1963 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1963 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1963 Plymouths were three inches longer, an inch wider and had a flat roof line that angled into a flatter rear deck. Engine choices were much like the previous year, however the 413 CID high performance V-8 grew to 426 CID.
1963 at Plymouth – Cleaning up the Look
Plymouth’s 1963 styling theme characterized a return to the conventional looks of their competitors. While the car grew slightly, the wheelbase remained at the mid-size level.
1963 Plymouth Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1963 Plymouth Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1963 Plymouth Mid-Size
| B Ebony Black | |
| C Light Blue | |
| D Medium Metallic Blue | |
| E Dark Metallic Blue | |
| F Light Green | |
| G Metallic Green | |
| M Light Beige | |
| P Red | |
| R Coppertone | |
| W Ermine | |
| X Medium Beige | |
| Y Metallic Brown |
1963 Plymouth – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for this vehicle will appear below
1963 Plymouth Facts – Current Market Values
1963 Plymouth Mid-Size Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1963 Plymouth Mid-Size Car
NOTE: The 1963 Plymouth is categorized in our Fact Sheets as a mid-size car due to its 116 inch wheelbase. While there were no full size cars in Plymouth’s lineup, Dodge and Chrysler both featured full size cars on a 122 inch wheelbase. Plymouth did not offer a full size 118-122 inch wheelbase car in 1963.
The Plymouth Valiant is a compact car and not covered in this Fact Sheet.
A New Look – But More Traditional
A return to more closely following Ford and Chevrolet full size cars characterized Plymouth’s 1963 styling theme, though while the cars were three inches longer and an inch wider, they still rode on a 116 inch wheelbase. The “melted look was gone, with a flat roof line that angled into a flatter rear deck. The front had a square look. Oval parking lamps ran vertically at each body corner.
Uniform size headlamps were housed horizontally, within bright metal surrounds on the grille. The grille had a fine textured pattern, with prominent horizontal segments. “Plymouth” was spelled out in block letters across the edge of the hood. A stand-up hood ornament was used. The body side feature line ran from the upper front fender corner, slanting just slightly downward as it moved to the rear, where it overlapped a square-shaped contour.
Historical
Due to demand that was too low to justify extra production costs, Plymouth discontinued the aluminum die-cast I-6 early in the 1963 model run. The model year production total included 244,395 Plymouths (158,612 with V-8s).
In June, 1963, Plymouth announced development of a Super-Stock Wedge head “426-II” V-8 engine for supervised drag racing and stock car racing. Cars with this engine finished first and second in USAC (U.S. Auto Club) competition. Four-speed manual transmissions were made available at about the same time.
1963 Plymouth Factoids
The 426 CID Super Stock V-8 replaced the Super Stock 413 with 415 HP at 5600 RPM with 11.0 compression and 425 HP with 13.5:1 compression. See “Engines” below for more information or check the 1963 Plymouth AMA High Performance Specifications HERE.
Want to learn about all the B and RB wedge V-8s? See all the specs through 1965 HERE.
Chrysler’s own 4-speed transmission – surprisingly not available prior to 1963, arrived in May of 1963. It had unique ratios: (1st) 2.66:1, (2nd) 1.91:1 (3rd) 1.39:1 (4th) 1.00:1 (reverse) 2.58:1.
1963 Plymouth Facts – Models Offered
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The Savoy was still the basic model, with “Plymouth” on the hood and no extraneous trim. “Savoy” in script was placed at mid-fender, just behind the front wheel cutout. Standard equipment included oil filter, turn signals, electric wipers, glove box lock, dual sun visors, front arm rests, and small hub caps. Cars known as “Fleet Specials” were basically Savoys with even less standard features.. The nine-passenger wagon had a power rear tailgate window and cargo light. Passenger cars came with two-ply tires, wagons had four-ply tires of similar size.
Belvedere was full-sized Plymouth’s middle-priced nameplate. This model had a wide, colored molding along the body side feature line. “Belvedere” in script, replaced “Savoy” at mid-fender, just behind the front wheel cutout. A short molding was placed on the rear roof pillar. Belvedere models could be ordered with the Slant Six. Other equipment included rear arm rests, front foam seats and cigar lighter.
The Fury was Plymouth’s high-level offering. In standard form it came with everything found in Belvedere models, plus a padded dashboard, backup lamps and electric clock. Trim features included a distinctive side molding with a color insert that narrowed ahead of the front door. Bright window frame moldings were also added as well as a rear deck panel beauty strip.
“Fury” in script was found behind the front wheel cutout. “Fury” in block letters was placed on the trunk and a rectangular Fury emblem set into the right-hand end of the rear beauty panel.
The Sport Fury was the sporty premium-priced Plymouth, identified at a distance by its bright rocker panel strips. The hardtop also had three hash marks on the rear roof pillar. Standard equipment included everything regular Fury models, plus bucket seats, center console, wheel covers, all-vinyl upholstery, Deluxe steering wheel, and rear foam seat cushions.
Sport Fury models were all V-8 equipped with anything from the base 230 HP 318 CID V-8 all the way to the 330 HP 383 CID “Golden Commando” power plant.
