Plymouth Sport Fury 1959, Estados Unidos

Plymouth Sport Fury 1959, Estados Unidos
Exterior: Verde (Emerald Green)
Fotografia

They had an air of freshness about them unlike any automobile design that came before it. They were long and low and had bright cabins, due to their slim C-pillars and large expanse of glass. And they were given the most sensational-looking tailfins ever created. These were the Forward Look models by Chrysler.

Introduced for the 1955 model year, and ending with the 1961 models (although the 1962 models looked about the same), the Forward Look designs were a huge hit with the public, especially when the very modern 1957 models were released. In fact, it was the striking 1957 cars that caused such a stir within General Motors that all five divisions scrambled to redesign their entire lineup of cars with a similar Forward Look style, with the resulting outcome being the equally long, low and wide 1959 GM models. But nothing could compare to the contemporary extravagance of the Forward Look designs.

Under the direction of creative genius and father of the Forward Look, Virgil Exner, one of the best-looking Plymouths of all time was the 1959 Fury. It embodied all the advance styling features of the Forward Look fashion without being over the top. It was advanced by design, yet somewhat conservative in style, especially when compared to the more flamboyant 1959 Dodge.

Like the other 1957 Chrysler, De Soto and Dodge models, the equally contemporary looking Plymouths helped propel Chrysler’s star of the low-priced field back into the number-three overall sales slot, a position it held firmly from 1932 to 1954. The 1959 models strengthened Plymouth’s number-three ranking, with a total production of 458,261 automobiles; no doubt that sales figure was aided by their elaborate yet clean, cutting-edge shape.

Another component of Plymouth’s sales increase for the 1959 model year was the introduction of a new model, the Sport Fury. This was now Plymouth’s top-level model and was available in only two distinct body styles: a two-door hardtop and a convertible. By the end of that year’s production cycle, some 17,867 Sport Fury hardtops were produced, and 5,990 convertibles. Plymouth clearly had another winner on its hands, as many buyers felt it was worth it to pay the $213 premium to drive around in a Plymouth that was embellished with additional trim and a powerful V-8 engine.

The Sport Fury’s engine choices were either a 317.6-cu.in. V-8 (commonly referred to as the “318”) or the Golden Commando 395. The 318 had a 3.91-inch bore and a 3.31-inch stroke, which helped it develop 260 horsepower. The 395 (better known as the “361”) displaced 360.8 cubic inches due to its larger 4.12-inch bore and longer 3.38-inch stroke, which resulted in a mighty 305 horsepower. Its name is derived from its torque rating of 395-pound feet of twisting muscle. The 395 is known as a Mopar B-series, or “Wedge,” engine, due to the wedge shape of its combustion chambers. Both engines were equipped with single Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors and higher lift camshafts; however, the Golden Commando 395 was also fitted with a dual-breaker distributor, super-strong forged connecting rods, forged camshaft and a deep-skirted block for added strength.

One enthusiast who always loved the Forward Look Plymouths is Richard Koch of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. We featured the restoration of Richard’s 1959 Belvedere in HCC #128 and #129. In addition to the Belvedere, he also owns a red-and-white 1959 Sport Fury and a 1960 De Soto Adventurer four-door sedan. As we said, Richard loves ’59 Plymouths. “I like all the finned cars designed by Virgil Exner,” Richard enthuses. “Their low profile and Forward Look have always intrigued me. And with the 1959 Sport Fury, I have a special fondness for its swivel seat, the Sport Deck trunk lid and the power of the 361-cu.in. engine.”

Riding on a 118-inch wheelbase, the Sport Fury hardtop hit the scales at 3,475 pounds. Its suspension featured Chrysler’s excellent-riding torsion bar system up front and a solid axle in the rear, suspended via leaf springs. For the 1959 models, Chrysler engineers shortened the length of the torsion bars, which resulted in better handling and flatter cornering. There was also the option of an air suspension system fitted to the rear only; called Constant-Level, it cost an extra $88.

