IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 1960 Plymouth Fury (No it's not Christine the car!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2020
- read the brochure: idriveaclassic1
Today we are reviewing the 1960 Plymouth Fury. For those hard of hearing (like me!), I've popped the walk around chat below:
Plymouth was launched in 1928 to compete in a specific automotive market sector: the low priced bracket. At the time, this was very much dominated by Ford and Chevrolet.
In fact at first, Plymouth was simply one car instead of a stand alone automotive brand - it was known as the Plymouth Model Q coupe.
Plymouth initially priced their cars higher than the competition but offered some of the standard features buyers wanted but Ford and Chevrolet didn’t provide, such as expanding hydraulic brakes.
Plymouth sold through the Chrysler dealerships and it filled a gap for the aspiring motorist who wanted a Chrsyler but couldn’t stretch to the price - a bit like British Leyland did with their brands - trying to offer alternatives and solutions for all budgets under one umbrella.
Plymouth cars were also available at Desoto and Dodge dealerships, which of course, all existed under the Chrysler division at the time.
Interestingly, Plymouth was actually the saving grace of Chrysler because by serving the lower end of the market, it meant both Plymouth and Chrysler survived the depression of the 1930s - which saw the collapse of many other automotive brands.
Plymouth continued to go from strength to strength and sold great quantities of cars and in 1957 the New Look forward design was advertised by Plymouth as ‘suddenly it’s 1960’ and this increased sales quantities by 200 thousand cars compared to sales figures from 1956.
However as the decade ended and the swinging 60s began, build quality started to become a bit ropey and the cars began to gain a reputation for iffy build quality and this coupled with a misjudged decision to downsize some of their cars from 1962 meant the brand saw a really knock to reputation and success throughout the 60s and 70s.
But this isn’t unusual, because you hear this about many car manufacturers of that era, especially British cars - which is why Japanese car manufacturers got a lull to catch up and compete with merit.
Although it would be lazy to write the company off during these decades because they still had many success stories and triumphs and the brand continued until 2001 whereby it was discontinued and any loose ends were tied up and neatly slotted back into the Chrysler family.
Going back to the car we are testing today, the Plymouth Fury was produced from 1955 to 1989, but the model we’re testing today was only made in 1960 - so when I refer to this car throughout the video as only being made for one year, it is the particular model I’m referring to and not the Fury overall.
The 1960 Plymouth fury, the second generation car as it’s sometimes known, was available as a 4 door sedan or saloon as we’d call it over here, 4 door hard top, 2 door hard top and 2 door convertible.
Whilst it was one of Plymouth’s best selling cars it was never sold in the UK, which might be because as a nation we were probably too conversative for something this spicy.
1960 was also a year of firsts and it was the first year for Unibody construction and the first year for the slant 6 engine.
The new Dura quiet body was said to be twice as strong as previous body shells and it was said to steady the car on longer drives and faster speeds and the gauge of the steel used was 75% heavier than rivals without the added weight.
The car also sported a new handle and locking mechanism which was tested for 4 years before launch and every seam and joint on the car was sealed.
Plymouth even went to the smallest minute detail and changed the window channel materials to try and combat rust and corrosion. They even tested this with a 2 minute high pressure water water akin to a tropical typhoon.
The suspension system was the Plymouth torsion-aire suspension and the torsion bar to front wide leaf spring to back combo coupled with the new unibody was said to give a better ride than any other Plymouth at time of launch.
It’s also worth noting the engine was mounted on it’s own suspension system too.
Interestingly as well, they wanted to create a silent cabin ride and when developing, they set up 12 channel tape recorders on test drives to find, eliminate and tackle all sources of needless noise.
engineers spent the equivalent of 20 years testing this car before launch.
It has a length of 209 inches, a width of 80 inches and a wheelbase of 118 inches. For reference on IDRIVEACLASSIC, that makes it bigger than the Bedford Bambi we tested last week by over 5 feet!
Transmission units on these were varied and you got a choice of the 2 speed Powerflite automatic, the 3 speed Torqueflite automatic as we’re testing today and interestingly, manual transmission options of a 3 speed sychro silent manual and 3 speed manual. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
If ever a reviewer was meant to look like they were made to be seen in a car...this is that moment.
aww Alan ❤️
Agreed she nailed it
@@idriveaclassic You need to do yourself a favour and get a 60's Mopar for yourself, like a 60-61 Plymouth, Dodge, or a Chrysler...just wondered....what kind of looks did you did get cruising around in that?
I like her. She's a cutie.
