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The 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible: Mopar's Overlooked Full-Size Gem
When muscle car legends are discussed, names like Road Runner and Superbird often steal the limelight. Yet, the 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible quietly exemplifies why some classics deserve a second look. Not only did this elegant cruiser just capture the gold at Carlisle in the prestigious C-body 1967–68 Stock Class of the 2025 Nationals, but it also boasts a rich blend of style, performance, and rarity that has made it a sleeper favorite among Mopar aficionados.
Legacy of the Plymouth Fury: Setting the Stage for a Muscle Car Icon
The Fury’s lineage dates back to 1956, when it was introduced as a performance-focused addition to the Belvedere line, riding the wave of America’s horsepower obsession. Equipped with a potent 303-horsepower V8 and dramatic styling, the Fury exemplified the golden age of Detroit muscle. By 1959, the Fury emerged as its own standalone model, and by 1965, Plymouth diversified the Fury lineup with multiple trim levels—including the fleet-friendly Fury I, versatile Fury II, upmarket Fury III, and the flagship Sport Fury. With the move to Chrysler’s C-body platform in the mid-1960s, the Fury established its presence as a true full-size contender, sharing its underpinnings with the likes of the Dodge Monaco and Polara.
Design Evolution: 1967’s Defined Elegance
For 1967, Plymouth refined the Sport Fury Convertible even further. Gone were the pod-style taillights from ‘66, replaced instead by sophisticated, full-width units, while a redesigned front grille and crisper sheet metal lines gave the car an executive yet assertive look. The result? A big convertible that combined mature presence with street credibility, perfectly blending muscle and refinement.
But beneath the composed lines was a car built to perform—especially in convertible form, which just might be one of the most undervalued Mopar drop-tops of its era.
Production Numbers: Rarity in a Sea of Giants
Plymouth built just 3,133 Sport Fury Convertibles for the 1967 model year, making it far less common than its Fury III convertible sibling (produced in 4,523 units) or mass-market rivals like the Chevrolet Impala or Ford Galaxie. For perspective: Chevy rolled out an astonishing 81,355 Impala convertibles in 1967, while Ford built over 28,000 Galaxie droptops. Even mid-level competitors from Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac all surpassed the Sport Fury’s production. As a result, spotting a 1967 Sport Fury Convertible, especially with rare factory options, is truly a special occasion.
Targeting a Discerning Driver
The car wasn’t built for mass appeal but for enthusiasts who wanted full-size comfort, tasteful, squared-off ‘60s style, and a hint of muscle at every red light. With standard bucket seats, unique Sport Fury badging, and a restrained application of chrome, the convertible signaled both class and power. The fully powered convertible top, a signal of luxury, retracted neatly behind the rear seats—a touch of sophistication for drivers who wanted elegance without extravagance.
Powertrain Options: Muscle Under the Hood
No 1960s full-size American classic is complete without firepower under the hood, and the 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible delivered in spades:
- Base Engine: 318-cubic-inch (5.2L) LA-series V8, 230 horsepower
- Most Popular Configuration: 383-cubic-inch (6.3L), two-barrel V8, producing 270 horses
- High-Performance Choice: 383 Super Commando, four-barrel V8 with a robust 325 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque
- Top-Tier Option: 440-cubic-inch Super Commando V8, pumping out an impressive 375 horsepower and a thumping 480 lb-ft of torque
The majority of these convertibles left the factory with the strong, reliable 383ci V8—perfect for drivers wanting ample power for cruising or spirited driving without the high maintenance costs of the biggest engines. Still, when optioned with the legendary 440, the Sport Fury could move its full-size weight with surprising agility, earning its place among serious muscle cars of the day.
Why No Hemi?
Intriguingly, Plymouth chose not to offer the iconic Hemi engine in their full-size Fury lineup. While rivals engaged in the horsepower wars with monstrous engines like Pontiac’s 421 or Ford’s 427, Plymouth went a different route, creating a big-body cruiser with muscle to spare but without the all-out dragstrip focus.
Comparisons: How the 1967 Sport Fury Convertible Stacked Up
The late ‘60s were a golden era for full-size American convertibles. While the Impala, Galaxie, Delta 88, Bonneville, and Wildcat all offered decadent open-air experiences, none approached the Sport Fury’s particular balance of rarity, straightforward muscle, and honest presence.
- Chevrolet Impala Convertible: 81,355 units—ubiquitous, but lacking exclusivity
- Ford Galaxie 500/XL: 28,308 units—a solid performer but mainstream
- Buick Wildcat Convertible: 7,263 units
- Olds Delta 88 Convertible: 8,167 units
- Pontiac Bonneville Convertible: 18,172 units, known for GM prestige but in higher volume
For the collector or enthusiast who values rarity, the Sport Fury Convertible is a stand-out—almost unicorn-like in its limited production run and stealthy charm.
Specifications and Options: A Muscle Car in a Luxury Tuxedo
Starting at a base MSRP of $3,104, the 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible matched up closely in price to full-size competitors from both Ford and General Motors. But adding factory luxuries like air conditioning ($412.75) and power windows ($106.50), transformed it into a genuine luxury barge—one that could still flex muscle on demand.
Standard amenities included:
- Front bucket seats for driver-focused comfort
- High-quality badges and trim accentuating the Sport Fury look
- Power-operated, neatly stowing convertible top
- Thoughtful chrome accents providing a premium touch
An Owner’s Tale: Gold at Carlisle
Robert Marquardt’s recently gold-winning Sport Fury Convertible is a testament to the enduring appeal of these rare Mopar drop-tops. With only 29,500 miles on the odometer, this exceptionally well-preserved example was driven from Connecticut to Carlisle, Pennsylvania (and back) on its own wheels, a tribute to the reliability of the 383 Commando V8 and the care of its owner.
This Sport Fury boasts the high-output, four-barrel engine (325 hp, 425 lb-ft), paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Such attention to factory-correct details and rare options—like air conditioning and power windows—makes this 58-year-old convertible particularly unique. In 1967, ordering both options on a drop-top was indeed a costly choice, but it elevates this example into a category few others share. Official production numbers on this specific combination are scarce, but estimates suggest just dozens were built this way; if you have more information, let us know in the comments below.
Market Positioning: A Collector’s Opportunity
The 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible sits in a unique space—it’s too substantial to be a traditional muscle car, too beefy to fit neatly into luxury coupe territory, and rare enough that it stands out at any gathering of classic American cars. Modern car culture has yet to fully embrace the full-size Mopar droptops of the late ‘60s, making them a prime target for collectors seeking value and exclusivity.
Compared to other models of the era, the Sport Fury offers an unbeatable value equation: more cubic inches for your dollar, distinctive Mopar design, and a real street presence. For those who appreciate vintage cars that whisper rather than shout, it’s a perfect blend of subtlety and muscle.
Final Thoughts: The Hidden Treasure of 1967 Mopar Muscle
If you’re searching for a classic convertible that sets you apart at car shows—or simply want to enjoy the open road with a blend of American power and understated style—the 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible should be near the top of your list. It delivers muscle car credentials, rare luxury features, and a legacy that resonates with both Mopar purists and newcomers alike.
As showcased recently by Lou Costabile on YouTube, the story of this particular car spans generations, with a legacy rooted in genuine family passion. From its original delivery with expensive, rarely-seen options to its award-winning modern-day stewardship, this ‘67 Sport Fury Convertible is living proof that sometimes, the most memorable classics are the ones still waiting for their turn in the spotlight.
Ready to stand out in a sea of Camaros, Mustangs, and Impalas? Get behind the wheel of a 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible—and let muscle, luxury, and history do the talking.
Source: autoevolution
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