The Plymouth Fury, initially a sub-series of the Belvedere, gained its own identity in 1959. This nameplate endured until 1978, then resurfaced as the Gran Fury from 1980 to 1989. Unlike many contemporaries, the Fury transitioned between full-size and intermediate segments multiple times.
Renowned for its late-1950s full-size designs and the Wedge-powered variants of 1962-1964, the Fury played a pivotal role in the muscle car era. After the 1965 Belvedere redesign, the Fury returned as a full-size vehicle. While the Belvedere spawned iconic names like Satellite, Road Runner, and GTX, the Fury remained a reliable, everyday full-size car.
Although the mid-to-late-1960s Fury is still a desirable Mopar, the absence of the legendary 426 HEMI and 440 Six-Barrel engines makes it less sought-after than its midsize counterparts. Consequently, many Furys remain forgotten in junkyards and barns.
YouTube’s “Old Skool Rides” channel recently discovered two neglected fourth-generation Sport Fury cars. While searching for parts, the host stumbled upon these solid examples from 1965 and 1967. Recognizing their potential, he decided to purchase them. A pleasant surprise awaited him when he retrieved the 1965 Fury from the bushes, revealing a vehicle too valuable to dismantle.
A rare find emerged from the shadows of a forgotten garage. A seemingly ordinary white convertible, upon closer inspection, revealed itself to be a 1965 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. The owner, a proud participant in the historic race, presented the car’s title and a commemorative card as proof of its unique heritage.
Though the car had been repainted, its original white paint was visible in places, and the sun had taken its toll on the soft top. Despite these cosmetic flaws, the car’s underlying structure and mechanical components appeared to be in good condition.
Under the hood, a powerful 383-cubic-inch V8 engine likely resides, a departure from the standard 318-cubic-inch engine in the Sport Fury model. The Pace Car package included a host of performance enhancements and luxury features, such as bucket seats, power steering, and a center console.
The car also likely features a tachometer and a floor-mounted automatic shifter, reflecting the performance-oriented nature of the Pace Car designation. While the 1965 Sport Fury Indy 500 Pace Car is not as rare as some other classic vehicles, it is still a relatively uncommon find, especially considering the low survival rate of convertibles.
Only a fraction of the original production run of 1,900 Pace Cars is believed to have survived, making this particular example a prized collectible. With a bit of TLC, this car can be restored to its former glory and continue to make its mark on the road.
The new owner’s plans to return the car to its original red and blue Pace Car livery will enhance its visual appeal and preserve its historical significance.
