This week’s ride comes from the recent ASME Car Show at Wilkes University (be sure to check out Motorhead for more cars from that show in upcoming weeks.) It is a 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury owned by Richard and Theda Rynkiewicz of Nanticoke.
The Fury, a model produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1956 until 1978, has an interesting history. It was introduced in the mid-1950s as a premium priced “halo” model (a car that was designed to showcase the talents and resources of Plymouth, not to be a mass-market success). It was sold only as an off-white hardtop coupe with gold anodized aluminum trim from 1956 until 1960.
Then, in the 1960s, as the Plymouth brand was having sales trouble and facing elimination, Chrysler went with the decision to mass produce the Fury, first available only in two styles: as a mid-size sedan and station wagon. In 1965, in order to compete with the more popular Chevrolet Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala, Plymouth made the decision to turn the Fury into a full-size car in four different styles: the Fury I, Fury II, Fury III and Sport Fury. The Fury I was basically available as police cars and taxi cabs and for people who wanted a no-frills, basic automobile. The II and III appealed to middle-class buyers, with a variety of options available and the Sport Fury was the top-of-the-line model with such features as automatic transmission, power steering, white sidewall tires (full wheel covers), stereo radios, vinyl tops and air conditioning. This decision was a great success, and from 1965 through 1974 the Fury was the best-selling model in the Plymouth line and helped Plymouth survive for a few more decades.
The Rynkiewiczes’ Sport Fury was the top-of-the-line for 1966. The exterior of the car is painted ice blue with a Persian white top. The Fury features a 383 cubic inch V8 engine as well as a 727 Torquelite transmission. The rear of the car also features the Chrysler Corporation’s 3.23 supergrip.
Much of the restoration work of the Fury was done by the Rynkiewiczes themselves, they say, along with help from some family and friends.
Among the awards that the Rynkiewiczes’ Fury has won includes the AACA Jr., Sr., and the esteemed First Grand National Preservation Award. The Fury was also featured in the 2001 calendar for Special T’s Unlimited, Inc.
Be sure to check out the Rynkiewiczes great Plymouth Fury at car shows around the area this summer.
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