1963 Plymouth Facts – Engines
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- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 318 CID V-8 230 HP
- 361 CID V-8 Commando 265 HP
- 383 CID Golden Commando V-8 330 HP
- 383 CID High Performance V-8 320 HP
- 383 CID High Performance V-8 325 HP
- 426 CID V-8 370 HP NASCAR
- 426 CID V-8 370 HP NASCAR Stage II
- 426 CID V-8 415 HP Super Stock
- 426 CID V-8 415 HP Super Stock Stage II
- 426 CID V-8 425 HP Super Stock
- 426 CID V-8 425 HP Super Stock Stage II
225 CID Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 225 cubic inches. Four main bearings.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.20:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: 232°, Exhaust: 228°, Overlap: 8°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.371″, Exhaust 0.364″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball one-barrel: BBS-3464 S or Holley R-2537 A; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBS-3468 S or Holley R-2538 A or Stromberg WA-3-219.
Base 318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical .
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 240°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.397″, (Exhaust) 0.403″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3472 S or Stromberg WW-3-222 (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-3473 S or Stromberg WW3-223.
Plymouth “Commando” 265 HP V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main Bearings
Displacement: 361 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap: 26°; Lift: (Intake) 0.392″ (exhaust) 0.390″. Five main bearings. Carburetor: Ball & Ball Two-barrel Model BBD 3475S.
Plymouth 383 CID “Golden Commando” V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.00:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: 0.444″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3437 S.
Plymouth 383 CID High Performance 320 HP V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 320 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 430 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 48°; Lift: (intake) 0.444″, (exhaust) 0.456″.
Carburetor: Standard – Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3437 S, Optional (1.62″ Primary/1.69″ Secondary) – Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3397 S; Optional (1.69″ Primary/1.69″ Secondary) – Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3559 S.
Plymouth 383 CID High Performance 325 HP V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 420 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 276°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 58°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″, (exhaust) 0.455″.
Carburetors: Dual Four-barrel, in line – Front: Carter Model AFB-3258 S, Rear: Carter Model AFB-3259.
1963 Plymouth 370 HP V-8 NASCAR. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 370 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM. Valve lifters: Camshaft: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″.
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3397S (Primary 1.62″/Secondary 1.69″).
1963 Plymouth 370 HP V-8 NASCAR Stage II. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 370 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM. Camshaft:
Valve Lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 82°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model AFB-3559 S, or Holley Model R-2814 A (Primary 1.69″/Secondary 1.69″).
1963 Plymouth 415 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 415 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 470 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″.
Intake manifold: 15″ short ram.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S (Primary 1.44″/Secondary 1.69″)
1963 Plymouth 415 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 415 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 470 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap: 74°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: 15″ short ram.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model 3705 S (Primary 1.69″/Secondary 1.69″)
1963 Plymouth 425 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 13.5:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 300°, Overlap: 75°; Lift: (intake) 0.509″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.509″.
Intake manifold: 15″ short ram.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model (Standard) AFB-2903S, (Optional) AFB-AFB-3447S (Primary 1.44″/Secondary 1.69″)
1963 Plymouth 425 HP V-8 “Super Stock 426”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 4400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake 300°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap: 74°; Lift: (intake) 0.520″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.520″.
Intake manifold: 15″ short ram.
Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrel Model 3705 S (Primary 1.69″/Secondary 1.69″)
1963 Plymouth Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 116 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: 210.1 inches, Others: 205.0 inches.
- Front tread: 59.5 inches.
- Rear tread: 57.5 inches.
- Width: Station Wagons: 75.1 inches; Others: 75.6 inches.
- Height (V-8s): Wagons: 54.0 inches, Sedans & Hardtops: 54.1, Convertible: 54.3 inches.
- Tires: All: 7.00 x 14 black or whitewall tubeless.
1963 Plymouth Facts –
Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.83:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1
- Early 318 CID V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1
- Late 318, 361 & 383 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.66:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 318 CID V-8 Only: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.92:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.61:1
- 361 & 383 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.66:1, 3rd – 1.31:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6: Wagons 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- 318 CID V-8 Except High Performance 3-Speed SMT – (early) 3.31:1, Optional 3.55:1 (late)2.93:1, Optional 3.231, 3.55:1
- I-6 Wagons 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1
- I-6 Others 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.31:1 and 3.55:1
- V-8 Std 318 CID Except High Performance 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1 Optional 3.23:1
- V-8 361 & 383 CID Commando, Golden Commando 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1 Optional 2.76:1
- V-8 361 & 383 CID Commando, Golden Commando 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1
- V-8 361 & 383 CID Golden Commando 4-Speed SMT – 3.55:1 Optional 3.23:1
- 383 CID Hi-Po 4-bbl & tw0 4-bbl V-8: 3-Speed SMT 3.23:1; 4-Speed SMT 3.55:1, 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1
- 426 CID: 3-Speed SMT 3.91:1, 4-Speed SMT 3.55:1; 3-Speed AMT 3.91:1
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.76:1 to 6.17:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios. See 1963 Plymouth High Performance Options AMA Specifications Sheets for all actual ratios HERE.
