The Plymouth Fury, a nameplate that danced between full-size and mid-size platforms, was a significant fixture in the Mopar verse throughout the 1960s. Introduced in 1956 as a trim level, it became a standalone model in 1959.
Despite its fluctuating size and identity, the Fury remained a prominent player in the American automotive market. The Fury’s journey was marked by several notable milestones.
In 1965, it served as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 race, a prestigious honor that solidified its status as a performance oriented vehicle. Additionally, the Fury’s lineup offered a range of options to cater to different customer preferences, from the luxurious Sport Fury to the more affordable Fury I.
While the Fury’s nameplate eventually faded from the automotive world, its legacy lives on. Its contributions to the Mopar-verse and its impact on the American muscle car scene continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury, a rare and iconic convertible, played a significant role in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race. As the pace car, it led the field of high performance racing cars onto the track. While the official Sport Furies were powered by the legendary 426-cube V8 Max Wedge, the Hemi engine was also available but only in racing form.
The Sport Fury boasted impressive performance, thanks to its powerful 383 Commando engine, which produced 330 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Despite its performance capabilities, the Sport Fury was designed with comfort and handling in mind, making it suitable for both spirited driving and cruising.
With its distinctive styling, including red white, and blue hash marks and a unique convertible top, the Sport Fury Indy 500 Pace Car edition stood out from other Fury models. Limited to 1,300 units, these special-edition convertibles were highly sought after by collectors.
Today, finding a 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury, especially the Indy 500 Pace Car edition, is a challenge. Lou Costabile recently discovered a well preserved Sport Fury convertible with only 115,000 miles on the odometer.
The owner of the Sport Fury, who has been searching for a convertible since his childhood, is clearly thrilled with his rare find. He enjoys driving the car and appreciates its unique history. For those who appreciate classic cars, especially rare Mopars, watching the video is a must.
