330 hp, 383 cu. in. “Sonoramic Commando” V-8 engine, dual four-barrel carburetors, automatic transmission, independent torsion bar front and leaf spring rear suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118"

• Fully loaded with top-of-the-line “Sonoramic Commando” V-8

• Mexico International Auto Show car

• 22,000 original miles

• Ex-Wayne Davis Collection

The Plymouth line in 1960 showed all the attributes of what Virgil Exner sought to achieve, with the graceful sweep of the leading edge of the hood down around the front wheel arch and the tall rearward placed fins giving the cars a real look of a jet fighter. Chrome was used sparingly, but dramatically, to accent the long, clean lines of the car. A level of detail in trim was used which today would be unimaginable in a “low priced” car and includes the “floating” speedometer unit on the dashboard and luxurious woven fabrics for the seats.

The new “uni-body” construction of the 1960 Plymouth did away with the separate frame previously used and had the benefits of lighter weight, higher structural rigidity and improved noise isolation. The torsion bar suspension used on the 1960 Plymouth also gave it a smoother ride and better cornering capability than the competition. The top-of-the-line Fury boasted a 383-cubic inch engine and came in two states of tune. The “Cross Ram” induction manifold option offered 330 horsepower as its most potent variation. The Fury added to its appeal with up-market elements such as front bucket seats and an available four bucket seat interior to give it the look and feel of a true luxury grand touring car. The futuristic “Aero” steering wheel, a large, squared-off multi-piece design, was another component that lent the Fury the look of a show car.

The international market was becoming more and more important to Chrysler in the late ’50s, and as part of their effort to develop it further, it purchased a minority interest in Chrysler of Mexico in 1959. A direct connection to this event can be seen in this particular car. The 1960 Plymouth Fury Convertible on offer was not only sold in Mexico but was believed to have been on display at the Mexico International Auto Show. This is certainly very plausible, as it is a fully-optioned example appropriate to the market, with pushbutton TorqueFlite automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, windows, swiveling power front seats and a heater delete. Finished in a subtle and elegant gold with a complementing three-tone cloth and vinyl interior and chrome wire wheels, it is a superb example of the model.

Purchased by the Wayne Davis Collection from the original Mexican owner, the seats and door panels had been protected from new with plastic covers, and with the exception of new seat tops, all of the distinctive original upholstery was re-used during the restoration and appears virtually as new. The Fury was then purchased by the current owner in 2008 and remains in superb condition. All the chrome and stainless bright trim has been prepared to the highest standards, and the wire wheels are as new. The unique “Aero” steering wheel is as delivered, and the dashboard is complete with factory clock and radio. All of the glass is without marks and appears to be new. Even the trunk is as fully detailed as the interior and done to a concours-quality standard. The engine compartment has been prepared with correct factory finishes from the underside of the hood down to the factory-correct hardware, hoses, clamps and fasteners and includes a genuine Mopar 12-volt battery. In addition, during the restoration it was discovered that many of the suspension parts were Chrysler rather than standard Plymouth units, including 12-inch brakes, normally only found on the Police Pursuit cars.

For the collector who wants one of the best examples of an iconic ’50s convertible, it is hard to imagine a better choice than this Plymouth Fury. A few more than 7,000 of these cars were built in 1960, and it would be difficult to find another that is a fully equipped, concours-level restored car with only 22,000 original miles.