Forward Look Furys of the '50s - Plymouth Fury

A poor sales year for most automakers, 1956 was especially disappointing for Chrysler following the success of Virgil Exner's Forward Look 1955 models. Having slid from its third-place spot in industry sales a few years before, Plymouth, Chrysler's top-selling division, was intent on regaining it.

1956

For 1956, "Flight-Sweep" styling showed consumers that Plymouth was more than just a manufacturer of low-priced models. The mid-season introduction of the Fury would further cultivate a new image aimed at buyers who were "Young in Heart," as the ad copy read.

The diligent effort to field its own luxury/performance limited-edition model, despite corporate resistance, finally came to fruition, and in January of 1956 the Fury was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. Offered in a single paint color and with gold side trim and grille, a special V-8 engine from Canadian Chryslers, heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust and a standard in-dash tach, the Fury was a statement for this builder of normally conservative cars.

Also in January, a Fury broke the U.S. "flying mile" speed record for its displacement class at Daytona, running 124.01 MPH under NASCAR supervision. Though during its abbreviated inaugural model year just 4,485 Furys were built, positive press and buyer acceptance paved the way for the next.

"Suddenly, its 1960!" was the 1957 Plymouth tagline, and the division certainly appeared to have broken the time barrier when its models were compared to its taller, boxier competition. Exner's Forward Look really hit its stride with heavily revised lower, longer and wider models. The fins grew, and the company maintained that those "Directional Stabilizers" aided stability at highway speeds.

Chrysler redesigned its bodies and introduced Torsion-Aire ride and the three-speed automatic TorqueFlite (Imperials got it in the latter part of the 1956 sales season), and the gamble paid off--initially. Road testers gushed over the styling, handling and sure-shifting optional transmission, and GM designers hurried to revamp their 1959 proposals.

1958

Chrysler's first-quarter earnings were its highest ever, and overall market share rebounded to over 18 percent for 1957, its highest since the early 1950s, while GM receded to its lowest in the last few years. Plymouth recaptured third place, and with the benefit of a full sales season and its styling and engineering upgrades, Fury production rose to 7,438 units.

The rejoicing didn't last long, however. Most automakers' sales suffered in 1958, but Chrysler's reversal of fortune was both swift and decisive. According to a 1958 Fortune magazine article, the automaker's first-quarter earnings were the lowest in company history. In the span of one year, it had its record-setting best and worst quarters.

An economic recession was partly to blame, but the rush to market with so many innovations resulted in build-quality issues, not to mention premature rust problems. The damage to its reputation haunted Chrysler for the next few years. Overall market share dipped to near 14 percent, and though Plymouth retained third place, its sales pace was off by over 300,000 units. Fury sales dipped to just 5,303 cars.

1958

To close out the decade, the Fury became its own line in 1959, with a two-door and four-door hardtop and a four-door sedan offered. High horsepower and distinctive styling were maintained in the new Sport Fury in the familiar two-door hardtop and a new convertible--the first since the 1956 introduction. By model-year end, Chrysler's overall market share hovered in the low teens, Plymouth held onto third place in sales, and the Sport Fury exceeded 23,800 in sales.

1959

Now let's take a closer look at what Furys of the Fifties had to offer.

1956

With a then-premium price for Plymouth of $2,866, the upscale Belvedere-based Fury was only offered in Eggshell White, and unique exterior visual cues included a gold anodized aluminum color-sweep along each side and a gold accent in the grille.

Plymouth mostly retained the frontal appearance of the highly successful 1955 models. The 1956 incarnations had a new hood ornament, and "Plymouth" block lettering was added to the leading edge of the hood. The center of the grille area now featured a small rectangular grille with a box pattern in gold and a "V" emblem to denote V-8. Though there was a subtle hint of tailfins for 1955, for 1956 they became more pronounced with a distinct upward sweep. Taillamps grew taller and thinner, and backup lamps were larger. The new Fury was 204.8-inches long, 74.6 inches wide and 58.8-inches high--about an inch lower than other Plymouths.

