1968 Plymouth Fury: The Full-Size American Classic
The 1968 Plymouth Fury represented a significant evolution for Plymouth's full-size offering, arriving as a refined and stylish expression of American automotive design for the late 1960s. Building upon the foundations of its predecessors, the '68 Fury presented a bolder, more assertive presence, further cementing its position as a capable and desirable large car.
Styling and Design
The 1968 Fury adopted a distinctly sharp and angular styling language, moving away from the softer lines of previous years. Key design elements included:
- The "Fuselage" Look: While not as pronounced as on later Chrysler products, the '68 Fury began to exhibit a subtle "fuselage" body style, characterized by a pronounced shoulder line that flowed along the length of the car. This gave the Fury a more substantial and planted appearance.
- Distinctive Front End: The front fascia was dominated by a new, split grille design. Often referred to as "coke-bottle" or "peanut" grilles depending on the specific trim, these grilles were recessed into the bodywork, flanked by prominent, vertically stacked headlights. A sleek, horizontal chrome bumper completed the aggressive front-end aesthetic.
- Sweeping Body Lines: The side profile featured clean, straight character lines that ran from the front fenders to the rear. The C-pillar was generally more upright, contributing to a substantial cabin feel.
- Rear Styling: The rear of the '68 Fury typically featured distinctive taillights, often integrated into the rear bumper or positioned in recessed housings. The overall impression was one of solidity and presence.
- Convertible Option: A highly sought-after body style, the convertible offered a classic open-air driving experience, further enhancing the Fury's appeal.
Body Styles and Trims
The 1968 Plymouth Fury was available in a range of body styles to cater to diverse consumer needs:
- Fury I: The base model, offering a no-nonsense approach to full-size motoring with essential amenities.
- Fury II: A step up in comfort and features, providing a more balanced offering for families.
- Fury III: The most luxurious of the standard Fury trims, often featuring upgraded interior materials and additional convenience features.
- Sport Fury: This performance-oriented trim level offered a more aggressive appearance and often included specific engine options and suspension upgrades, distinguishing it from the more comfort-focused models.
Beyond these core trims, buyers could also opt for specific body styles within these lines, including:
- 2-door Hardtop Coupe: A popular choice offering a sporty, pillarless design.
- 4-door Hardtop Sedan: Providing ample interior space and practicality for families.
- 2-door Convertible: The epitome of 1960s American cruising, allowing for open-air enjoyment.
- Station Wagon (often designated as a separate model like the Fury Suburban): Designed for maximum utility and passenger capacity.
Powertrain Options
Plymouth equipped the 1968 Fury with a selection of robust V8 engines, emphasizing power and torque for confident cruising:
- 318 V8: The smallest and most fuel-efficient option, still providing respectable performance for a full-size car.
- 383 V8: A popular choice, offering a significant increase in power and torque over the 318, making it a well-rounded engine for everyday driving and highway cruising.
- 440 V8 (RB "Magnum"): Available on Sport Fury and some other models, this potent engine delivered strong performance and was a favorite for those seeking more spirited acceleration.
- 426 HEMI V8 (Rare): While incredibly rare and a highly sought-after option, the legendary 426 HEMI was available for the Sport Fury, making it a true muscle car in full-size clothing. This engine was the pinnacle of performance for the Fury line.
Transmission options typically included:
- TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission: The ubiquitous choice for smooth and effortless gear changes.
- 3-speed manual transmission: Less common, but available for those who preferred a more direct connection to the drivetrain.
- 4-speed manual transmission: Even rarer, typically only available with the higher-performance engines.
Chassis and Suspension
The 1968 Fury was built on Chrysler's ubiquitous "C-body" platform, known for its robust construction and comfortable ride. The suspension system was designed to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and relaxed driving experience typical of American full-size cars of the era.
Interior and Features
The interior of the 1968 Fury was designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Depending on the trim level, features could include:
- Bench or Bucket Seats: Offering seating for up to six passengers.
- Vinyl or Cloth Upholstery: Durable and stylish interior coverings.
- AM/FM Radio: A premium audio option for the time.
- Power Steering and Power Brakes: Standard on most models, enhancing ease of driving.
- Air Conditioning: A desirable option for comfort in warmer climates.
- Tilt Steering Wheel: Allowing for adjustable driver positioning.
- Optional Tachometer: For the Sport Fury models, providing a performance-oriented gauge.
Legacy and Collectibility
The 1968 Plymouth Fury stands as a classic example of late-1960s American automotive styling and engineering. It offered a compelling blend of comfort, space, and available performance, making it a popular choice for families and cruising enthusiasts alike. Today, well-maintained examples, particularly the Sport Fury models and those equipped with the larger V8 engines or the rare HEMI, are highly collectible and represent a significant piece of Mopar history. Their bold styling and comfortable ride continue to appeal to classic car enthusiasts.