@@engleharddinglefester4285 yeah she is 👍🏻🇬🇧
What a charming video - I love the British. If Tom's car has the "Hi-Fi" buttons on the radio, it means his car originally came with a 45rpm record player. That was an option for Plymouth in 1960; ordinary radios had plain black buttons. I used to own a 1960 Plymouth Fury 4-door sedan, which I later sold and bought a 1960 Fury convertible, black over red. The cars were thirsty, but if you switch to a two-barrel carburetor it makes an astonishing difference in mileage, roughly 17-21 mpg. So refreshing to see people under the age of 70 interested in these big fin cars!
Great video! Bet it turns a lot of head across the pond!
Ahh thanks so much for commenting! I can’t believe you watched my video, thank you! Yeah it was absolutely incredible how many people suddenly took their eyes off the road and started staring at the car but I don’t blame them!
I’m a 64-year-old here in the USA, and these were the cars of my childhood. And as a gearhead from early on, I was dazzled by these vehicles as a kid. Even today, that dashboard and steering wheel are the stuff of dreams. It was a different time, for sure. We were moving from the Jet Age to the Space Age, our new Interstate Highway system gave us swift access to any part of of the country, fuel was cheap, and the future was here. By the way, as a lifelong Missourian I noticed the license plates on Tom’s car. Neato! Ironically, my own classic vehicle is tiny and British... an MG Midget. Different strokes, etc. Thanks for another excellent episode!
MG Midget owner here too. Have you figured out dignified entry and exit moves? If so, please advise.
@@heraldeventsandfilms5970 I have a small convertible too, mine is a '97 Toyota Paseo/EL54, but I've had an MGB, a Pontiac Fiero, a 4th generation Corvette, and my share of other little ones. These instructions are for Left Hand Drive, so for RHD do the opposite of what I say. The only dignified entry begins with having the top down before getting in. But top up or down, put you right leg into a more horizontal position entering the car right leg first, and put your left hand on the corner of the roof/windshield, and using the strength of your left arm lower yourself in. Getting into a small hardtop (Fiero & Corvette) the instructions are the same, however, instead of using the upper corner of the windshield, put your left hand onto the roof at roughly the point where your head is going to be once your seated. To exit, I sort of roll out, using the sill as a sturdy support for my left hand. Exiting a hardtop, you can use the sill as support, or if you have the strength in your left arm, again put your left hand on the roof roughly above where your head is, and hoist yourself out. In either entry or exit, avoid using the door as any means of support because it's not good for the door. And worse, a door flailing around by someone using it for support, is undignified. I want to say that if you're just too big for a given car, don't be afraid of changing to something bigger. An example might be an MGB, it's still a nice fun car and it's different attributes could be a welcome surprise of satisfaction. I won't bore you with more examples but understand you can be happy with other fun cars too. I hope this helped.
@@discerningmind It made me laugh, that's for starters! Being over sixty, I haven't any dignity left, if indeed I ever had any. Various medical procedures have led to this and of course having to ask for help with all kinds of technology, not being invited to anything interesting and of course the final indignity of my own. reflection. But no, I will not let this ridiculous car mock me ever again and I am going in, rigid legged and gripping the nearest part that comes to hand, be it the windshield, steering wheel or even the exhaust pipe. I thank you for all of this and a full report will be yours as soon as I can find the inclination to drive five miles to where said vehicle is currently stored.
@@heraldeventsandfilms5970 Thank you. I'm sixty-four, and well practiced in the enter/exit procedure I described. I look forward to hearing from you and any new technique you may have developed. Today, the arm I describe using on the sill to exit, hurts. UGH!
@@discerningmind Ha! I am sixty three and a healthy weight, one of those boring fit people that cycles and eats properly. I am going to visit the MG tomorrow and will do as you say. It hasn't been driven since October, soon after I bought it and a body shop had it booked in for April for a light restoration. So much for that then. Fun is on hold and so am I. But I will go and pay it my respects, maybe turn the wheel and vocalise some engine noises. It would be great to feel the wind in my hair on some country lane but hair is but a memory now. I even bought the flying hat and goggles with matching sheepskin coat. I'd look stupid riding the bus like that, which is all the more reason to do it. Dignity? What dignity?
Im born and raised in Missouri, and the Mo plates on a Plymouth in UK blows my mind. Completes the look!
Probably built in Missouri as well at the Chrysler plant in Fenton, MO just outside of St. Louis.
When we were married, my wife's parents had a 1959 Plymouth with the huge fins. A week or so before our wedding my wife and her mother came to do whatever needed to be done to our apartment, and as was the custom in those days, the male always drove the car. At a stoplight, I quite literally stood that car on its nose. I was accustomed to manual transmissions, and when I reached for the clutch, that long brake pedal caught my foot. LOL! Good times.
Steph, I love your genuine enthusiasm for all the cars you feature. And I really appreciate your research that frames the vehicle you present. As an American it’s interesting to get your British perspective, and also the perspective of a younger person who really appreciates automotive history.
