It makes me sad sometimes that I’ll never know the ownership history of some of my cars. In a few cases it’s my fault, as I’ll be too engrossed in loading up the trailer and thinking about the work that needs to be done to listen carefully to the seller’s tales. In other cases, there are simply too many owners between me and the past to discover any reliable information. That won’t be the case for the buyer of this 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury “Fast Top,” as the seller is the 91-year-old original owner. It needs some cosmetic work, but it’s a pretty good start on a solid, driveable full-sizer. It’s for sale here on eBay in Lafayette, Louisiana, and the high bid is currently just $1,780 (which has not met the reserve).
The Sport Fury was, aside from the VIP, the fanciest Fury one could buy in 1968, and there were no standard Slant Sixes here; rather, a 230-horsepower 318 whisked buyers along reliably. This 318 has been rebuilt “recently,” but the car also hasn’t been driven much over the last few years, so expect to do some tinkering to make it dependable. Unfortunately, the air conditioning doesn’t work, and the power steering pump has a leak. It does have a modern aluminum radiator, so there’s hope that a lot of the basics have been covered.
The interior looks nice in blue vinyl, but the real center of attention is the console and floor shifter, which were standard features (a center armrest was also available at no cost) on the Sport Fury. By 1968, the full-size car with bucket seats was becoming a little more uncommon, so it’s nice to see one so equipped.
The dashboard seems to be in good shape, with perhaps a slight tear in the driver’s corner of the dash pad. The seller mentions that the driver’s seat was reupholstered “at some point in time.”
The car could, however, use a cosmetic restoration, including “paint and vinyl top.” Looking at the pictures, I began to wonder if the paint job could be brought back to “ten-footer” standards with some cutting and buffing, but being a very dark blue (Midnight Blue Metallic?), the paint’s too dark to truly assess in pictures.
It would certainly be worth the effort to try, because if the Fury sells for the right price, you could have a really nice car with a little elbow grease (and maybe the help of an upholstery shop for the vinyl top). If I were interested in a Fury, this exact car would be high on my list, because the 1968 models (especially the Fast Tops), and the color and harmonizing stripe (and standard “Sport Wheel Covers”), simply look great. It’ll be fun to see the winning bid (if it meets the reserve).
A 91 year old original owner. This is a car I want to buy. These 2 door Chryslers are really great looking cars. The 318 won’t let you down. I’m with Aaron, I’d try to compound out the car very carefully, especially if the paint is original. Maybe I’d go for a new vinyl top. But I would want to absolutely reassure the original owner that “their” car would be in good hands with a new caretaker. Aaron, great write up o a really solid one owner classic here. I enjoyed it.
Just waiting for good care and rebirth.
Sweet looking C-body with a fasttop!
The high bid is currently $10,000 without meeting reserve. It’s nice, but the seller should strongly consider dropping their reserve.
Steve R
Gotta love auctions. They tell the owner the real value in hard numbers. $10k for “mostly good” is a really good number.
Wouldn’t it be nice to fix her up with a new top and paint correction and take the old boy owner for a spin ?
I agree with you on those 2 steps, Mark. If the paint doesn’t come back, then maybe take ‘er in for a re-do & a new vinyl top. Fix the a/c & ps pump issues & see what you have. Impressive that the old duffer kept it that long. Always good to have that much history but I still have to look underneath.
Yup, $10k is about the limit on this one.
that 10k is good money considering these needs money dumped it. only being a 318 is not thar special. the interior is what is not often seen in that set up. most likely trying to get the old cat as much as possible which is fair but if reserve is not met consider taking the high bid
Darn it, too far away for my extension cord. Appears to be a very nice real ride for a father son project.
This is the size car I learned how to drive in. One critical thing you learn to appreciate is your depth perception.
Another big plus is the safety factor. You certainly wouldn’t have to worry about someone running into your kids and them not walking away.
Nice work Aaron. I always enjoy your write ups.
Thanks, Billy!
Old boy, old duffer, old cat? Yes this gentleman is 91. I’m sure that no disrespect is intended by use of these adjectives. But would anyone refer to him in this manner to his face? Nice car that just seems to need some TLC. I would like to be able to own it. But currently funds and indoor storage is limited. And I think it’s interesting that if this car was a commensurate Chevrolet Impala or Ford Galaxy; $10,000 would be a ways short of current market value. Just saying. GLWTS
I had the “old duffer comment. You’re right, absolutely no disrespect no more than referring to your Dad as “the old man.” Hell, I’m pushing 72!
Well hell, Old man! I’m 73. Truth be known, most of us that follow this forum are near or past near the Old Man age.
Kinda funny when you think about it.
Honestly, I like this old duffer rig.
If that back seat could talk, man o man, I’ll bet we would all learn a few things. Holy Moly! !
As I look at this car more closely, it really is extremely similar to my 67 Newport Custom. Same roof, same suspension, same transmission etc. Mine has a 383 2bbl, but otherwise the cars are the same.
I guess the smart guy in 67 would buy the cheaper Plymouth and have the quality of the Chrysler. Hagerty shows 10K at about top dollar for this car.
I can tell you that this old goat sure likes his!
And this old goat likes them both too!! :-)
Rex,
That is one very nice Chrysler. Do you show the car? If so, show us your trophies, please. If not, you should have some. Nice.
Thanks Billy for the compliment on the Newport Custom. Here’s my opinion on car shows and trophies: it’s bullsh!+.
I believe that giving trophies to a bunch of old men for cars they probably never wrenched on is a big waste of money. Instead, use the money for some charity that will help people. I know that the current ethos in this country isn’t about being nice and helpful to our fellowman, but if we could just look beyond ourselves, then maybe we could help the less fortunate.
I see guys bring 2018 Corvettes to a car show and sit their fat a$$es on a chair and wait for a trophy, and I don’t get it. It’s pathetic. I get in my project car and head back to the shop to get to work.
Just to be clear, I too am a well seasoned veteran of 75 orbits around the sun. I am aware that I am probably viewed by many of the younger people that I associate with as an old goat. The seller of this nice Plymouth has 16 more sun orbits under his belt than I do. He has owned the car since new. It can’t be easy to decide to sell it. I just personally thought that he deserved a little more respect than to be called out on his age. Not preaching or judging but just expressing my opinion. Thanks to everyone for letting me say it.
These are probably my favorite year Furys. Absolutely beautiful car which deserves to be taken care of well by the next owner. Even the style of the wheel covers I love. I agree, that original paint might be savable with some buffing, but the vinyl roof will definitely need replacement. A 1 owner 58 year old car just doesn’t pop up everyday. Being at $10k now and not hitting the reserve, I hope they haven’t over estimated its value, as nice a car as it is.
Ended at $10,100.
Reserve Not Met.
31 bids.
Seller wasted no time in relisting it for a BIN of $17,500.
Or, you can place a bid.