When you think of the classic Mopar machines of the late sixties, images of powerful mid-sized muscle cars often dominate your thoughts. Yet, the same high-performance engineering permeated Plymouth’s largest offerings as well. We are talking about the impressive 1968 Plymouth Fury. This full-size automobile provided the perfect blend of massive physical presence and serious powertrain capability. Furthermore, the 1968 model year saw the design of the Fury reach a state of polished and mature refinement. It was truly a cornerstone of Plymouth’s lineup during the company’s most exciting decade.
The Big Mopar’s Design Evolution
The Fury utilized Chrysler’s large C-body platform, ensuring it offered substantial interior room. For the 1968 model year, designers executed a tasteful facelift. The car maintained the squared-off, clean lines introduced a few years earlier. You can see its stacked dual headlights were tucked into curvier bezels. This gave the front end a distinctly aggressive and chiseled look. Consequently, the design reinforced the potential power waiting under the long, stately hood.
A Range of Models to Meet Every Need
A key to the Fury’s high sales volume was its complex but comprehensive model structure. Plymouth essentially offered four core trim lines. These designations ranged from the simple workhorse Fury I to the mid-level, high-volume Fury III. The Fury I and II were often chosen for fleet duty or as economical large family cars. These models emphasized durability and practicality above all else. However, the higher trims were where the styling and luxury truly began to shine through.
The Distinct Sport Fury and VIP
At the top of the range, Plymouth offered two completely distinct expressions of the 1968 Plymouth Fury. The Sport Fury was clearly the performance option, designed to appeal to the enthusiast. It boasted bucket seats, specific trim, and a unique grille. It offered the raw excitement of a muscle car in a full-size package. Meanwhile, the luxurious VIP (Very Important Plymouth) catered to buyers seeking quiet comfort. The VIP featured richer interior appointments, including woodgrain trim and thicker carpeting. Therefore, it successfully competed with the premium offerings from other domestic automakers.
Styling with a Performance Edge
Plymouth offered a body style for nearly every buyer, from convertible to wagon. The four-door sedan was the practical choice for growing families. However, the two-door hardtops provided the most dramatic styling. For 1968, the popular Fury III gained a stylish “Fast Top” hardtop roofline. This subtle fastback design gave the massive car an aerodynamic, sporty profile. Furthermore, the Suburban, Custom Suburban, and Sport Suburban names designated the full-size station wagons.
1968 Plymouth Fury Performance and Power
Performance was always on the table with the C-Body Mopars. Standard engines included the legendary 225 cubic-inch Slant Six and the popular 318 cubic-inch V8, which delivered 230 horsepower. Many buyers sought the exhilarating performance of the big-block V8s. Options included the 383 cubic-inch Commando V8. This engine was available in either a 270 horsepower two-barrel or a 330 horsepower four-barrel configuration. The ultimate choice for maximum acceleration was the 440 cubic-inch Super Commando V8. This powerhouse churned out a potent 375 horsepower. Almost all Furys were paired with Chrysler’s bulletproof TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
A Legacy of Quality and Value
The enduring success of the 1968 Plymouth Fury was a testament to its value and rock-solid engineering. It featured torsion-bar front suspension, which gave it notably better handling than many large competitors. The car provided an impressive driving experience over long distances. Today, these big Mopars offer enthusiasts a more affordable way to own a piece of the golden muscle era. They deliver that unmistakable V8 rumble and imposing vintage American style.
The 1968 Plymouth Fury stands as a powerful symbol of Plymouth’s dominance in the full-size segment. It skillfully combined family comfort with the option for serious V8 performance. This impressive car deserves recognition as a true, albeit often overlooked, icon of the era.
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Source: Stellantis