Thanks so much Bruce! Xx
I second his comment. A 1960 Fury is unusual to discuss, but super super cool to have, wish I did.
Fantastic car review Steph, as a young child our village was near a USAF base, used to see loads of 50s & 60s American cars. Blinded by modern tec, I had forgotten how awesome those cars were. Thanks for reviving my childhood.
We don't see many of these on the roads in the US anymore, but at a car show, they pop up every now & then. Amazing how different the average 1960 car from the US is compared to an average Brit 1960 car.
Very true. This Plymouth for example has a bigger engine than some of the UK lorries of the time!
Yes, compare this car to a 1960 Ford Prefect or Anglia.
Thanks for this! I learned to drive on a 1962 Plymouth Fury hardtop coupe with a slant-six and a 3spd manual. When I bought my first car, it was a Rover P6 - 2000TC. Great channel, keep it up!
Loved this episode! We lived in Belgium before moving to Canada and my family always drove American cars there and in Holland. They were a somewhat common sight. I remember driving my dad's '72 Chrysler New Yorker sedan with a massive 7.2 litre engine. It was a costly car to operate but very reliable and very well built. My dad drove it almost 200.000 kms. it never let us down once! It was literally driven all over Europe. I'm subscribed to your channel and have enjoyed every episode. Looking forward to your next one!
H L K, I just saw one of those era Chrysler New Yorkers on the road yesterday here in upstate NY. As I caught up to it, it had stopped at a gas / petrol station. Our next door neighbors always had Chryslers, and I remembered the fuselage styling very fondly (the neighbors, unfortunately, not so much!)
Beautiful car!!! Good to see it has a good home with people that give it the love it deserves. Thanks for sharing!!
All the extravagance, fins, chrome, white-walls - I love this era.
When cars, autos, were works of art. The fun has loooooong gone!!
I'm 66 and my step mom had this car in black with gray and black naugahyde. I was always in the back seat.
The speed limits were faster, for example.. 75 mph was not uncommon on main roads that are now 55mph. My step mom drove too fast even for those times. They called her speed demon Freeman. (Last name) I still remember the car putting me in the seat when she took off. Crazy fun.
I second the recommendation that one visit Cold War Motors for their spectacular restoration series. Great test.
*5.2 litre engine is from the Chrysler A "polyspherical" family, which shares some internal dimensions and components with the later LA family.
As with most American engines of the era, it is best known for its displacement in cubic inches (318.) The larger engines were the B family, identified by the distributor at the front. That engine was installed in Christine (350 or 5.7 litres) and another famous cinema car, the Bluesmobile (A "440," or 7.2 liter.)
Pretty much what I was going to say! Being a 1960, the original TorqueFlite would have been a 466, predecessor to the famous 727, and yep, it's a 318!
Wasn't there two 318s? The Aussie Valiants got the 273 V8 as an option in the late 60s then the 318 and 360 as V8 choices in the 70s.
I just posted that information as well. Scott is a phenomenal body man.
Cracked plastic. On the steering wheel is part of the cars history.
@@jamesfrench7299
true, the first series was from 1955 through 1966, in 1967 the LA engine came out. it was more compact same, bore and stroke . the 273 cubic inch engine actually came out in 1966. then grew to 318, and I think in 1968 went to 340, then in 1970 went to 360 cubic inch
All the same external dimensions just different bore/stroke
What a car! - and to think, while we were all limping around in Ford Pop's and Standard 10's here in Britain - The American's had cars like these and this level of equipment of heaters, A/C, radio's, auto box's, power steering and brakes were all taken for granted as just standard features! There's no question that these cars offered so much glitz, glam and technology for its time. Fantastic vid Steph, one of your best yet!
My morris Minor is 1960. The heater was optional. Meanwhile in America...
I can still visualize these type cars driving down the streets of old Brooklyn New York U.S.A.
One really impressive thing about this car that was not mentioned was the bumper sticker for Kennedy and Johnson! Now that is history!
Got a "Dan Gurney for President" bumper sticker on my '68 Mustang!
This was an excellent video! It is clear that you really enjoy cars. As an American old car guy, I was really impressed that you got the Plymouth history overview correct! And I really enjoyed seeing one of these Furys, as we don't see them that often in the US either any longer.
Great review and test drive! Glad you could include some perspective on the Plymouth brand... Lovely example in great colours, too! All the best from Canada... Cheers!
Can't wait to see you motoring about in your beauty Scott!
A George Jetson and Steve Allen car.
For a land barge that large and heavy, 13mpg isn't too bad. Glad you enjoyed the car. Cheers from Oregon, USA!
Usa here. My parents had a 60 Fury convertible back in the day. It was a "Sonoramic Commando", black with a red tri-tone red interior. It was quite speedy.
