John Carpenter proved during the production of his 1983 movie, Christine, that cloning a 1958 Plymouth Fury is a piece of cake. He was forced to do so because the low production numbers meant genuine examples were scarce. The seller confirms that this 1958 Fury is the real deal and that they have invested a significant sum in its restoration to date. It needs someone to complete the process, but since it is rock-solid, features plenty of new interior trim, and a rebuilt V8 under the hood, it is perfect for anyone wishing to add the finishing touches. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the “furious” Plymouth listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Hickory, North Carolina. The seller set their price at $50,000, but might consider partial trades for the right candidate.
Plymouth introduced the Fury badge as a sub-series of its Belvedere range from 1956 until 1958. It received standalone model status in 1959, but our featured car rolled off the line a year before that happened. Chrysler was riding the crest of a wave across all marques as Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” design philosophy set new standards in vehicle styling. The ’58 Fury was no exception, with its low roof, wide stance, and enormous fins. Many readers will know that while John Carpenter’s “Christine” wore Red paint, Plymouth didn’t offer buyers that shade. Every Fury rolling off the line in 1958 featured Buckskin Beige with distinctive gold-anodized trim. The seller confirms that an early owner performed a color change, hiding the Beige beneath a pretty uninspiring shade of Dark Brown. They have been slowly stripping away the Brown, and the original paint looks surprisingly good. Whether its presentation will be acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle once the process ends remains unknown, but it might be possible. Otherwise, a cosmetic refresh would be easy, because there are no major panel imperfections, and the Fury is devoid of penetrating rust. The underside shots reveal minor dry surface corrosion that probably should be treated to prevent deterioration, but the grinder and welder can stay in the cupboard during this build. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, the tinted glass is clean, and the buyer can choose between the Lancer wheel trims currently fitted or the original Fury items sitting in the trunk.
Chrysler has long enjoyed a reputation for producing excellent, potent V8 engines, and the one beneath the hood of the ’58 Fury was no exception. The 318ci “Poly” inhales deeply via a pair of four-barrel carburetors, producing a factory-claimed 290hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed TorqueFlite transmission handles shifting duties, with the car also equipped with power steering and power brakes. There’s plenty of positive news for potential buyers. The seller confirms that an engine and transmission rebuild was part of the restoration to this point, and that they also fitted new brakes and a fuel tank. They admit that the Fury has been stored for a couple of years, but it appears that returning it to active service is a realistic short-term goal.
The seller invested a few dollars on this Fury’s interior, performing a seat retrim in the correct materials. They also refreshed the painted surfaces, installed a reproduction dashpad, and, I suspect, the wheel is new. However, the door trims and other upholstered surfaces appear to show some age in the image gallery, which may motivate the buyer to complete the interior retrim. There are miscellaneous items in the trunk, including some trim pieces and the factory radio. Those preferring a touch of comfort will undoubtedly welcome the power windows and power front seat.
Historic records reveal that while Plymouth produced 443,554 passenger cars across all body styles in 1958, only 5,303 buyers drove off the lot in a Fury. That makes our featured Plymouth rare in its own right. When you factor in the tendency to dissolve like a soluble aspirin when exposed to moisture, snow, or salt, the survival rate is exceptionally low. If I were a betting man, I would wager that some readers will view this Fury as an ideal candidate for a Christine tribute, and I understand the logic. However, understanding and agreeing are different things. Quite a few such vehicles ply our roads, appearing regularly at shows and Cars & Coffee events across the country. This car’s lack of rust and relative rarity make me believe it deserves a faithful restoration. Do you agree?
Absolutely agree this car deserves a full restoration but at the $50K asking price it would be difficult to justify as you would be upside down in a heartbeat – not for the novice – just my opinion having owned and operated a classic car restoration shop for decades.
Agree. Way to much money to spend on a car that’s going to be restored to maintain it’s value. We were in the restoring business in the ’80s into the ’90s. Gallon of paint $40, labor rate 1 quarter of what it is now. One quart of paint for our latest race car build almost $200 with another $100 for thinner, hardener, etc. The ’56 Dodge spinner wheel covers do look good on the car.
