Image of 1959 Plymouth Fury, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1959 Plymouth Fury: A Gleaming Symbol of the Atomic Age

The 1959 Plymouth Fury stands as a gleaming testament to the optimism of the late 1950s. Born from the ambitious design studios of Plymouth, a division of the Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged as an icon of its era. It was a time when tailfins soared and chrome glistened, reflecting America's fascination with space travel and atomic energy. The Fury, in particular, carved its niche as a stylish and affordable family car that didn't skimp on performance or flair. One unique fact that car enthusiasts may find captivating is that the '59 Fury was featured in Stephen King's novel "Christine," later adapted into a cult classic film, forever cementing its place in pop culture.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1959 Plymouth Fury was nothing short of dramatic. Its long, sleek lines culminated in audacious tailfins that seemed to slice through the air. The front grille presented a wide, gaping maw flanked by quad headlights, giving it an aggressive yet sophisticated demeanor. Inside, passengers were treated to a spacious cabin with plush seating and quality materials that belied its mid-range price tag. Technological features such as swiveling front seats and electronic push-button transmission controls were considered cutting-edge at the time. The Fury was available in a variety of color options, with "Iceberg White" and "Toreador Red" being among the most popular choices. Body styles included a two-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and convertible, but it was the Sport Fury two-door hardtop that became particularly iconic.

Historical Significance

The 1959 Plymouth Fury captured the zeitgeist of post-war America's automotive boom. It set itself apart with its bold styling and performance at a price point that was accessible to many. The Fury's design elements like its tailfins would influence automotive trends for years to come, marking it as a pivotal model in the evolution of car aesthetics.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the '59 Fury boasted impressive performance credentials for its time. Equipped with a standard 318 cubic inch V8 engine or an optional 361 cubic inch "Golden Commando" V8, it could achieve 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds—a notable feat for a family sedan. Top speeds approached 120 mph when properly equipped. On the road, drivers enjoyed responsive handling for such a sizable car, though they would feel some body roll during tight cornering due to its soft suspension setup. The driving experience was characterized by a throaty engine rumble and smooth ride that made long cruises a pleasure.

Ownership Experience

The 1959 Plymouth Fury found its place as both a reliable daily driver and an attention-grabbing show car. Its robust construction meant maintenance was straightforward for mechanically inclined owners, though some parts have become rarer over time. Reliability was generally good by standards of the day.

Fun Facts

Beyond its silver screen fame in "Christine," the '59 Fury had other claims to fame including being chosen as pace cars for prestigious races. While not known for setting speed records, it certainly set sales records for Plymouth at the time. Common criticisms included concerns about fuel economy—hardly surprising given its powerful V8 engine.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1959 Plymouth Fury for its nostalgic appeal and embodiment of 1950s Americana. While production numbers were significant (estimates suggest tens of thousands were produced), surviving examples in pristine condition are relatively rare. Values vary widely based on condition and originality but can range from $20,000 to well over $50,000 for concours-quality specimens or those with desirable options like the Golden Commando powerplant. The market has shown appreciation for well-maintained Furys over time.

Conclusion

In summary, the 1959 Plymouth Fury is more than just a classic car; it's a rolling piece of American history that captures the spirit of an era defined by boundless optimism and innovation. Whether you're an avid collector or simply someone who appreciates vintage automotive design, the Fury stands out as a remarkable example of what made cars from this period so special.

1959 Plymouth Fury Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1959 Plymouth Fury Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1959 Plymouth Fury Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1959 Plymouth Fury License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each-SB 86License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each

1959 Plymouth Fury Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-17Trunk Seal. Each

1959 Plymouth Fury Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7-DRear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 20" long. Pair

1959 Plymouth Fury Rear Roll-Up Window Seals-VS 7-GRear Roll-Up Window Seals. For leading edge of rear quarter window. Made with molded ends. 18-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1959 Plymouth Fury Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1959 Plymouth Fury Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.