The 1962 model year was when Plymouth downsized its full-size cars due to a competitive miscue. The resulting styling earned the automobiles the nickname “plucked chickens” from its own designer, Virgil Exner. Sales were down as a result, and it was up to the Valiant compact to save the day at 46% of overall production. The seller has a rather rare 1962 Plymouth Fury wagon that’s a one-owner vehicle that’s been sitting since 1972. Rusty, but it runs and is available here on eBay for $7,500 OBO.
Chrysler developed the famous B-body platform that went on to serve the mid-size Plymouth Road Runners and Dodge Chargers later in the 1960s and 1970s. The 54% of 1962 production that weren’t Valiants included the Savoy, Belvedere, Fury, and Sport Fury in terms of trim and performance. The Fury was the breadwinner, available in a variety of body styles including 4-door station wagons. Less than 5,000 of them were built, with less than half being 2-seat transports like this one.
Why this wagon was parked in ’72 isn’t known, as the supposed mileage is 51,000. Making it potentially rarer is that it comes with a factory 361 cubic inch “Golden Commando” that has a 4-barrel carburetor, paired with a push-button automatic transmission. It also has a dual-point distributor and dual exhaust, and the seller has managed to get the Mopar running and shifting again. The partial window sticker the seller found indicates the car was loaded with options back in the day.
The red paint and interior are original, but the wagon has rust, especially in the floorboards, which the seller has priced at $1,100 for the parts. Part of the cowl has holes in it as well. The passenger compartment includes a bunch of bits and pieces like the wheel covers, so perhaps the old car is complete or close to it. Special extras include a 60-amp charging system and a Certified Speedometer, which I understand was usually reserved for cop cars. The title is MIA, so you’ll have to be happy with a bill of sale.
Rare, but rough, lots of rust on the bottom of the car. It will be interesting to see how the pool of buyers are turned off by the rust or attracted to the rarity and drivetrain option on this car.
Steve R