When this Plymouth Fury was built in 1960, Richard Petty’s NASCAR career was just getting off the ground. He won his first three races that year – on the way to 200 by 1984 (and seven championships). This two-tone 4-door hardtop wears Petty colors and decals, though we’re not sure how accurate they are. It’s a rusty non-running project that’s been serving as yard art as of late. Located in Denver, Colorado, this interesting artifact is available here on craigslist for $2,500. Tip finder T.J. has been at it again!
In 1960, the Fury was in its third year leading the pack within Plymouth. Though the Belvedere was the top seller, Plymouth built nearly 55,500 Fury’s that year of which 9,000 were 4-door hardtops like this one. The big news at Chrysler in 1960 may have been the switch to unibody construction. That wouldn’t bode well for the longevity of these vehicles, which still had a hint of the “Forward Look” styling that had made the 1957 Mopars so successful.
From what we gather in the seller’s listing, he bought two of these cars at the same time, with one in better shape than the other. While the better car (the maroon one) was fixed up or restored, the seller decided to make a tribute car out of the white over blue example. So, it wears all sorts of decals and stickers that the seller added when he/she decided to turn it into a display rather than restoring it to driving condition.
There’s a 318 cubic inch V8 under the hood, paired with an automatic transmission with push-button controls. We gather the car does not run after spending some 40 years in a barn in Nebraska. The seller has owned it for two years, admits there is corrosion to be dealt with (that may have led to the decision not to get it going), a few parts are missing (what?), and there are no keys. For all you Richard Petty fans, could this be the one for your collection? BTW, there is no title, either.
Well, I had to look that up, and found, 1960 was the 1st full race schedule for the King, before his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses, in a 1960 Plymouth. This car is but a mere shred of what he drove, but the sentiment to such a great driver, cannot be ripped on. Naturally, Pettys #43 was a 2 door, and was called “Thumper 1″( never knew that), on the front fender, and no “Community College” either, who may have sponsored the project at one time. Some of the decals are correct, but I think it was a bit foolish to make it into an inaccurate display, when the cars weren’t too bad to begin with, and highly sought after, without the corny graphics. It won’t be long, “Richard who, grandpa”?
It’s goofy enough for me to actually like this, I’d want to keep all the decals.
Howard is more of a gentleman than I am. I was going to sarcastically write yesterday that this is an EXACT REPLICA of the 4 door sedan that the King drove. But then I had second thoughts. The owner tried to do something unique and it is an attention grabber. Too bad the square steering wheel disintegrated. It would be neat to see this in a parking lot.
A $500 Petty blue, rusty non-running 4 door project without title or keys, “missing parts” that the seller added the number 43 to the doors and decklid then added $100 worth of reproductions stickers is not worth $2,500.
The seller considers it yard art for a reason.
Steve R
Looks like a four door sedan, not a hardtop
That is one ugly car!
It just looks silly.