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Cop Motor, Cop Tires…1976 Plymouth Gran Fury

Okay, so it’s not quite the Bluesmobile, which was a two-year older Dodge Monaco, but that’s the first thing I thought of when I saw this 1976 Plymouth Gran Fury ex-police car. It’s for sale here on eBay without a reserve, and the starting bid has just been met at $2,500 (no, it wasn’t me). It’s been awaiting rescue and project completion (more about that later) since the early 1980s in a garage in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Sure, there’s a few dents. A little rust too.  But don’t forget, it’s got cop shocks! The seller is also including a set of rust-free doors, hood and trunk lid from a 1977 car just in case you want to replace the ones shown here. Unfortunately, no additional fenders are included. The seller tells us they purchased the car in the late 1970’s at a surplus auction, and then in 1982 they lost a freeze plug while driving down the highway. After rebuilding the engine and installing a set of headers, they found that the shift linkage fouled the headers and the project came to a halt. So about 35 years later, the car is finally coming up for sale “as-is.”

As you can see, there’s a lot to be assembled still.

The “matching seat covers” were constructed over both the original rear seat and these AMC Ambassador front buckets that the seller used to replace the original bench. I’ll refrain from commenting on the carpet other than to point out it was the 1980s. And before you judge too harshly, I lived through those times, so be nice.

The 440 Police Interceptor engine “cop motor” does look like it was completely rebuilt, and the seller goes into quite a bit of detail on what went into the engine–and it sounds good. I think it would be great fun to finish this project off and leave the cosmetics alone…and then surprise some folks! How about you?

Comments

  1. Avatar KSwheatfarmer

    Demo Derbys used up all of these around here. Glad to see this one survived.

    I am far from an expert on this computer, can any one tell me why I can only post on early access cars?

    Like 0
  2. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    Does the cigarette lighter work?
    One of my favorite movies of all time. I read they purchased 60 ex-police cars ( from various years) for $400 a piece, reinforced the frames, and destroyed them all. Amazing this one made it. IDK, being a retired truck driver, something about an ex-police car ( especially of this vintage) that gives me the creeps.

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  3. Avatar Fred w.

    Bought an ex police Fury with a 440 around 1980. Not impressed.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Whippeteer

    His grandmother was getting rid of her carpet, so he put it in his car…

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    • Avatar JamestownMike

      EXACTLY! That carpet isn’t from the 80’s, it’s from the 60’s or 70’s!

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    • Avatar Buddy Ruff

      I guess it didn’t match the drapes.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

    Whoa! The carpet and seat covers alone are worth the price of admission. Nice write-up Jamie!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jamie Palmer Staff

      Thanks, Todd!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

    Back in the day I worked with a 20-something girl who owned a retired police Fury of this body style. She went about 120 lb soaking wet and the car was her personal power trip. I heard several stories of her flying up behind then passing people on the two-lanes of rural NW PA. Her Fury was faded black and white with no shine, and it had the cow-catcher on the front – for added fear factor. Her bumper sticker said “So Many Pedestrians, So Little Time.” lol

    Like 1
    • Avatar Lonnie Cavenee

      You shoulda married her!

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Rabbit

    I kinda remember an old George Segal movie, he played an RCMP investigator
    & drove one of these. Memory failing me on the title.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar leiniedude Member

    My buddy Fats bought a retired black and white Mopar squad car not long after the movie came out. About all I can say here is we had more fun with that rig than should have been allowed. Thanks for kicking up the memories! And the lighter worked.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar John D

    We were a small Chrysler Plymouth dealer in a small town. Of course the town cop car was a Plymouth which we serviced. My buddy and I would deliver it back when it was ready. Naturally, this was done in the afternoon, past the high school with the chase car leading the way and the cop car following with its bubblegum light flashing. Once, my buddy even turned on the siren. Obviously, we were mischievous.

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  10. Avatar Lonnie Cavenee

    My buddy in HS got an early 70s CHP Polara, painted the white panels black, tuned up the 440 with a new Holley 850 double pumper and cherry bomb exhausts. That thing hauled ASS until he blew the trans out and sold it for 50 bucks.

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  11. Avatar Johnmloghry

    I bought an old Monaco once upon a time a long time ago. It had been T-boned passenger side. It had a 360 that I wanted to put in a 67 coronet 500 that had a 318 with rod knocking.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar newfieldscarnut

    My Mom took me and my Brothers to a Massachusetts surplus auction in the early 70’s . There were several unmarked ’62-’64 Plymouths . Prices ranged from $35-$75 . My next to oldest Brother bought a ’62 Plymouth , burgundy with plain grey vinyl bench seats and rubber floor mat interior . It had a 361 Commando and scripted ” Golden Commando Power” on the rear . It was in great condition and a great memory .

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Adam T45 Staff

    Great write-up. I also survived the 70’s and 80’s so that carpet looks familiar. The greatest advantage of having it fitted to a car is that if someone becomes car-sick, who’s going to know?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jamie Palmer Staff

      LOL! Thanks, Adam 😊

      Like 0
  14. Avatar erikj

    yaa,my 71 340 duster had the same carpet-circa late 70s!!!

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  15. Avatar sluggo

    I HATE Illinois Nazi’s! (plus there was Carrie Fisher)

    Like 1
  16. Avatar 86 Vette Convertible

    The obvious question here though is if the shift linkage interfered with the headers, why not just go to a floor shifter after having done all the other stuff (like headers)? Seems strange to me.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Beaver

    I wonder if the eng is free? there is no water pump I hope no water got in and froze!!

    Like 0

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