My grandfather had a copper and white 4 door 1960 plymouth. Riding with him was like riding in a moving living room!
That Plymouth is absolutely beautiful. I had a chance to buy one about 15 years ago. Same condition but green inside and out. Yes the guy from Cold Water Motors is a brilliant car builder and he took three or four different cars to get where he currently is. Chrysler switched over to a gear reduction starter I believe in 1962. That sound is music to my ears. My parents had a 1962 Chrysler Newport 2 door hardtop with a 361 V-8. When it was new my dad said this car handled like it was on rails. Torsion Bar suspension gave Chrysler a huge edge on handling back then. By 1962 the steering wheel was flat only on the bottom from what I remember. Their car had the Astradome dashboard. It was quite a sight at night time. Ours also had the rear view mirror mounted on the dash. Chrysler referred to their radios as Golden Tone. It was a tube radio so it took a minute or so to warm up.. If you go online and look up early crash testing, you will see a fleet of 1960 Plymouths that had been retired from LAPD being used for testing. That was a sad sight to see all over those cars destroyed.
Omg! Omg! Omg! Ever so glad you got to do,this. What a spectacular car. Beautiful example. In 1983 I drove my very first American car. It was a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere. Powerglide auto. It took about 199 turns from lock to lock to get the best to turn. The shifter was a small lever in the middle of the dashboard. Such fun. The next biggest car I had driven at the time was my brother's Ford Cortina MKii. The 1960 series was one of my favorite American cars. I really enjoyed this
Lovely review of a really nice car, Steph, and nice to hear you mention the slant 6. I had a 1968 Valiant with the old "leaning tower of power" and 3 on the tree. Chrysler went to such trouble to rustproof the Fury, then covered it in stainless panels to trap water and salt. Magnificent madness.
A couple points-the big circular badges on the fins should be red, white, and blue, but the colors have faded away. And the steering wheel has yellowed with age, but when new was clear with shiny metal flakes suspended in it like glitter. There are people who can restore the wheel and it’s worth the cost because they are spectacular.
Do you have the info on who does the steering wheels? I need my Belvederes redone.
This car just oozes style. Old Mopars are awesome cars! They have lots of engineering that was a bit ahead of GM and Ford.
"Engineered by Chrysler" wasn't just a slogan back then.
I absolutely love your reviews and your style. So many other TH-cam channels could really learn from you, Steph - your enthusiasm and passion for cars leaps from the screen. Your knowledge and storytelling are great too - packed with information but delivered in an informal way. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos - you are very much appreciated.
I love your enthusiasm, Steph!
When my parents and I first came to live in South Africa (where I still live) in the mid-60s, these Plymouths were very popular as taxis in the city centres. Not long after that they ended up on the Stock Car tracks and suffered the ignominious fate of being smashed to bits.
My hat is off to Tom for taking the plunge and acquiring this beauty.
My mother used to say that you could hold a dance in the boot (trunk) of these big Yanks. Strange how small the glove box is in comparison (but explained below by Mr Bloomfield (much vaunted surname in the world of Blues guitar!)). The 5.2 litre Chrysler V8 (I think it was the Canadian version) was used in the first V8-engined Bristols - together with the Torqueflite autobox, featuring push button selection.
Thanks very much, Steph, for such an entertaining and informative video.
The reason that that gearbox is smooth is that Torque Flite was the best right up to the 80s.
Great video, Steph. Congratulations, Tom, on such a great car. Hard to believe, but back then most American cars were one year only. They were restyled to one degree or another every single year. The went back to the 1920s at General Motors, and was the brain child of Harley Earl. Lovely car indeed. The fuel consumption seemed very high for that car. I suspect the carburetor is out of adjustment. It sounds like it is running rich to me. Chrysler used both Holley and Carter carburetors, depending on the application. I believe all the 4 bbls were Carter. Either way, they are easy to tune, but few people know how to do it properly. Keep up the good work!
I often wonder in American films how people not only know the make and model of a car they saw but also can say the year. If they changed the design every year that could explain it.
This Englishman based in Virginia owned a 1960 Plymouth for 27 years! I bought from the original owned for $175 and restored it, even to the point that I installed the RCA Victor Highway Hi-fi in it which is a records played which holds 14 45rpm singles and plays through the radio.
Yep. I have that record player in my Belvedere that my dad bought new. I am currently restoring it.
I love everything Mid-century modern and this car just oozes it. Thank you so much for showing all the beautiful details of this automotive perfection. The door cards are my personal favourite thing on this car, they have all the right shapes and materials!
You look so happy driving this around!
What a car! Such incredible details wherever you look - fantastic!
Yes,it's a gorgeous car,but seeing your excitement at driving one in the U.K. makes it even better.
