By 1960, the automotive design landscape was shifting, and yesterday’s “must-have” feature was all but consigned to the pages of history. Such was the case with the enormous fins that had dominated the late 1950s. Manufacturers moved to a more conventional design philosophy, and the 1960 Plymouth Fury was the last of the company’s “finned warriors.” This Convertible is a project in progress, but it runs and drives. The seller includes many parts required to return it to its former glory, making it an ideal winter-build candidate. It is listed here on eBay in Oceanside, New York. The bidding sits at $10,100, although this is below the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this beauty.
Many manufacturers and buyers turned their backs on fins by 1960, making this Fury the last hurrah for Plymouth’s contribution. So unpopular were these cars at one point that many ended their days competing in demolition derbies. Those that avoided that fate often succumbed to abuse or rust. This Fury dodged most of those issues, although the seller has addressed some rust problems. There is more for the new owner to tackle, but the seller includes the required steel to return the body to a rock-solid state. The trunk pan is excellent, and it appears there are no underside issues requiring attention. With the panels massaged, the buyer can apply a fresh coat of Spring Green paint and reattach the spotless trim pieces. This classic features a White power top, but it has deteriorated beyond salvation. The tinted glass looks okay, and the Fury rolls on a set of new Kelsey wire wheels wrapped in new Coker wide whitewall tires.
The Fury’s interior is a work in progress, requiring TLC to present at its best. The seat upholstery is pretty shredded, but the seller includes the original material allowing an upholsterer to address that issue. It’s unclear whether they have replacements for other items like the door trims, but I found a company stocking high-quality reproductions at around $600 per pair. If the new owner adds a further $200 for a carpet set, this interior should turn heads. Beyond those flaws, the dash looks presentable, and any paint imperfections could be addressed during the exterior restoration. There are no aftermarket additions, but the seller includes a restorable “aero” steering wheel for those wishing to add some extra bling.
Although buyers could order their new Fury Convertible with a slant-six under the hood, this car’s original owner selected the 318ci V8, producing 230hp. Backing the V8 is a two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission, with power steering removing the physical effort from the driving experience. With the Fury tipping the scales at 3,840lbs, many enthusiasts may expect its progress to be glacial. However, a ¼-mile ET of 17.7 seconds and a top speed of 108mph are both pretty respectable. The seller indicates they recently replaced the brakes, fitted all new lines and hoses for the brake and fuel systems, and rebuilt the carburetor. This Convertible runs and drives well, allowing the successful bidder to immediately enjoy the classic motoring experience while tackling the restoration work at their leisure.
When Plymouth introduced the Second Generation Fury in 1960, it did so on the receding wave of popularity of the fins craze. It prompted the company to perform a significant restyle for the following year. The first-year model struck a chord with some buyers because 63,073 parked one in their driveway. However, only 7,080 selected the Convertible. Out of a market sales volume of around six million cars for that model year, the Fury Convertible represents a mere drop in the ocean. If the new owner finishes this classic to a high standard, it would be a $40,000 car any day of the week. It needs work to get there, but the finished product should be worth the effort.
Wouldn’t buy this car because then I’d have to look at all the time. Ugly.
I don’t know, it was good enough for Fred Rutherford,,,( kudos to whoever pointed that out on the last 1960 Plymouth ragtop, I watched that show a million times, and couldn’t tell you what Fred drove)
https://www.imcdb.org/v476181.html
I think just because its styling is so unusual, convertibles always have a following, as long as they don’t have some drag motor and 4 speeds, someone will take this on. People, like Fred, want to just take the neighbors and family for a short drive, an EASY drive, not row through the gears at every stoplight. This car was Plymouths top of the line, only the wagons were traditionally more. At almost $3grand new, I’m not sure Fred could really afford one on an accountants salary, who, in 1960, I read, made less than $5grand/year. I thought they were some of the most imaginative looking cars. The ’61 Plymouth,,,not so much.
Anything was better than having to borrow Lumpy’s car!
Yeah, Lumpy’s car, they could never get that smell out..
Yep pretty much beat to death with the ugly stick! Chrysler did some unusual designs not all work. In agreement with bobhess.
Not as bad as 58-61 anything GM, they were butt ugly.
