1959 Plymouth Sport Fury
The 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury was a bold and stylish statement from Chrysler's Plymouth division, representing the pinnacle of their "Forward Look" design language. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the '59 Sport Fury was a more refined and luxurious iteration, aimed at capturing the growing market for sporty, upscale two-door hardtops.
Design and Styling:
The '59 Sport Fury was a masterpiece of mid-century automotive design, characterized by its sweeping lines, vibrant colors, and distinctive chrome accents. The most striking feature was the "Forward Look", a design philosophy that emphasized a sense of motion and advancement. This was evident in:
- The Forward-Leaning Grille: The grille sloped forward, giving the impression of the car perpetually moving ahead.
- Dual Headlights: Flanking the aggressive grille, the dual headlights were a common styling cue of the era, but Plymouth integrated them seamlessly into the overall design.
- Prominent Tailfins: The signature tailfins of the era were present, but for 1959, they were more sculpted and integrated into the rear quarter panels, giving a sophisticated, yet undeniably flamboyant, look. These fins housed the distinctive triple-lens taillights, a hallmark of the Sport Fury.
- Two-Tone Paint Schemes: The Sport Fury was renowned for its eye-catching two-tone paint options, which further accentuated its sleek profile and added a touch of exclusivity.
- Wraparound Windshield: Continuing the trend, the panoramic wraparound windshield offered excellent visibility and contributed to the airy, open feel of the cabin.
- "Fury" Badging: Prominent "Fury" script adorned the sides and rear, clearly identifying this as Plymouth's premium performance offering.
Performance and Powertrain:
Underneath its stylish exterior, the 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury was engineered for performance, offering a choice of potent V8 engines:
- The "Golden Commando" V8: This was the standard engine for the Sport Fury, a 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 that produced a healthy output for its time, often around 300-315 horsepower depending on the specific tune.
- Optional "Hemi" V8: For the truly performance-minded buyer, Plymouth offered the legendary 350 cubic inch (5.7L) "Push-Button" Hemi V8. This engine was a marvel of engineering, known for its hemispherical combustion chambers and exceptional power output, typically rated around 305-315 horsepower, but with a significant torque advantage.
Transmission options included:
- TorqueFlite Automatic: Chrysler's highly regarded three-speed automatic transmission, operated via a unique "push-button" selector panel mounted on the dashboard. This innovative feature was a significant talking point and added to the car's modern appeal.
- "Sonoramic" Dual Exhaust: Available with the V8 engines, the dual exhaust system provided a deeper, more resonant engine note, further enhancing the sporty character of the Sport Fury.
Interior and Features:
The interior of the 1959 Sport Fury was as stylish and well-appointed as its exterior, designed to offer comfort and a touch of luxury:
- Bucket Seats: A defining feature of the Sport Fury was its individual bucket seats in the front, reinforcing its sporty, driver-focused persona.
- Sporty Dashboard: The dashboard was a driver's cockpit, featuring a distinctive instrument cluster and the aforementioned push-button transmission selector.
- High-Quality Materials: The cabin typically featured quality upholstery, often with a combination of fabric and vinyl, along with chrome trim and tasteful detailing.
- Optional Amenities: While many features were standard on the Sport Fury, options like power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and an AM radio were available to further enhance the driving experience.
Significance and Legacy:
The 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury stands as a prime example of American automotive excess and innovation from the late 1950s. It represented a successful blend of performance, style, and comfort, appealing to a discerning buyer who wanted a car that was both exciting to drive and a pleasure to behold. Today, the '59 Sport Fury is a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its iconic "Forward Look" styling and its powerful V8 engines, particularly the rare Hemi-equipped models. It remains a beloved symbol of a bygone era of automotive design and engineering.