This was great fun Steph, thank you (and Tom)! Here in the US corrosion was a big problem for these cars. They are an uncommon sight here in their home country these days. Chrysler referred to this styling (‘57 to ‘61) as the “Forward Look”. Personally I love the look of these cars! Thanks again Steph and keep up the good work!
My grandparents owned a 1960 Plymouth Savoy, which is the base model. 1960 was the first year for the base slant six cylinder engine, which was a good strong design from the get go and used for the next 30+ years. and used for industrial equipment. When I was in Europe back in 1976, I saw a few 1960 Plymouth Savoys being used as professional cars.
Thank you very much Steph and Tom. I want to say that this particular car is the most beautiful I've seen of the '60 Plymouth's. The colors and trim are wonderful and work so well that it's a true beauty. Tom, I wish you many, many miles of motoring joy in this fine automobile. Next I want to say, Steph your review was excellent. Just yesterday, I watched a video of an American guy going over a vintage American car and he didn't know much. It was pitiful to watch mostly because he was giving out incorrect information as being fact. It so bothers me when people that think they know what they're talking about do this. There are young people yearning to learn about vintage vehicles and they're absorbing incorrect information, and they in turn then give out erroneous info. So because of one stupid guy everyone that took his word has to relearn the correct information, and it's a guess how long might go by before that happens. Just awful. However, you dear lady Steph, were spot on with everything, and I was very impressed by the clear and correct information that you offered. Being American, I'd like to add that on this side of the pond the Chrysler Corporation 5.2L V-8 engine is known simply as the 318. That being it's measurement in "cubic inches" the form of engine sizing that we used over here for years. The 318 was introduced in 1957 and was first installed in Plymouth cars as an experimental engine to test how the public felt about it. It was an instant success and went on to power Chrysler Corporation vehicles into the early 1990's, if I'm recalling correctly. I also would like to share (with our wonderful English friends and greatest allies) the reason our cars were like this Plymouth. It wasn't about American excess as so many people the world over believe. Our cars were built to accommodate the size and terrain of our country. Our country is so big, that cars had to be acceptably comfortable but most important, durable to travel great distances and grades. Yes, most cars were used locally but "locally" for many folks back in 1960 would be driving considerable miles just to buy groceries. The continental United States known as the "Lower 48" for the forty-eight separate states is about 2800 miles east-to-west and 1650 miles north-to-south. In kilometers that's about 4506 km by 2655 km. To get an idea relating to cars, by looking at a map, consider from our east coast (against the Atlantic ocean) roughly 1/3 of the way inward (westerly) things are closer together. However, continuing westerly, the second 2/3's of our country develops much greater distances between things, large remote areas, and the Rocky Mountain Range running 1650 km north-to-south. Their average peak elevation running in the area of 3500 m to 4300 m. However, I can't offer an average of paved roadway elevation, but in short the paved roadways climb high and have thin air. Considering the terrain in the continental USA with it's heights and great distances (dependent on where one is and is headed to) require car mechanicals to operate for hours on end, have good strength, reliability, and reasonable passenger comfort, along with safety aspects. This is why our cars are the way they are, past and present. And this is what that beautiful Plymouth here was built to take on. Technology over the years has completely changed small cars so they car be used for just about all conditions, though they are never as comfortable as bigger cars, and they still can't match something traditional in deep snow, or the safety of a bigger car. Thank you again Tom and Steph, I truly enjoyed the video.
I love that Kennedy Johnson presidential campaign bumper sticker !!
Yes, a perfect touch!!!!
Wonder why more vintage cars don't often have period correct campaign stickers, its honestly a nice touch.
what bumper sticker was that Alan Wasserman ?
The one on the bumper.
Naah, Kennedy did not stick around and the US then went all the way with LBJ!
Awesome. Thank you Tom thank you Steph. You looked a natural steering this magnificent car. American cars have always held a wonderful dreamy aspiration for us from 50s and 60s Cadillacs and Lincolns, Ford Galaxies and Mustangs, Chevrolet Impalas and Camaros to Jeep CJs and Trans Ams but Chrysler products from the 50s,60s into the 70s have always been special, big, powerful and fast. I am acknowledging this as a massive American Ford Fan. Steph read up on all things Mopar and prepare to be blown away. Chrysler New Yorker, the lap of luxury and comfort. Dodge Charger 440 R/T, the height of coolness and muscular power and speed. Plymouth Hemi Cuda, acceleration to shame Porsche and Ferrari. We all love Austin Maxis and Allegros, Morris Minors and Marinas, Ford Anglias and Capris, Triumph 2000s and Rover SD1s but these big everyday American cars are forever special.
Your videos are always so highly detailed, and a great presenting style. Great work!
what a fun, well researched video! also fun to see/hear how American cars are viewed outside the States...glad they are appreciated for what they are.