Of course, one of the Plymouth’s most interesting mechanical components, one that fascinates onlookers today more than ever, is the pushbutton control for the transmission. Although a three-speed manual was standard, the original owner who ordered this car paid an extra $227 and went with the bulletproof three-speed TorqueFlite transmission.

So just what makes a Sport Fury look different from a standard Fury? Well, truth be told, not much. The Sport Fury did not have any special “Sport Fury” emblem or stylized script badging; only its distinctive and larger side trim made it stand apart from a standard Fury. Perhaps the best way of knowing if a car is a Fury or a Sport Fury is by its VIN tag. The Sport Fury’s official factory code was “MP2P,” with the letter “P” indicating that it was a premium model. The standard Fury model was an “MP2H,” with the “H” signifying it as a high-line model. This model designation is stamped on the VIN tag under the word “MODEL.”

When looking at the 1959 Plymouth from the rear, the addition of the Sport Deck, which is nothing more than a fake spare tire cover in the center of the trunk lid, really adds to the car’s distinctive character, which is why it featured prominently in Plymouth promotional material. They wrote: “Rear Sport Deck is another fine car feature entirely new to low-priced cars! This is but one of many advances that distinguish the new, youthful Plymouth for ’59. Modern Fury styling emphasizes the longer, lower look and gives every ’59 Plymouth a dash and distinction never before seen in cars priced down in the low-priced field!”

All of Chrysler’s Forward Look models are held in high regard today, not only because of their striking shapes but because there are so few of them remaining when compared to GM and Fords of the same years. Yet, what makes our feature car extra special is the fact that it’s mostly original, and had been very well preserved by its previous owners. Yes, that gleaming Emerald Green Poly paint–code “FF”–is the very same paint that the Plymouth painters applied to the car when it was being built.

Our feature Plymouth came out of the dry climate of Fort Worth, Texas, where Richard bought it back in 2005. He proudly tells us: “It’s an excellent rust-free survivor, a very nice #3 condition car. But besides this Plymouth’s well-preserved condition, it had been driven only 43,000 miles, and had originally been built in California. I already owned a 1959 Sport Fury with the 318 engine, so this was a great opportunity to have a very nice original car with the 361 engine.”

The only really negative aspect of this car when Richard bought it was the condition of the interior upholstery. “When I first got the car the green cloth fabric on the seats and door panels had turned an ugly dark brown, so that had to be replaced. The carpet was worn very badly, like they usually do after 46 years, so that was replaced as well. But nothing else on the car has been touched. The engine has never been removed or taken apart, nor have any other mechanical systems been replaced.”

On the road is where this Sport Fury really excels, as it has plenty of power to match its handsome looks. “The 395 Golden Commando engine runs very smooth and strong,” Richard tells us. “On take offs from a standing start, it will easily spin the tires, and it even chirps the tires when shifting into second gear. That’s a huge thrill, one that I never get tired of experiencing.”

Today, all Richard does with his Sport Fury is take it to a variety of car shows and cruise nights in and around South Florida so others can enjoy looking at its distinctive shape. And, of course, he drives it, taking it on short trips with his wife, Yvonne. Richard tells us, “When I bought this Sport Fury, it had been driven just 43,100 miles since it was new, and I’ve already added another 16,648 miles, which averages out to about 1,600-1,700 miles per year. I try to drive it at least twice a month, in order to keep all the fluids flowing and everything lubricated. I plan on fitting radial tires soon, to make it steer and handle better, and safer, too.”

As for maintaining and preserving the car’s originality, Richard says, “I do not find it difficult at all. It still has the original factory paint, but it is starting to wear thin in some areas. More importantly, this Plymouth needs to be kept as original as possible for its historical value, and as a sample of how it was done so other 1959 Plymouths that do need to be restored have something to go by.”

Perhaps the best description written about the 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury was the factory’s own crafty, college football reference to the series: “Combining Ivy League smartness with Big Ten performance.” Now, isn’t that the truth.