It’s been 55 years since this full-sized 1967 Plymouth Fury VIP hardtop rolled off the assembly line, and it’s as close to original as possible. The 17,000-mile original was recently offered for $55,000 on eBay by its second owner in White Plains, N.Y.
Purchased new in Newton Falls, Ohio - opens in new window or tab., the Fury was used mostly for family church outings. It never left its hometown or even went on the highway. When the family patriarch died a few years into ownership, his widow covered the car in blankets and tucked it into the garage—only starting and running the engine every couple of months.
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The price is right at the top of the market. Hagerty lists $57,200 as the highest recent sale of a Fury, and proclaims that these “durable and reliable” cars can still be bought quite reasonably. But not in this condition. This time-capsule Fury is simply impeccable, a combination of original condition plus sympathetic updating where necessary.
The owner says:
It is beyond survivor class. The car has been home-garaged every day for its entire life. It has not been restored or modified in any way. Never driven in snow and only caught in the rain a handful of times, so there is no rust or corrosion anywhere inside, outside or underside.
Amazingly Original
The 1967 Fury VIP's 383 Commando V-8 produced 325 horsepower.
This ‘67 model is more of a luxury car than a hot rod, but it is powered by the big-block 383 Commando engine - opens in new window or tab. with a four-barrel Carter carburetor - opens in new window or tab., coupled to a 727 Torqueflite - opens in new window or tab. three-speed automatic. The powerplant produces 325 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque, enough to chirp the tires even in second gear.
The engine has never been apart and doesn’t leak or burn oil. The cork valve cover gaskets - opens in new window or tab. have been replaced with OEM items. The fuel tank was also replaced, though the perfectly good original comes with the car (as do the original bias-ply tires).
The VIP was the top-of-the-line Fury.
The green metallic paint is all original, and the manufacturer’s chrome shines. All the factory glass is retained, including the tinted front windshield. The rubber weatherstripping - opens in new window or tab. is still supple. The interior, which features a premium trim package, is still fresh and the factory fabric, vinyl, “walnut” inlay, plastic, and chrome are as new. The headliner is unmarked, as are the carpets and mats. A non-functioning air conditioner is one of the few to-dos on this car, though the pillarless hardtop nature of this Plymouth Fury VIP allows for unfettered airflow with the windows lowered.
Too Awesome to Store
Everything original, including the radio.
The new owner’s choice will be to either drive or show this pristine car. It would be enjoyed either way. This is the “new’ Fury, redesigned from the ground up for 1967. The biggest engine available that year was not this 383 but a 440-cubic-inch unit with up to 375 horsepower.
Most people bought four-door sedans in the Fury II and III lines. Only 10,000 convertibles were built for 1967. The next year, 1968, the VIP line added a fastback coupe and two wagon models. Maybe your grandpa had a Fury. They were also used extensively by police departments that bought the base sedans with the 440 as a sleeper high-speed-pursuit package.
This Plymouth Fury VIP isn’t going to need much in the near future, but it’s nice to know these cars were plentiful and parts (shared with many other models) are still around.
The VIP has always been garaged, and rarely used in rain or snow.
Is the value of these cars going up? For sure.
The owner said:
The market is awakening to their value over megadollar counterfeit restorations. These aren’t going to get any cheaper because they cannot be duplicated at any cost.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.