The Forward Look Chryslers, technically 1955-1961, although most consider the first year to be 1957, were amazing cars and revolutionized the American approach to style and performance. Prior to the Forward Look, Chryslers were stodgy but extremely robust and quality-built vehicles under the control of the engineering department, built for old men in tall hats. Virgil Exner came on board with the new '100 Million Dollar' look of the '55-56, which kind of combined the quality of the past with the style of the future, but in 1957 all the stops were pulled out for style and performance - 'Suddenly it's 1960!' - now on equal footing with engineering. Totally caught Ford and especially GM off-guard...it wasn't until 1959 that #1 and #2 caught up. But Chrysler, ever #3 and tight on money, skimped on assembly quality...they had the engineering and the styling down but saved on the execution and the gorgeous '57's in reality were horribly built cars, falling apart and rusting within a year or two. The fallout was so severe that Chrysler revamped the entire approach to assembly, that by 1960, the cars were actually quite good, but the damage had already been done.
But OMG, do they look good and can they haul *ss.
Thanks so much for watching Steve! Xx
I just discovered your channel Steph and you do an amazing job. Your videos are interesting, informative and entertaining. You have got yourself a new subscriber.
so interesting to hear your reactions to this good ole girl, Plymouth stayed high quality into the 60 and made some legendary muscle cars
First time watching this channel, love it, subscribed!!! Interesting to hear the British perspective on old American iron, glad to see a lady so well spoken and knowledgeable. And you say its rare in the UK, its rare in the USA as well, not many of these survived, they rusted worse than Chevys, Fords, etc Plus there was no nostalgia for these type of cars when the first gas crunch hit in 1974, a lot of people junked them because they were old, falling apart and gas hogs.
I have my dads 60 Belvedere still and doing a a resto mod on it currently. He bought it new in LA. 318 Poly engine
Love your enthusiasm when narrating this..thanks...!! More Americans please.
This channel is an absolute gem. It should have millions of subscribers!
My friend let me drive his 78 Lincoln Continental here in the UK. I couldn't get my head round that such an enormous heavy duty car, could be steered with such a thin light steering wheel. Felt like it needed some massive chunky wheel.
It’s mad isn’t it!
What a contrast to our 60s cars ! Loved your excitement
Wow, I time travelled on this video. I was 5 years old when my parents bought their 1960 Fury. I remember everything about that car. It was like being in a spaceship for a kid. I have one bad memory about the car though. One time, my big brother was chasing me up the driveway and I was looking behind me. When I turned around, I hit the rear fin at full speed. And that’s how I lost my two front teeth. LOL
I love your channel! Thanks for the great content, you’ve got such an amazing spirit
Fun video! Born in 1955, these were the cars that I first remember. For those who have watched the 1963 movie, ITS A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD the two yellow taxicabs involved in the crazy car chase at the end were 59 Plymouths. The big tail fins of the late 50s and early 60s make me smile and think of a blissful innocent childhood.
What a beautiful car and good work reviewing it Steph! Didn't expect the owner was going to be such a young guy, I admire the commitment to get this unique car shipped from the US sight unseen. The Kennedy/Johnson bumper sticker was a nice period correct touch, funnily enough I have been searching eBay for a Clinton/Gore bumper sticker for my 1997 Toyota Camry
Your car mesmerises me, thank you so much for sharing this piece of automotive history with us, you and this car look fantastic together! Thank you so much again 😊😊
Hi Steph only recently found your channel, I'm very impressed with your well researched, very well presented but even more important very interesting content, thanks
Hub Nut sent me and I thoroughly enjoyed the video .Looking forward to watching all your videos. Thank you peace and love 👍🏻☮❤
I really love your filming style as you show the car, getting nice and close to all the lovely little details.
Thanks so much Gavin xx
Wow, I just now saw your channel... I remember as a teen these cars being abandoned , dismembered and crushed by the local scrapyard. Like most car owners of the 60s , 70s, no one really cared for their vehicle. Just change the oil when the idiot light came on. Never change the trans fluid or do any type of maintenance at all, change the tires when you can see the air inside the rubber.... Same as car owners of today. Anyway I clearly remember these cars, although not as popular as the 1960s Cadillac , Ford Thunderbird or Buick Electra convertible they were plentiful all around town. Thanks for the vid.
FINtastic! Quite the change from britmobiles. Interesting to see and hear the comparison between U.S. and U.K. cars of the same era, hope there's more. Another great video, thanks for posting.
Pretty car and pretty reviewer. Perfect combo.
Regards from the guy in the US that only drives British cars.
So amazing a nice lady can describe automotive stuffs in the same level of an experimented man .
