The 1958 Plymouth Fury Hardtop is far more than a simple two-door coupe; it is an enduring symbol of a revolutionary era in American automotive design. This model stands out as the third and final year of the original, high-performance Fury run. Unlike its contemporaries, the 1958 Plymouth Fury Hardtop was not merely fast, it was groundbreakingly styled. This particular example, finished in the correct Buckskin Tan, embodies the limited-production exclusivity that captivated the public when new. It represents a brief moment when Plymouth stood shoulder-to-shoulder with its more powerful Mopar siblings.
The Exclusive Design and Golden Accents of the Fury
A glance at the 1958 Fury immediately confirms its elite status within the Plymouth lineup. The exterior styling is unmistakably late 1950s, featuring prominent tailfins and a sleek, low-slung body profile. This aggressive, forward-looking aesthetic was part of Chrysler’s celebrated “Forward Look” design language. Furthermore, the car features the distinctive gold trim, grille, and accents that were signature to the Fury model. These gold anodized aluminum pieces brilliantly contrasted with the Buckskin Tan paint, signifying the car’s premium standing.
The Acclaimed Legacy of a Show Winner
This specific 1958 Plymouth Fury carries a remarkable pedigree, confirming its superb level of preservation and restoration quality. Its impressive list of accolades includes a 1995 AACA Grand National First Place award. Further cementing its status is the prestigious AACA Senior Grand National Award, earned in 1997. Such awards are a testament to the exceptional condition and authenticity of the vehicle. For this reason, the car’s quality is beyond dispute, making it a benchmark example.
Interior Innovation and Driver-Focused Technology
Inside the Hardtop, the Brown and Tan interior provides a perfect match for the exterior finish. Drivers will immediately notice the distinctive and highly advanced feature of the pushbutton shifter. This automatic transmission control system was a notable innovation from Chrysler during this period. Beyond the fascinating controls, the car offers features designed for comfortable and convenient motoring. These original amenities include power steering, tinted glass, and a factory pushbutton radio with dual antennas.
A Special Connection to Miniature History
Adding another unique layer to this Fury’s provenance is its link to the world of die-cast models. The Danbury Mint, a renowned maker of high-quality collectible replicas, used this exact car to produce its reproduction model. This fact is corroborated by a letter from the Danbury Mint, which is included in the sale. Having served as the template for a popular scale model only reinforces the historical significance and accuracy of this beautiful Hardtop.
The Powerhouse: Golden Commando V-8 Performance
The high-performance capability of the 1958 Plymouth Fury Hardtop is anchored by its legendary engine. Under the hood resides the optional 350 CI V-8 engine, known officially as the Golden Commando. This powerhouse utilizes a dual setup of 4-barrel carburetors, yielding impressive performance for the time. Generating 305 horsepower and a substantial 370 lb-ft of torque, this V-8 provided blistering acceleration. The three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission manages this output, sending power through a dual exhaust system. This combination firmly established the Fury as a genuine muscle machine of its era.
Handling and Finishing Touches
The performance-minded nature of the Golden Commando engine was complemented by key exterior features. The car sits on full-size wheel covers fitted with classic whitewall tires. Dual spotlights and dual mirrors complete the functional and stylish exterior package. The overall presentation is one of balanced power, quality restoration, and period-correct aesthetics. Every detail contributes to the presence of this quintessential late 1950s machine.
Summary of the 1958 Plymouth Fury Hardtop
The 1958 Plymouth Fury Hardtop is an exceptional collector car that truly represents the pinnacle of Plymouth’s performance and design efforts. It is a highly-awarded, low-production two-door coupe with the coveted Golden Commando V-8 engine. This model’s Buckskin Tan and gold trim combination is instantly recognizable to enthusiasts. Its unique link to the Danbury Mint only enhances its appeal and historical documentation. The Fury’s combination of innovative features and strong performance credentials makes it a desirable centerpiece for any serious collection.
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Source: mecum.com