The 303-cu.in. displacement V-8 employed polyspherical combustion chambers that realized some of the benefits of the hemispherical design offered in the Imperials, Chryslers, De Sotos and Dodges, but instead employed a single rocker shaft on each cylinder head to allay the higher production cost and weight of the hemi's dual rocker-shaft valvetrain.

The 303 featured 9.25:1 compression, a 3.81/3.31-inch bore/stroke, domed pistons, a high-performance solid-lifter cam and heavy-duty valve springs. Fuel was provided by a Carter WCFB four-barrel carburetor, dual-breaker distributor and a low-restriction dual-exhaust system. The result was 240hp at 4,800 RPM and 310-lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 RPM.

Later, a dealer-installed package became available for the 303 that added dual four-barrel carburetors, new air cleaners, an aluminum intake manifold and a hot camshaft. Output was boosted to 270 hp.

The remainder of the drivetrain consisted of a heavy-duty clutch for the standard three-speed manual transmission and an optional PowerFlite two-speed automatic transmission with new pushbutton actuation. The rear end housed 3.73 gears and other ratios were optional.

Built on a 115-inch wheelbase and featuring a 58.8-inch front and 58.9-inch rear track, the Fury was developed for "superior handling at all speeds and in cornering." It had heavy-duty front coil and rear leaf springs and a "high-rate" front anti-roll bar. Beefy 11-inch "Safe-Guard" drum brakes, which employed two wheel cylinders in each drum up front, were paired with conventional single-wheel-cylinder brakes at the rear, and 15x5.5-inch Safety-Rim wheels with 7.10x15 nylon cord tires.

Though oddly placed just to the right and above the steering column but low in the instrument panel, a 6,000 RPM tachometer with "Fury" and cross-flags on its face was standard. Since it claimed the real estate for the ignition switch, it was moved to the left, thereby displacing the wiper switch, which was relocated...to the passenger side!

Foam rubber seat and back cushions were treated to "woven luxury fabrics." Beige bolsters were upholstered in "breathable"- grained vinyl and the carpet was black. Tan and black cloth panels with gold metallic thread adorned the seats and door panels and the armrests were integrated into the latter.

Rounding out the Fury's comprehensive standard-equipment list of body, interior, engine and chassis enhancements came backup lamps; variable-speed windshield wipers; rain shields; rear bumper guards; bright drip moldings; dual exhaust deflectors; windshield washer; prismatic-type rearview mirror and dual outside rearview mirrors. Power steering, brakes, seat and windows comprised some of the available options.

1957

This year, the Forward Look took the lower, longer, wider philosophy to the extreme and the public adored it. The Fury's all-new body was longer at 206 inches, nearly 5 inches wider at 79.4 inches and over 5 inches lower at 53.5 inches, and it rode on a 3-inch longer wheelbase at 118 inches.

Sand Dune White was the only color choice, and revised versions of the familiar anodized gold grille and aluminum side sweeps returned. Hooded "Double Header" lights provided the impression of quad headlamps, but the inners were parking lamps/turn signals. The horizontal-bar grille ran completely across the front end and wrapped into the front fenders. The bumper kicked up in the middle and also at either end with "wing guards." The valance beneath it featured vertical air intakes. An emblem was centered in the grille, "Plymouth" block letters embellished the hood, and bright ornaments rode atop the fenders. The heavy brow, raised bumper center and wide grille gave the Fury an angry scowl, which implied that it was prepared for all competitors.

A "V" on the front fenders denoted V-8, the graceful wheelwells were revised. Flight-Sweep styling, with its continuous line from the forward-angled nose to the upswept larger fins, remained evident. The Fury's side trim accentuated the lowness of the body, but also the height of the rear. Its roofline was simple and elegant with thin A- and C-pillars that provided "Control Tower visibility" with 29 percent more glass area.