You think this is ugly check out the 1961 full size Plymouth
This model is #1 on my list of cars I desire. I just need to find a box of money.
Wow, absoutely love the 60 Plymouth. The 61 with no fins, like the 61 Olds, Buick, you could tell were going to have fins, but dumb design, just sliced them off. Miss the fins. I have a few Fin cars now, and many over the years.
Two eras of the Automobile are standout times for me, Fin Era, Muscle Car Era. I boughtMuscle cars new.
Now the auctions reflect the prices from these two great times.
It still worked for Caddy!
Even color combos, steering wheels, interiors reflect the beauty of the fin era.
Today, it’s all crap, gray or grey interiors, plastic glued on emblems that fall off.
Hate the wife’s lexus, with stupid 2-3 inch high sidewall tires, Ruff ride.
I hear the road in newer junk.
Need more Fins.
Adam, restored these `69 Fury cvts. are bring ALOT more than $40K! If it were the 383 “Sonoramic Commando” with the long ram dual quads, this would be $130K all day long. But even with the tried-n-true 318 this should bring north of $50K. Beautiful original color combination on this! And it’s got a toilet seat!
We had a white one.
Always with the negative waves, Moriority (bobhess,cadmanis)
Why dont u say something righteous and hope-full for a change…..Sgt. Oddball
😂😂✌🏻
This color combo reminds me of something you would see in the Cuban neighborhoods of Florida not really my thing I think because of the rust that we can see in the pictures they should take the current bid and run
My parents house was this color in 1960 , but my father was a Ford man , so no Mopars …
IMO, this would be one gorgeous car when finished. You can keep the Tr-Five Chevys ,T-Birds, and muscle cars. It maybe a ugly duckling to a lot of people but this can become a beautiful swan.
I would have this Plymouth before any Tri 5 Chev, T-Bird, Corvette etc. Once restored it will be one very desirable convertible.
Whats not to like!
No one else will have one and that color is Da Bomb!
Now all you’ll need when its done is a hottie with a Jackie -do, high heels and a pillbox hat……boom!
I hate being cheap!
Who has the bigger fins . ‘59 Caddie or this?
My Dad’s fins are bigger than your Dad’s !
Oh, these are bigger. Caddies were elegant in your face; these were let’s have a good giggle and end this,
Its not just finned Mopars that got relegated to derbies , and not because they had fins . If you wanted to have a shot at winning, you needed a good size car (although some entered whatever they had lying around just to crash something ) , and an old Fury would have been a good choice – After about 10 years, these and thousands of other cars from the same year would be tired old beaters, and you could pick them up for next to nothing…or nothing ! As styles changed, older cars really were the elephant in the room – You can imagine how a tired 60 Plymouth Fury would look like next to a new fuselage styled 1970 Fury or any 1960 car compared to the same model 10 years later .
How would that there unit body hold up in a demo derby? Going up against a full framed Caddy?
In the stock derby classes ,Caddys as a rule, suck . The radiators are very close to the grille and many Caddys had 3 piece bumpers , so they didnt hold up too well. They are weak in the side frames and a hit to the rear quarter can bend the frame ,knocking off the driveshaft .The ’77 and up Caddys frames drop down after a few hits, so you cant go backwards without “snowplowing” .
Unibodies do very well in derbies ; especially the mid 70s Mopars , of course the mid 70s full size GM cars, Chev Olds Pontiac Buick are tanks too.
These Cars were 1 of a kind !
Chuck Erla had one in Cass City, white convertible with a 413, 2 four barrel, cross ram, ……… He beat every car in 3 towns !
Until Lenard Zimba got his black 61 Fury 2 door, & became Top Dog ! !
Can’t tell whether the tin worm is attacking the lower rear corners or if the bare metal look is from repairs. Big question mark on this one. Top looks to be pretty shaky condition.
I love the 1959 Plymouth design, but If I had the space I would gladly take on this 1960 finned beauty. It is in remarkable condition and would be a pleasure to drive while making modest improvements as time went on. 1959 and 1960 Plymouth convertibles or coupes are so hard to find. In fact at all these Cars & Coffee events I’ve been to in Oklahoma, I haven’t seen any. Not even a 4 door model. I know that whom ever manages to obtain this Plymouth will be happy he/she did.