy redneck with a shotgun and a trunk full of
rabbits ?
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, 1974. Eastwood, Bridges, Kennedy, and more. Quirky little movie.
The four door version was the car of choice for the NC State Patrol in that era. Seeing one of these brings back bad memories of seeing a silver and black one in the rear view mirror.
I guess power brakes weren’t ordered, or am I just not seeing a booster?.
I knew a schoolteacher who had one of these, or very similar. She had these new-fangled tires called radials, by Michelin. Sure rode a lot different than a bias-ply
Cars in these days offers options a “mile long!” You could order anything you wanted on the car, place the order and it would be at the dealer in six weeks or so. That is why many cars of this era was the only car with a particular option that no one else had ordered.
I’m a fan of the 1968 Fury III! My father bought a new one for my mom in ’68. She was very proud of that Plymouth, as I believe it was her very first car.
It was very similar to the one shown in the ad, but with a black vinyl top and a 318 engine. No need for AC, as we lived in SoCal. My dad liked listening to sports on the radio, so I’m guessing that is why it came with an AM radio.
As a child, I was always fascinated with the dials, switches and especially the driver facing blinkers mounted on top of the fenders. And what little kid is not intrigued by curb feelers? Road trips were incredible, with the V8 eating up the miles in an effortless fashion, unlike my dad’s 1962(?) Beetle and later Datsun 810.
To my mother’s horror, I would drive her prized cruiser on occasion starting in about 1978. The 318 combined with skinny tires could lay down an impressive single stripe off the line. I thought that was the coolest thing since the release of “Grand Illusion,” by Styx.
The power steering and brakes still remain as special in my memory. One could steer and turn with a finger. Crazy…. The 4 wheel drum brakes would totally fade on steep descents, if not careful.
I’ve got an eye open for one of my own to relive the memories, especially with prices so low. I’m thinking a convertible, big block might be in order this time around. :)
The 383 received when newer heads were put on 440’s, can run on today higher octane pump gas easily.
Sorry did not catch if 2 or 4brl carb.
The newer seats and valves for head rebuild works.
The 383/330 hp was same engines as plunked in Road Runners.
Torque values quite close to 440#’s at low RPM, power brake burn outs.
Actually the 330hp version was NOT the same as the RR engine.
The 330 hp version in a C-body had the same cam (approx. 256deg duration) and valvesprings as the 2-barrel 383 and the 350hp 440.
The RR typically had the 335hp version, which used the same cam/valvesprings as the 375hp 440 HP. But I have read that some options (like maybe air conditioning, or CA emissions?) caused a RR to get that smaller cam also.
But to my knowledge, the C-body NEVER got that HP cam in the 383 (copcars might be an exception, though).
While selling C/P cars, a couple of “little ol’ ladies” (sisters !), in their 70’s cruised their ’65 Sport onto the lot. Bought it new. Paid cash for it. Had every available option offered in ’65 save for the 383 instead of the 440. Buckets, floor mounted shifter w/ console, white with teal interior. Absolutely pristine in every way. Complete service records from day one. Even the A/C blew ice cold. Never smoked in. Nearly museum quality. We gave them $750 for their trade value. I could have SHOT the manager.
What a good looking two door hardtop. I really like these type coupes. Big and handsome. 383 V8 is plenty. Fix what it needs. I would only add disc brakes and a Vintage Air set up.
Nice looking car. Sounds good. But, closer examination will tell the truth. Always a good idea. At this price, someone is going to get a good car.
All the V.IP.’s I seen had bench seats no buckets like the Sport Fury, Also if it was born with the twin snorkel it would have the 4bbl. carb and should have the H.P. manifolds.
My first car was a 1966 Plymouth Fury III four door hardtop. Dark metallic blue with silvery blue interior/dark blue dash pad,seat inserts & carpeting. The body was decent(needed a paint job). The interior was mostly good(with the exception of the top of the back seat was sun rotted) otherwise the interior looked good,perfect dash pad, good door panels,headliner & carpeting. Overall,daily driver quality. Paid a whopping $100 for it when I was 16, now I’m 59,so that was awhile ago.. Planned to get it on the road & get my driver’s license. Had big plans for it ,right up till my older brother got pissed off at me,and took as shovel to all of my (good glass) & gave the car a need for some body work,thus putting an end to my dream. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Christine” and saw the scene where Buddy Repperton and his gan,broke into Darnell’s garage and demolished Christine. One can only imagine how I felt? Every since my “66 Fury III, I have always had a soft spot for old Plymouth Fury’s,or for that matter, old Mopar’s of any kind.
I had a light gold colored 1968 Plymouth fury III with the same hubcaps but with fender skirts, Black vinyl top. If I recall in the 1970,s I went and put on wide oversized H-70 rear tires. It made the car really tough looking. The 318 CI engine was no road runner 440 ci, But it had more then adequate power. The sad part was when I lost control of the car TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, I swerved right into a big tree and totaled the car. Lucky the car had a long front end as the engine was almost through the firewall and all I suffered was a broken nose from my head hitting the steering wheel.