Following the basic theme of Virgil Exner's "Flite Wing" concept car, the 1962 Plymouth models were considerably different from their predecessors.
MoPar or No Car:
1962 Plymouth Fury
Convertible
Please wait a few moments while our high-resolution photos load.
Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge.
Virgil Exner had intended 1962 as his second major onslaught on dull Detroit conventionality, and he succeeded. Excentric and controversial due to their styling when new, these cars stand out today as witnesses of a time in American history when originality was king.
Top of the line in the '62 Plymouth lineup was the Fury, which got 6 taillamps and more chrome embellishment than its more pedestrian siblings. Finding a '62 Fury convertible is rare these days, even in places like Southern California.
Well, here's one!
The car presents itself today in bone stock condition. We received it from a gentleman in Los Angeles who had owned and enjoyed it for the better part of two decades.
Motorvation is provided by a 230 horsepower 318 cubic inch Polysperic V8 engine with hydraulic lifters that in dimensional size is almost identical to a HEMI. It has nothing in common with the more modern 318 small block. The engine is mounted to the first aluminum 727 Torqueflite transmission, which is 60 pounds lighter than the cast- iron one of its predecessor. The Hamtramck Hummingbird reduction gear starter is still present.
The engine starts on the button and runs smoothly, without any ill behavior.
There are no fluid leaks of any kind. We've changed oil and filter.
The '62s Fury's body is fully unitized, without as much as a subframe, which helped to shed 200 pounds. It survived the ravages of time in solid condition, with just some body filler under the shiny paint. Some moldings have tiny imperfections, but they are all there. Power convertible top is in good condition, without any rips or tears, and it works flawlessly up and down, as shown in the video.
Originally delivered in Cherry Red (paint code DT3180), the car was repainted in its original color many moons ago. The paint has held up well, but now displays minor imperfections in isolated places, as to be expected. It's still utterly presentable for a car that's being driven and enjoyed.
Wide metal dash with padded top displays a purity of design, faintly reminiscent of that of contemporary airplanes. Dash and steering wheel are all in good, original condition. The horn works.
An appealing styling exercise in its own right is the control panel.
All of the gauges work. Note that the speedometer is marked as "certified."
From left to right:
- All mechanical, typwriter-style push-button shifter and parking brake lever
- Heater controls
- Original AM radio
Although the exterior dimensions of the '62s shrunk by 4 inches in width, the interior dimension remained the same as the '61s, so the Fury seats 5 people in comfort, 6 if needed.
Seat inserts have been replaced, and all is in good condition here.
Probably not seen much use: the rear bench seat.
All of the lights work, the back-up lights included.
Fully carpeted trunk contains a box with spare wheel covers, and a car cover.
Original spare and jacking equipment.
Having resided in sunny Southern California for decades, at the very least, the undercarriage is healthy, with the original red paint still peeking through the thin layer of black.
The floors are rust free. Emergency brake works. Rear brakes are new. Exhaust system is healthy.
The advantage of living in one of the nicest parts of the country is year-round convertible weather. We only have to put up the top when it's too hot outside!
Early in November we took the Fury out on a test drive, snapping photos and taking video along the way.
The car runs strong and drives beautifully. Steering is tight, brakes anchor the car with authority. (Motor Trend called them the "strongest set of drum brakes that we have ever witnessed.") All the windows roll up and down nicely, the power top works fine. The horn and all of the lights work. Only the old AM radio is silent, which might be due to a bad speaker.
The '62 Plymouths have become almost extinct. Rarely comes one up for sale. On top of the pecking order are the 413 Max Wedge-powered Super Stock sedans, followed by the Fury convertibles. This is the first such car that crossed our path in more than 2 decades, so we just had to have it!
If you are a MoPar enthusiast, owning a '61 or '62 must be on your bucket list.
Opportunity calls, are you ready to answer?
Here's a video of the car:
Addendum:
We sold this Fury Convertible in December of 2020 to a dealer in California. He refurbished the car and consequently sold it at a substantial profit at a live auction in Palm Springs.
Back to Californiaclassix' Hall of Fame or Home.