To compete with more upscale products, Ford introduced the LTD in 1965 as a fancy version of the Galaxie 500. Chevrolet quickly followed suite a few months later with the Caprice (guess what, a dressed-up Impala!). And Plymouth got into the game in 1966 with the VIP (Very Important Plymouth?), a snappy Fury III. This 1966 VIP 2-door hardtop has a bunch of new parts and runs with a larger, later V8 engine. Located near Jackson, Tennessee, this primer black luxury/muscle car is available here on craigslist for $14,000. Another Mopar tip from “Zen.”
The VIP began as a 4-door hardtop, but a 2-door was added mid-year in ’66. The VIP was a distant third in sales against the LTD and Caprice, so the model was gone by the 1970s. A 1966 VIP 2-door is somewhat rare today in that only 5,158 of them were built 60 years ago. The 1966 full-size Plymouth was little changed after the 1965 redesign which finally brought it back to equal footing from the 1962-64 ill-fated downsizing. The VIP had a 318 cubic inch V8 as standard (though we’ve seen where the 383 was the starting point).
The seller bought this car as a project with which he/she is now finished. A host of new bits and pieces include the tires, shocks, starter, radiator, and exhaust. The automatic transmission has been rebuilt, while the engine is a transplant. A 400 cubic inch V8 resides in place of the original 383. We don’t know why or when the change was made or what factor it has relating to the odometer reading of 80,000 miles.
Some interior work has also been done, including the headliner and a redo of the front bench seat. The car has factory air conditioning, but it’s in-op. The exterior wears what appears to be black primer, so perhaps the car is ready for a repaint (the original color may have been some version of tan given some peekaboo pics). The black works well with the poverty hub caps. The seller is not interested in a trade, so no more projects.
Does a “finished project” come in primer with a non-functional AC? OTOH, the price isn’t terrible and the car appears solid. Would be fun.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen a VIP with that type of hubcaps.
The VIP didn’t offer them. As with so many of the muscle cars, there are more of them sporting dog dishes today than ever left the factory with them.
I will never understand this.. the car runs and moves. Why in God’s name take pictures indoors. Take it outside wash it and take plenty of pictures. You want to sell it. Do the work 11 pictures won’t. Otherwise it looks solid. The 400 engine looks like a 72 or 73. Horsepower should be 250 low compression engine. Why the AC does not work. What is wrong with it? For the asking price it should work. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
I have seen only a few of these in my life, and I was a 5 yr old motorhead when it came out. I would drive on weekends just burn rubber at the Dew Drop Inn and make Mario Andretti proud. But, for the money, there are some many different options, and you don’t have to a redneck.
This was the fancy Plymouth, but this project seems to be the cheap Plymouth. Where is all the chrome? Where is the fancy hubcaps? Where is the fender skirts? I can’t believe that this very rare. Plymouth has been turned into such a poor version. I wouldn’t give you a nickel for the thing.
I like it. Very nice condition for the price. No room for more cars for me. If I had more room I would really check it out. I really like the hubcaps, gives the car a non flashy, solid look.
Could never look at the “refreshed” rear design over the original 1965 design and not think “they ruined it!”
Personally, I always thought that the Sport Fury looked better that the VIP. The current treatment on this one looks like it’s a Fury I or II. The picture is of my Sport Fury. GLWTS!! :-)