True compliments from so far Argentina
Steph , you are the greatest. I love your natural, individualism. Youcertainly put a smile on my face, its so enjoyable. Thanks to Tom as well for his eagerness to help us all with his experience in shipping his car from USA. Really fantastic and thanks again. Cheers, John (Australia)
Steph you have simply amazing charisma and a good eye for details. First time on your channel and I'm loving it.
Christine's younger brother perhaps 🙁. If Little Richard's "Keep a Knockin" plays on the radio when the dash lights up
In this car, 1960, will play Beach Boys... 😂
As a small boy i was amazed with the push button automatic transmission selector , id love to have the opportunity to push those buttons one last time all over again.
What an amazing review. Thank you for taking the time to point out details others do not. I would love to own a 57-60 Fury or Belvedere.
Great car and great review. Love your enthusiasm and that you research the history of the cars you test, you're a natural presenter.
You're a fan of American cars. I'm a fan of British cars and your channel. Big fan of the Exner designed vehicles. Very familiar with that engine in a 65, and 66 Plymouths. Big fins, heavy eyebrows. A wonderful, if soft ride. Love the steering wheel, it functions well. And that rear view mirror. But I live here in the States. The Torqueflite is the best automatic transmission in my opinion. But learning to wax cars of this era was a challenge. So much time and effort. So many curved surfaces. So much chrome. All that glass area really heats up the interior in the American Summer. Burned a few thighs in shorts in these vehicle. Does this one have power brakes? Most Plymouths of that era do not, but it is a worthwhile addition on these old vehicles, and was an option.
I think power steering (very fortunately) but no power brakes.
@@emjayay That is normal. My 65 Fury, 66 Belvedere and 69 Satellite all had power steering and manual drum brakes. So did my 1970 Dodge Super Bee and Plymouth Duster
No power brakes on this bad boy
Looks straight outta _Hairspray_ - totally wants...
Lookit that parcel shelf! Two kids could easily ride up there...
1960 was smack in the middle of the jet age, and American car styling reflected that in many details. I'm glad you like our old cars, they have a certain charm all their own and most are big, friendly soft things to drive. The attention that car gets in the UK must be fun.
A marvellous age of style. Original and spectacular. Love the power station background! Great episode.
Scott and Dean are why this was in my recommended videos. God bless the Canucks.
My father had owned a 57 Fury my grandfather had owned the 60 Dodge Dart , both with the famous push button automatic transmission selector !
I drove a 69 Dodge dart with a girlfriend from New York to San Fran and 2/3 of the way back in the early nineties. The bench seat is like driving from a sofa.
@@dannygroom3327 funny I had one of those with a 340 - the guy I sold it to restored it! Worth a flippen fortune - now!
@@dannygroom3327 the only problem with the old vinyl bench seats was when you turned sharp around a corner..you usually ended up in someone's lap
I have seen and enjoyed a good number of your reviews, but somehow missed this one from the time. My grandfather had a 1961 Dodge Pioneer here in New Zealand from 1971 - 2004, and the dash they were fitted with was a right hand drive version of the 1960 Plymouth dash without the Plymouth name of course. It had the 318V8, same smooth 3speed push button Torqueflite transmission, round glittery steering wheel, and gold glittery piping on the seats also. In place of the heater buttons, it instead had two buttons simply labelled as Air and Off for fresh outside air, as heaters and radios came under the NZ Governments strict import quota scheme of the time and were expensive due to import duty etc, so car owners would fit NZ made aftermarket ones. I always thought the rear view mirror sticking out of the dash was odd. I got to drive it a couple of times and was a very nice experience.
The Torque-Flite three speed transmission was developed in house by Chrysler and was one of the first three speed autos offered and was considered the best automatic transmission in the world at the time of it's release.
My dad's 64 Aussie built slant six powered Valiant had the a 904 Torque Flite. This probably has the beefed up 727 version.
In Australia the Torque Flite was replaced by the locally sourced Borg Warner 35 used in many cars including the Austin 1800 and the Hillman Hunter!
You are so pleasant and easy to listen to and very knowledgeable about that Plymouth Fury which is an awesome car.
I'm an American and this is one of my fav cars. A 1960 Belvedere 2 Door is in the Stephen King movie Riding The Bullet. I think Stephen King has a thing for these 1957-1960 Plymouths. I know I do they are among my favs.
Love your channel by the way! I have never owned a modern car. Literally every car I have owned was a Classic GM car. If you ever get a chance to drive any classic American Muscle Car like a Camaro, Firebird, Chevelle, Mustang etc. - do it!! Just make sure it has a manual trans and a proper carbureted V8. You will end up getting speeding tickets and doing crazy things like drifting and burn outs and racing every car at a stop light but that's what those cars are about haha. I owned and drove a few. If you can find a 1982-1990 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am Black and Gold Car or Camaro with the 5 speed manual and 5.0 or 5.7 V8- drive it!!! I had one as a daily for a few years and loved it!! It is similar to the classic muscle cars of late 60s and 70s but lighter and little more modern in some key areas. Review a Muscle car !! Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, Cougar etc. Love your channel and all the classic Euro and British cars you show. Be blessed !!