1963 Plymouth Facts –
Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Three-speed automatic transmission with I-6 or V-8
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission was available for all V-8s
- “Commando” 361 CID 265 HP V-8 engine
- “Golden Commando” 383 CID 330 horsepower V-8 engine
- High Performance single 4-barrel 383 CID 320 horsepower V-8 engine
- High Performance dual 4-barrel 383 CID 325 horsepower V-8 engine
- NASCAR 426 CID 370 horsepower V-8 engine
- “Super Stock” 426 CID 415 horsepower V-8 engine.
- “Super Stock” 426 CID 425 horsepower V-8 engine.
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle.
NOTE: The 230 HP 318 CID Base V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1963 Plymouth Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($446); as part of accessory group ($375).
- Backup lights, standard on Furys ($11).
- Basic Group, Fury ($104); others ($114).
- Basic Radio Group, Fury ($162); others ($173).
- Cigar lighter – Savoy only ($4).
- Electric clock – Savoy and Belvedere only ($16).
- Foam seats – Savoy only ($11).
- Front bumper bar ($14).
- Hardtop trim, all-vinyl for Fury – standard Sport Fury ($25).
- Heater and defroster, without air-conditioning ($74).
- Left-hand outside rear-view mirror ($6).
- Light Group, nine-passenger wagon ($7); others ($12).
- Padded dash – Savoy and Belvedere only ($14).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seat, six-way Fury only ($95).
- Power steering ($77).
- Power windows, Fury only ($102).
- Radio, DeLuxe push button($84).
- Radio, push button ($59).
- Rear bumper guards ($14).
- Rear foam seats – Fury only ($11).
- Safety Group, Furys ($94); others ($107).
- Steering wheel, DeLuxe – standard Sport Fury ($11).
- Tailgate assist handles with rear wind deflector – wagons only ($21).
- Tinted glass, all ($40).
- Tinted glass, windshield only ($22).
- Undercoating with hood pad ($14).
- Wheel covers, standard Sport Fury ($19).
- Windshield washer ($12).
- Wipers, variable speed ($6).
1963 Plymouth Mid-Size Downloads and Images
1963 Plymouth Facts – Related Document Downloads
1963 Plymouth Small Size Brochure
1963 Plymouth Super Stocks Brochure
1963 Plymouth Full-Size Car Print Ads
1963 Plymouth AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Plymouth High Performance V-8s AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 426 CID Max Wedge Evaluation – Cars Engine Book
1963 Plymouth Facts –
Related Images
1963 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible
The 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible was the top of the line Plymouth this year. 3,836 were sold.
1963 Plymouth Sport Fury 2-Door Hardtop
The 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury 2-Door Hardtop was the ultimate performance Plymouth this year. 11,483 found buyers.
1963 Plymouth Fury Convertible
The 1963 Plymouth Fury Convertible was a more popular choice with Plymouth buyers. It was available only as a V-8 – with lots of HP choices. 5,221 were delivered.
1963 Plymouth Fury 2-Door Hardtop
The 1963 Plymouth Fury 2-Door Hardtop would have been considered by many as a good platform for performance. 13,832 were produced in both I-6 and V-8 configurations.
1963 Plymouth Fury 4-Door Hardtop
The 1963 Plymouth Fury 4-Door Hardtop was a popular choice. 11,877 were delivered all were V-8 powered.
1963 Plymouth Fury 4-Door Sedan
The 1963 Plymouth Fury 4-Door Sedan was the top line 4-door sedan. It was a popular choice with 31,891 produced.
1963 Plymouth Fury Station Wagon
The 1963 Plymouth Fury Station Wagon was the most upscale wagon for Plymouth in 1963 and was available in 6- and 9-passenger configurations. 4,763 were made.
1963 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Hardtop
If you wanted a reasonably priced 2-door hardtop, the the 1963 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Hardtop was for you. 9,204 buyers agreed. Quite a few opted for 383 CID V-8 power in this, the lightest of the hardtops.
1963 Plymouth Belvedere 4-Door Sedan
The 1963 Plymouth Belvedere 4-Door Sedan sat in the middle of the price point for 4-doors. It was the second most popular Plymouth with 54,929 delivered.
1963 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Sedan
The 1963 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Sedan was a practical but still a bit upscale 2-door. Not too many bit on it, however, with only 3,128 sold.
1963 Plymouth Belvedere Station Wagon
The 1963 Plymouth Belvedere Station Wagon was the mid-price wagon in the 1963 Plymouth line. 14,309 were sold.
1963 Plymouth Savoy 4-Door Sedan
The 1963 Plymouth Savoy 4-Door Sedan was the most popular Plymouth for 1963. 56,313 were produced.
1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-Door Sedan
The 1963 Plymouth Savoy 2-Door Sedan was a good price point for entry into the Plymouth line. many were sold as “Fleet” cars to businesses. As a result, 20,281 were delivered.
1963 Plymouth Savoy Station Wagon
The 1963 Plymouth Savoy Station Wagon was the least expensive wagon offered this year. They were eagerly snapped up with 17,216 delivered.