"Fury" script returned to each rear quarter panel, and though the taillamps were similar in shape, filling those fins made them larger than those of 1956. Backup lamps were mounted in chrome housings beneath them. Somewhat like the rakish roof, the deck lid descended in a gentle slope to meet the concave rear panel. Like the front bumper on Furys, the wing guards on the outer ends of the rear bumper were standard. The center of the bumper dipped down to accommodate the license plate, and that area was decorated with vertical lines.

The Fury's new 318 cu.in. V-8 featured 9.25:1 compression, Poly cylinder heads, high-performance camshaft, two four-barrel Carter carbs, dual-breaker distributor and 290hp at 5,400 RPM and 325-lb.ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. The famed TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission became an option and connected to 3.36 rear gears, but 3.54s were used with the standard three-speed manual. Other ratios were optional.

The new "Safety Power" boxed-steel perimeter frame was stronger and wider. Tread width was increased to 60.9 inches and 59.6 inches (and would remain the same through 1959). Torsion-Aire suspension replaced the front coil springs. Control arms, torsion bars, ball-joints and an anti-roll bar comprised the system in front. New "outrigger mounted" rear leaf springs also located the rear end more toward the front of the springs to reduce axle hop. The revised suspension was designed to decrease squat on launching, dive on braking and sway in the turns. It also had a lower center of gravity.

Overall steering ratio was 26.8:1, with 4.8 turns to lock but was reduced to 19.8 and 3.5 turns to lock with optional power steering. The diameter of the wheels was reduced to 14-inches, but widened ½-inch with 14x6-inch wheels becoming standard with 8.00x14-inch Nylon 4-ply tires.

Wider "lounge chair" seats were upholstered in new patterns, and the instrument panel was revised. Along with all the standard Fury items from 1956, except for the tachometer, this year's model added the two-tone steering wheel, safety padding for instrument panel, padded sun visors and "sweep-second self-regulating watch." The base price for all this Mopar was just under $3,000.

1958

Buckskin Beige and trimmed in gold, the 1958 Fury was subtly revised visually.

Actual quad headlamps were introduced, and the parking lamps were incorporated into the turn signals above the head-lamps. The "V" moved to the center of the grille, an emblem replaced the hood letters and the fender-top embellishments were revised. The lower valance air-intake insert resembled the grille.

Rear quarter-panel "Fury" script moved into the aluminum panel and replaced the three bright trim lines of 1957. Taillamps became smaller and round, but they protruded far enough to be seen from the side as well. Plymouth lettering replaced the decklid emblem, and the backup lamp was moved to the bumper.

The Dual Fury V-800 engine was last year's two-four-barrel 290-hp 318-cu.in. V-8 and was standard in the Fury. Optional was the new 350-cu.in. Golden Commando V-8, which featured a deep-skirt block, 4.062 x 3.375-inch bore/stroke, wedge chamber cylinder heads, a 10:1 compression ratio, a high-performance hydraulic lifter cam and two four-barrel carbs. It developed 305hp at 5,000 RPM and 370-lb.ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. A 315-hp version of the 350 with Bendix Electrojector fuel injection was a $500 option. It was offered briefly, few were built, and they were later recalled. Most of the fuel-injection units were replaced with carburetors.

The differential was fitted with 3.73 gears when paired with the standard three-speed manual and 3.31 gears with the TorqueFlite transmission. Other ratios were optional, as was the new Sure-Grip differential.

In the cabin, the speedometer was updated for 150 MPH, and a new star pattern was used on its bright surround. Interior featured multi-tone brown and beige appointments with a brown carpet. The base price of the Fury rose to just over $3,000. The 1958 models regained notoriety, thanks to the Stephen King novel and the movie Christine both of which were released in 1983.

1959

For 1959, the Fury was expanded to its own line, so the new Sport Fury perpetuated the traditional luxury/sport model in a two-door hardtop and a new convertible. For the first time, the Fury and now the new Sport Fury were available in a variety of single and two-tone color combinations.

The revised anodized aluminum grille now had an egg crate-like pattern that was split via a new emblem floating on a black background. It featured a rendering of the Mayflower to depict Plymouth's tradition with a stylized missile above it to represent its "pace setting styling and engineering."

