Even though the full-size 1961 Plymouths looked nothing like the 1960 editions, they rode on the same unibody platform with nothing more than new sheet metal. The 1960 models didn’t sell well, and the 1961s even less with their “sci-fi” look of a monster from a B-grade Japanese horror flick. This ’61 Fury convertible was running at one point, but not recently, and the old red paint reflects a color change from white. As a restoration project, this one will keep you busy and running to the bank, and you can find it in Litchfield, Connecticut. The asking price here on Facebook Marketplace is $4,500.
The tailfins on the 1960 Plymouths were probably around a year too long. The Fury had become the top line series above the Belvedere and Savoy models. The awkward appearance of the 1961 Plymouths kept buyers away, as did the “plucked chickens” of 1962 when Chrysler downsized the Dodges and Plymouths due to bad competitive intelligence. The saving grace for Plymouth in those years may have been the Valiant compact, which carried some of the sales load, even though their styling was equally strange.
We’re unsure of the V8 that resides under the hood of this extremely well-worn Mopar. It could be either a 318, 361, or 383 cubic inch motor. Chrysler aficionados should be able to pick up on which one right away. At a claimed 78,000 miles, whatever engine is there is paired with the push-button automatic transmissions that the company employed through 1964. We’re told this was a strong runner when it was parked, but who knows what it will need now, though the seller boasts a new set of tires.
These unibody Plymouths were prone to rust, and this one no doubt has its share. The interior is toast as the canvas convertible top appears to be long gone. That red set of seats would have contrasted nicely with the vehicle’s original white paint. Though not pictured as such, we’re told the Fury is under cover now, so perhaps that will prevent Mother Nature from claiming her before you take possession. Out thanks to Dennis House for the tip!
Car 54 where are youuuuuu???,,,probably where most of us had seen the ’61 Plymouth. It made a good police car in that, it just looked mean. Hardly the premise for the show, a corny rendition of a policeman’s life, what better car than a ’61 Plymouth? My old man had one, a wagon, pulled our campers early on, but generally, one didn’t see too many. Miserable build quality, and we were told not to sit by the doors, as they would pop open on big bumps. I think all car makers were grappling with quality issues, Plymouth I heard was the worst. Demand for cars was just too great.
I know it looks rough, almost too rough, but in 1961, someone shelled out close to $3700 bucks for this car, almost $1500 more than a Belvedere, it was the most expensive Plymouth. Almost 207,000 1961 Plymouths were sold, down some from previous years, but only about 7,000 convertibles. If you could get past the styling, they were really good cars, I simply can’t see anyone restoring this today.
Of all the Detroit full size cars in 1961, the Plymouth had the best styling. Not sure why they have such a negative rap. This one unfortunately is pretty much a parts car.