Plymouth rolled out the Sport Fury in 1959 as a top-of-the-line car in terms of trim and performance. Chances are, it may have inspired the Chevrolet Impala Super Sport and Ford’s Galaxie 500XL. With bucket seats and a beefy V8 engine, the Sport Fury may have appealed to a new group of Plymouth buyers, and it found nearly 24,000 takers in its first year. Located with a dealer in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, this Mopar has loads of patina, but unfortunately, ample rust, too. It’s available here on eBay for $25,000 OBO.
The 1959 Plymouths were in the third run of a three-year design and styling cycle. Rear tailfins continued to sail high, and they may have been even bigger with the new unibody Plymouths in 1960. The auto industry was starting to rebound after a recession-racked sales year in 1958 when only economy cars seemed to deliver positive numbers in the showroom. This Flame Red 2-door hardtop has an estimated 74,000 miles and has been placed on consignment by its long-time owner.
We’re told the car has a 350 cubic inch “Commando” V8, which seems to have been a one-and-done in 1958. So, is it a 361 that replaced it, or maybe the original owner was able to order one with a 350? Or it’s a transplant. A 2-speed push-button automatic transmission is along for the ride. This car seems to have just the right amount of patina that you could clearcoat and call it a day. But what about the various holes in the sheet metal and frame that the seller’s photos indicate?
The interior is incomplete (one door panel missing), yet the upholstery has held up while the carpeting has not. The Space Age was in full form by 1959, and this Plymouth shows it, including the dashboard that harkens to the layout in the upcoming manned Mercury launches. The seller is thorough in describing the good, bad, and ugly with this machine, throwing in some marketing gems along the way, too. Would you restore the car and drive it as it is for a while?
I love the car and the styling, and the survivor character of this car. It is really cool.
The pricing is typically aggressive for a dealer-offered car, but at least they show the body rust photos in plain sight. Yet, the lack of undercarriage photos is certainly suspect, given the body rust photos.
Rex, you may read the more detailed report from the Auto Mall that states the to underside to have surface rust as well as invasive rust in some spots. Drive stated power but front end issues. Later comment asked if they would be offended if a much lower offer were made. Auto Barn should take all offers and report to owner. Yes they are fishing with inflated prices. Can’t hurt to offer.
I’m no Mopar expert, but it looks like a 361 to my eyes. A poly 318 was available, but the valve covers were rather unique on those.
Yup – 318 and 361 in various configs available – that looks like the 361.
Distributer placement is a dead give away to whether the engine is a small or big block. Definitely a big block.
That price is ridiculous. I often wonder if dealers like this set prices ridiculously high hoping to sucker someone not knowledgeable in old cars but interested to buy it as their “first classic”. There’s no way this rust bucket is worth that.
Like fish in the sea, there’s plenty of suckers out there.
Think the seller would get offended if I signed up for a evil bay account and offered $5,000? Gotta love evil bay when you scroll through it shows similar cars in better condition for a lot less money.
See above.
We’ve reached the point where any piece of neglected junk is called “patina”.
Genuine patina that has value is due to ordinary wear and tear in the course of using the vehicle properly as intended. Road chips, interior wear, heat effect on the engine, etc. Good patina should reflect owners who used it, but didn’t abuse it.
This is not patina. It’s neglect due to letting a vehicle sit in the elements. The carpeting is now gross.
Second, when a large portion of the body could be buffed and improved, because the car was neglected, it probably should be.
Otherwise, what you have here is a car that sat outside somewhere, probably in the desert, until it looks like this.
Now they seller wants some kind of a premium for that? They’re presenting it as value?
This is a funny hobby sometimes.
another rusty classic brought to you by the classic auto mall. way too much money for this.
Christine’s younger sister, without the self-healing option…S. King
The interior has not held up well. The upscale upholstery has been replaced with vinyl and the door cards too. About 400% overpriced considering all the work needed.
Some folks are restoring these old Chrysler products.I was in our shop here in the retirement community yesterday.One 61′ Plymouth 2-door and 2 – 60’s .Dodge Polaras.For $ 35.00 a year you get use of the shop,tools and lifts,plus the paint booth.
A deal. Sounds like a place that caters to us car people.
“With bucket seats and a beefy V8 engine,”
Not just bucket seats in this car, but swivel bucket seats. Standard on the ’59 Sport Fury. Also available on some other Mopar models from ’59 to ’61.
I would clear coat the carpet, steering wheel, tires and engine to preserve the “Patina”.
One step up from Miss Belvedere i guess !
Never heard of one of these with a two- speed automatic, but instead the 3- speed Torque-Flight.
Yes, I think that is a mistake.Top of the line cars had the 3 speed.