New "double-barrel" fenders featured contouring around the headlamps that gave the subtle impression of shotgun barrels. The shape of the front wheelwells was also revised, thanks to the wraparound grille with parking/turn signal lamps that were now visible from the side as well. A new "airscoop" front bumper and lower valance provided a jet air-intake effect according to Plymouth. Identifying script on the driver-side of the hood replaced the central Plymouth lettering and emblem of the previous year.

The Fury had double full-length side molding, with the lower portion wrapping around the back of the car. Optional Sportone added an anodized aluminum panel between the two trim pieces, and a contrasting color could be had on the roof if desired.

The Sport Fury trim differed from the Fury. Its revised side spear (now silver anodized instead of the previous years' gold) widened and curved upward at the rear quarter panels to follow the airfoil fin line, but it did wrap around the rear like the Fury. A Forward Look medallion was also added to each rear quarter panel of the Sport Fury.

Recontoured rear quarter panels featured "airfoil" fins that were thinner, more upright, had a somewhat gentler upsweep, were laid back and dressed with fluted molding. Chrome-housed "Ovalight" clusters featuring the taillamp, brake lamp and backup lamp (optional) were set into a concave rear panel. The decklid and bumper were completely different, and the former now carried the central ridge of the hood to the rear, while the latter was thinner and included twin vertical guards. "Plymouth" script adorned the driver's side of the decklid in place of the previous year's central block letters. A gold "V" denoted V-8 power.

The sport decklid tire-cover stamping was standard on the Sport Fury and optional on other models. And buyers of Sport Fury convertibles had a choice of top colors: blue, green, white or black.

Now that the Fury became its own model line, its standard V-8 was the 230-hp, two-barrel, single-exhaust version of the Fury V-800 318-cu.in. engine. The standard Sport Fury engine was the dual-exhaust, 9:1 compression 318, now with a single four-barrel and 260hp at 4,400 RPM and 345 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM, down from the 290hp dual-four-barrel version of the previous year.

Though the standard engine took a step back in power, the optional 361-cu.in. Golden Commando 395, the further development of the 1958 350 wedge-type cylinder head engine, moved forward. It maintained the 305hp rating of 1958, but achieved it at a lower 4,600 RPM. Torque increased to 395-lb.ft. at 3,000 RPM--hence its name, and it did it with new camshaft timing and single four-barrel carburetor.

The two-speed PowerFlite transmission was offered optionally for the base V-800 318 engine; the TorqueFlite was matched to 2.93 or 3.31 rear gears; and cars equipped with the standard manual transmission had 3.54 gears.

Torsion bars were shortened about 2 inches, and the anchor points moved forward for 1959, which helped increase passenger foot space. An eccentric adjusting cam replaced shims for dialing in front-end alignment and the balljoints were revised.

Swivel front seats were new for 1959 and came standard on the Sport Fury, as did the deluxe two-tone padded steering wheel. A new instrument cluster was employed, and various revised interior colors and textures were available. The Sport Fury also featured a dash nameplate mounted on the glovebox door on which the owner's name would be engraved. It said "Sport Fury Built Especially For ---- By Plymouth."

To keep the car level with heavy loads, optional Constant Level Torsion-Aire augmented the rear leaf springs with rubberized nylon air springs, a low-pressure reservoir and height control valve added to the rear suspension. The air springs were inflated via an engine-driven compressor through a high-pressure reservoir in the engine bay. It could only be ordered on V-8 automatic transmission-equipped Plymouths.

The optional Mirrormatic rearview mirror dimmed when it picked up the bright lights of cars in the rear, and the automatic beam changer dimmed the headlamps when oncoming headlamps were detected.

The Fury two-door hardtop was priced at $2,714, Sport Fury two-door hardtop at $2,927 and the Sport Fury convertible at $3,125.

The dawn of the 1960s would bring unit body construction and dramatic styling changes to the Fury, but that's another story for another time.