Usually, people migrate from northern states to southern states when they retire. This 1959 Plymouth Fury, however, was purchased in Florida in the 1980’s, and made a reverse migration up to Vermont, where it was stored with the intent of being restored as a retirement project. Some parts have already been removed, there are no keys, but the engine is reportedly not seized. For one reason or another, the project never came to fruition and thus the car is being offered for sale in as-is condition. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $4,800.
A friend of mine loves “forward look” Chryslers, and after spending some time riding around with him and helping him tinker with his Chryslers, I like them too! The Chryslers of the late 1950’s have their own allure that is pretty well unmatched by any other similar cars of the era. Of the cars I’ve seen similar to this in project condition, this Fury certainly appears to be in the best condition of the lot. Truthfully, this interior is the most complete original I’ve seen, and I’m mostly impressed by the presence and condition of the original door panels, as these parts do not typically stand the test of time. The blue-green of the interior really sets off the paler green of the exterior.
Under the hood is a polyspherical 318 engine, that likely provides adequate power for a car of this size. It looks rough, but if it is indeed not seized I suspect it would run with fresh fluids and a tune up, though I’m a bit of an optimist. This car would be a lot more fun with a 361 though! The new owner of this car is going to have to be familiar with sourcing parts for these cars, as just about every part for this car is going to require some digging. Fortunately, there is a community out there in love with these cars that will always help a fellow owner out.
Albeit a little forlorn looking, this Fury looks relatively straight and with some hard work, she could look fantastic! I think this would be a great starting point for someone looking to restore a late ’50s Chrysler product, without having to fabricate a ton of sheet metal. Would you take it on?
That over polished look on the tops of the fenders and hood is what the “patina makers” are trying to accomplish. Someone pampered this car for many, many years before it sat for a few more years of neglect.
Those don’t look like original Fury seat covers. Wouldn’t the Fury have had inserts that match the door cards? These look more like the seat covers that were on my 59 Savoy.
Agreed. they are aftermarket cloth pullovers
Back in the day it was common to put seat covers in a new car to protect the seats. I had a ’49 Pontiac a while ago that had godawful plaid seat covers. When I removed them the factory seats were like new. You might get lucky here also. As far as the car goes , it looks like Chirstine’s evil cousin.
We had a 2-door. I was quite young, but I remember Dad having the front seats reupholstered & they not matching the back seat. I’m guessing the stock fabric wasn’t too durable.
This car is early in the long line of serious Mopar rust queens, and it’s surprisingly intact. Very unusual to find one so rust free. So unusual in fact, that I wouldn’t restore it (well, not all of it). I’d bring the mechanicals up to the task, add dual ckt brake hydraulics, freshen the electrics, treat and cover the floors then drive it.
You can over-restore a car.
I would like to tackle that one. I like Chryslers. I am getting ready to paint my 56 Chrysler Windsor. I have painted the roof Wimbledon white aready.Bruce.
Nice car Bruce, what color is it going?
My dad bought one of these brand new in 59, 2 dr hardtop with the fake continental spare imbedded in the trunk lid. Why are there no photos of the rear? I don’t recall ever seeing a pillared Fury, but maybe there was.
That “fake continental spare embedded in the trunk lid” was derisively or affectionately (depending upon how one felt about it) called the “toilet seat” back in the day. Three guesses as to which one of those two feelings is more likely to conjure up a nickname for a piece of automotive anatomy (namely the trunk lid) based on anything that is found in a bathroom.
Has the owner really looked at this car ? Four doors dude ! ! Parts car at best.
Not everyone has a stiffy in their back door for 2 doors. Don’t want a 4 door? Don’t buy a 4 door.
I remember in the mid 60’d these things and Mercury’s were dogs on the used car market. At first the reliable 318 was an oil hog and prone to engine failure before they got it right…This build would be easy to invest way more than the car is worth if you have to go into the engine or tranny and where are the part yo may need?