Knowing the owner he is close on the price for what this car is and how it was equip – it’s on the really rare side…..it will go to Europe where they crave or crazy for late 50’s Mopars.
I hope this car stays original. Being the owner of another Plymouth, I have come to appreciate these cars. I really like those fins.
It would be a shame if they painted it red and white to make yet another movie car clone.
It would not bother me, if I never saw another clone of anything.
I think we know what needs to happen here..
What? Drop in an LS? (nudge-nudge, wink-wink).
I think not.
Not worth within even sniffing distance of 50K. I like the car, but the underside needs to be blasted and protected, and to get it painted will chew up at least $15,000.00, so it would be a walk on past car for me.
High price here. I’m thinking 20k-25k topps. Still a nice car with a lot of work put into it. Wonder why they are not finishing it. I read that the movie Christine had up to I think 17 cars used in it and some were just partial cars for certain scenes. This car should be finished and I hope it gets a good home and enjoyed as a weekend driver.
About a month ago one of these sold on e-bay for $79K. So maybe he is not that bad on the price, from what i see the main thing it needs is paint.
Stephen King also wrote about a Buick 8 being a portal to another dimension, but no movie was made. I hope someone restores this back to showroom condition even though it doesn’t have Christine’s self restoring abilities.
And I hope they make a decent movie of “From a Buick 8”.
Mr. Wan is working on it. Looking forward to it!
Enough already with movie “Tributes”. Be it a Plymouth Fury or a DeLorean. Just stop it.
I had a 57 and 58. If I’d only knew then 40 yrs ago what I know now. Btw some of the 58 came with one yr only 350 bb which i would think makes it even more rare. 50000 is upside down already. Glwts peace!
it’s neat but 50k?
I guess that’s one way to get a new paint job.
They rebuilt the the engine and put it un the car without painting it first? Also I am not a big fan of clones, but Christine is one of my all time favorite movies, got me hooked on car restoration. I would definitely clone this car.
Me too. Let haters hate. This would become Christine. I’d even gladly run a 4dr one because in the the movie was based off, Arnie’s Christine was a 4dr. Heck, I think a station wagon one would be ultra cool. Now that I think about it, a station wagon Christine would be extremely cool!!!! It might be the only 1 to exist.
50 k plus paint and as previously discussed paint jobs 25 k and up…..
If you pay 25K for a paintjob I have some oceanfront property in Az for sale.
The 50k is ridiculous. But probably because of the movie I think it’s why they feel it’s justified.
That aside, i didn’t know that about the color restrictions from the factory. That’s one way to crush sales. Don’t give people options.
I agree to not force it to be red for the movie aspect, but also because of the interior. Given the interior color scheme, I’d go with something bold though. Bright yellow and white two tone seems like it would really stand out. Or a really bright copper color two toned maybe with metallic brown accents.
A great looking car in its day. Only one colour Buckskin Beige, with gold trim accent panels. A good friend had a new ’58 Fury. 140 miles one night with 5 in the car.
Came with a engraved name plate for the new buyer mounted on the dash.
I would just like to know the thought process of the person who covered up that beautiful Buckskin biege with fecal matter brown. Very few 50s cars look good in brown, especially late 50s cars.
50k is fine….. if it would restore itself…
A genuine 1958 Fury is rarer than a Christine clone,Your chances of seeing another Fury at a C&C is less likely than a clone.So..leave it Fury…Besides..Christine shoulda been a 1959 Buick Invicta :D So much more deadly looking :P
The price is not bad one sold on e-bay a month ago for $79K and these where called the golden fury. And you could get it painted for a reasonable price if you shop around. I have had cars in the past that I got repainted for a reasonable price if you shop around.
These were beautiful and rare cars, and a lot of work has been done but still needs much more to finish it. I think his ask is a bit optimistic. If it does sell I hope to God it doesn’t turn into a Christine clone.
Do I love these, 2dr or 4dr or wagon? I absolutely do! As to the asking price, am I that out of touch with current reality? 50k seems pretty to me.
Didn’t even know PW could be ordered for the 58 Plymouth. This is the 1st one I’ve ever seen with that option and i’ve been watching for 40 years.
These options, its super-rare non-rotted condition, and its quintessentially-Exner styling begin to rationalize the ask a bit to me…