As innovation slowed during the advent of emissions and safety regulations in the ’60s and ’70s, it wasn’t unusual for a car maker to roll over a model nearly unchanged into the following year. To move merchandise, marketing whiz kids concocted special trim versions of base model cars, perhaps layering on a small price discount, and called it a “spring special”. Dealers thrived on these quirky models, as do collectors today. A few notable examples are the halo-roof Torino, the Beetle Sports Bug, and here on craigslist, a 1969 Plymouth Fury III “Snapper”. With an asking price of $12,500 and located in Rushville, NY, this Snapper has a few flaws but retains an originality that the right buyer might find irresistible. We have Brad to thank for this unusual tip!
The interior needs refurbishing as we’d expect for a fifty-year-old car, though the dash is quite clean. Note this car is optioned with air conditioning; the Fury III front seat was either buckets or this split bench with center armrest. The seller cared enough to vacuum the carpets which are faded but serviceable. The Snapper’s claim to fame is a tortoiseshell patterned “formal” vinyl roof – elongated versus a normal Fury. Mystic Gold paint was a Snapper-only color. Turtle emblems are highlighted in ads for the Snapper, but research didn’t turn up a single example with the turtles installed, and they are not present on our subject car. Perhaps someone’s common sense prevailed on that one.
The motor is a 318 cu. in. V8 making about 230 hp and paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The 318 is a stalwart motor with reasonable fuel economy for a V8, and performance can be improved substantially. The Fury III came with power steering and power brakes as standard. This car has just over 80,000 original miles, and it runs and drives.
The exterior of this car has been well cared for by its two owners, with shiny paint and trim, and intact lenses. In the trunk, the jack instruction sticker is still present. After a nod to the condition and originality of this Snapper, it’s time to look at prices. But if you have your heart set on this special edition Fury, you won’t find another for sale right now. Pursuing a regular ’69 Fury III in excellent condition will cost you about $11k. We can’t call this car “excellent” though; Snapper or not, I’m thinking the seller will need to come down a bit. What do you think?
It’s unlikely to get snapped up at that price!
You guys are hilarious!
I am a Plymouth owner and collector for 50 years. This Plymouth is a lovely piece of history. It needs little more than front seat re-upholstry, some polishing, and some detailing. That 318 engine design and TorqueFlite trans are a quick, durable, and economical combo. Not much to do except enjoy it. I would pay $8500 to 10,500 if it looks as good close up and after a test drive. No need for hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in restoration. Low miles!
Yuck
I’m pretty sure my grandma had one of these, and she was born in 1910
BA, I had to laugh at your comment. We used to call it snapper back in the day, haven’t heard that in 40 years!
Ask is way too high; maybe $7500. tops. Didn’t Bob Brady drive one of these in the Brady Bunch….I think it was blue and a convertible??!
The damage below the right tail light and quarter panel is not mentioned in the ad – you really have to look.
Interesting choice of Goodyear tires – All Terrain Wranglers! Hope it has Sure-Grip!
Mike Brady drove one yes. He had 1969 and 1970 Furys. He switched to a Barracuda ’71, and then full size Chevys from 1972-74.
Remember…Mike Brady didn’t like snapper. He was into trouser snakes. 👖 🐍
Mike Brady drove one, a blue convertible.
Remember the episode where Greg and Marsha had the parking contest? Marsha won (Spoiler Alert)
He’s dreaming at that price, but it is a neat car. Most of these rotted away. Too bad it isn’t a 383 or a 440.
Car world is full of dreamers more today than ever. Nice that it’s a 2 door, and yes the BB would make the difference.
I vastly prefer the 4 doors period I don’t know. I just think full size 2 doors are a huge waste of space.
My neighbor the Plymouth dealer called it a turtle top. His was that dark metallic green.
Everybody needs a lil snapper…😉
Red Snappers are the best
A neighbor of ours bought one of these new in ’69. In my opinion, Plymouth was the best looking car of the low-priced three that year.
The first year of the “Fuselage ” Chrysler products were the best looking of the 5 year run. It looks restorable, though the price should be lower to allow for the work it needs.
Gotta disagree. The 69-70 GM cars were far more attractive, especially the Chevys and Buicks. With the wrap around front bumpers, they were beautiful! My mom had a new ’69 Impala fastback and my grandparents a ’69 LeSabre. After a few years, my dad went by the Chevy dealer and saw something to trade it in on…a new Corvette. 😀
This car needs a set of whitewall tires mounted on Magnum 500’s to really bring out its’ looks. I think the pricing is a bit optimistic. GLWTS!! :-)
Maybe it would have sold if it included a “free” Snapper lawnmower. The only thing I remember snapping when driving my grandmothers 1976 Chrysler New Port was my neck from the touchy brakes.
In 53 years, I’ve never heard of a ‘Snapper’.
I never heard the term “Snapper” applied to these when new, even WITH the tortoise or reptile grain top.
You forgot overpriced.
An a- hole like u would even look good that, how’s your kia running ?
an a- hole like u would even look good that, how’s your kia running ? Put the pipe down and zip up your pants Peter !
I had a 69 Fury II as my first car. Same drivetrain, but for some reason the little old lady that owned it before me had ordered an optional 3.55 posi rear and it had the 727 Torqueflite trans upgrade. So even though it had the lowly 318, it was peppy around town.
And the four-door version would fit eleven high school kids in it… but the police officer that stopped me on the way from our high school football game to the local Pizza Hut was quick to point out that it was illegal.
What was the base price for one of these?
It’s a nice $3500 project car. I’d buy it and put my family in it to cruise to Dairy Queen. That much car with a 318 in it has to be such a dog, it needs a 440 swap. But either way it’s going to take a decent amount of money to make it a snappy ride…….
Best choice overall is the most updated 360 engine
Had one. Kept it 3 weeks. Faulty unsafe brakes. Not a fan.