Another great video! I love how the owner put the Kennedy/Johnson sticker on the bumper and the Missouri plates. Very period correct!
Nice car. My father had a '61 wagon for a few years when I was about 12 or 13.
He let me drive it a few times on the back roads.
But they didn't talk liters back then , we talked cubic inches.
God this girl knows her car.
Keep up the good work, really enjoy your energy.and enthusiasm.
10:54 floating 'pod' binnacle (55 years before Peugeot).Love it
Just found your channel. LOVING IT!!
that glitter in the vinyl trim around the seat edges is wild @5:09
I had a 1960 Dodge, it had the powerflight transmission, it was only a 2 speed. Still used push buttons had the 318.
They were good cars, dependable, they were the last of Chrysler products that used the direct drive starter, after that they used the gear reduction which gives it that high pitched wining sound
Love your enthusiasm for this car! Thanks for the walkround.
So nice to see. I own a 1960 Plymouth Fury 2dr hard top. The cars are amazing simply put. So very simple, but so very complex.
My first car was a 1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer station wagon. The interior was identical. Great car to drive and yes, it was thirsty. On the push buttons for the transmission you will notice there is no "PARK". Park was done with a brake drum on the end of the transmission. Pushing the park brake pedal engaged the park brake.
Wow! What a beautiful example of an era in America when gasoline was cheap, the new interstate highways were well under construction. You are fortunate to own that car. Cheers!
not much of the u.s.interstate existed in 1960. mostly the old 2 lane u.s. highway system. anybody much over 55 will remember how these old road trips was drug out and tiring as kids. but the old mom and pop businesses along with the tourist traps was a nice diversion. these all died when the interstate hwys was complete.
Canadian viewer here.....real good review on this classic..well done and enjoyable....I have several 60's Mopars, but I remember the "thermometer" speedometer that was in my 61 Dodge Seneca....that was crazy, and VERY tough to read!! We called the Dodge the spaceship....due to it's "reverse" type fins..
Cars are just neat. Our land yachts here in America are some of the most gloriously over-styled bits of sculpture I've ever seen. Of course we want what we can't easily have; ever since I saw Ruth Wilson driving one in Luther I have really wanted a Jensen FF! But having bought a Ford Falcon XB coupe thinking it would be a giggle to drive around and nearly going bankrupt trying to keep up with the repairs, I realize that I need to leave most of the old cars to people who can properly care for them. Now I drive a 2001 Miata and I love it.
That was awesome Steph! You have the best job in the world.
I love American cars of this era - next, I'd humbly request a 1957 Corvette - wishful thinking I know.
Keep up the good work.
Aw i wish this was my job! I’m actually a marketing manager by day. This is my hobby xx
Thanks for showing us this amazing car, "Christine" the movie is one of my faves!
It’s awesome to see that Old Mopar survivor living out its life on the roads across the pond, it is definitely a beautiful car, and though there may be more of these cars in America it is still a rare event to see them on the road today
I am impressed with your knowledge of the vehicle Great video!
The pushbutton automatic was completely mechanical. The buttons were attached to levers which pulled the control cable to the transmission. That one probably needs lubrication. They were very reliable and rarely presented problems. The higher-end Chrysler cars of that era also had pivoting front seats. There was a little lever on the side, the seat would turn about 30 degrees. It was nice for ladies wearing the tight skirts which were popular then. The expensive models also had transparent speedometers that were illuminated by daylight.
Lovely car, my friend has a 2 door 1960 Plymouth belvedere which we had as our wedding car..
Loved it.
Keep up the good videos. 👍👍.
Steph, your passion and enthusiasm really came through on the video. I'd love to feature an American car on my channel. The closest I can get to that is my BMW E36 and 5th Gen Celica which were both sold Stateside. My Citroën and the Dolomite were never officially sold in the US.
I grew up driving a stick shift wagon version of Christine. It was a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere Wagon. It was candy apple red. It had a 70 Dodge 440 TNT big block v8 bolted to a W9 4 speed stick that came from a 65 Dodge school bus. Within the first week of driving her she gained a funny name from the locals in my area. She was Christine's Loud Ugly Sister. She was a true land boat. Although you could say she was more related to a B-17 aircraft as she really flew at a low altitude.
THE IRON BUTTERFLY! I once as a lad built a Jo-Han model of this beast. Though it was a station wagon. But it was the same colors. I'll never forget that rectangle steering wheel! Love it! Love it! Love it!! From Ham Lake Minnesota. 53 and still going.✌😉👍