As the story goes, Chrysler got hold of some “intelligence” that told them General Motors would downsize products in 1962. So, the all-new B-bodied Plymouths and Dodges were smaller than before. As it turns out, the intel was wrong, and the company got stuck with cars that weren’t selling. It wasn’t until 1965 that Plymouth and Dodge were fully competitive again. This 1963 Plymouth Fury convertible is a stalled restoration donated to a museum. They’d rather sell it than finish the work.
The ”full-size” Plymouths gained a little of their size back in 1963 and 1964, but they wouldn’t fully recover until the larger C-body platform was ready in ’65. While a Slant Six was the standard engine, most buyers likely went for a V8 engine that started with 318 cubic inches. You could advance all the way to the 426 Hemi, but that wasn’t until 1964. It looks as though the V8 in this Mopar was rebuilt as it wears shiny new red/orange and black paint.
This Fury’s prior owner started a restoration, and it looks like most of it was finished except for some interior pieces. It was donated to the San Diego Automotive Museum which is selling off some of its inventory, perhaps those cars that aren’t ready for display. We’re told the Plymouth hasn’t been started for some time, but it should be made to run without too much effort. It’s one of just 5,521 Fury drop-tops built in 1963.
This automobile had 112,000 miles on it when things came to a halt. If you’re into projects that are almost ready to cross the finish line, this Plymouth might be it. Located in National City, California (along with some other unfinished business), this Mopar is available here on craigslist for $14,995. We don’t know how far the former owner took the restoration, but it certainly should be a nice driver once completed. Our thanks again to T.J. for another swell tip!
Reminds me of an old landlords car, darker brown and IIRC it had a black top. Fun part is it came with a 426 Max Wedge and a 3 speed. It was a beast, even after he swapped the engine for a 413 he had in his boat (he bought the car for engine to transplant). Regardless it was a beast.
SOLD. That was fast, as it should be at that price. One of the better looking 60s Mopars.
“As it turns out, the intel was wrong, and the company got stuck with cars that weren’t selling.” Not sure where Russ dug this up but that Mopar sold FASTFASTFAST !
No longer listed on C/L, so probably SOLD. That was fast, as it should be at that price. One of the better looking 60s Mopars.
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Stillrunners……
I’ve heard that and have read it so many times I believe it to be true. Chrysler had huge cars from the 1957 forward look to approximately 1961 when fins went away for Chrysler.
I think what helped with that “intel” that Chrysler received was that for 1961, Cadillac was considerably smaller than the 1960. Also,, Lincoln came out with a much smaller Continental in 1961.
And in 1960, compacts were introduced. The Ford Falcon. The Chevrolet Covair. AMC always did have small cars. I guess the 1959 & 1960 Valiant could be considered a compact but it was still pretty big, as compacts go.
Cars were downsizing in the early 60s, just not the big landyachts. A whole new category called compacts and then they came out with mid-size in 1964. By that time practically all American cars were growing in inches and feet.
I believe that car is a not a ’63 Fury but a much rarer Sport Fury, which was Plymouth’s top of the line bucket seat trim package in ’63. Looks like it has correct trim pieces & wheels covers (which must be very hard to find).