The 1959 model year marked the latter part of Chrysler designer Virgil Exner, Sr.’s work in developing the “Forward Look” design of Chrysler’s line of vehicles and 1959 also marked major changes at the company’s Plymouth division. For several years Plymouth offered the Belvedere as the top of the line with the Savoy being the midline and the Savoy at the low end. The Fury, introduced in 1956, had previously a stand-alone model offered in limited body styles and had never been offered as a full series.
In 1959, Plymouth officials made the Fury a full series including coupes, sedans, station wagons and a convertible as the top-line model. The demoted Belvedere became the midline model and the Savoy dropped to the low series as the Plaza name completely disappeared from marque. 1959 also marked the first time the company offered two convertibles, coming both in the Fury (Sport Fury) and Belvedere models. Even with the two convertible offerings in their product line, less than 10,000 ragtops were manufactured by Plymouth in 1959 making them exceptionally rare. Factory records indicate 5,063 Belvedere drop-top models were manufactured in that model year with Sport Fury numbers at just over 4,000 units.
Mechanically and cosmetically, the 1959 models varied little from the previous year yet the changes made were significant. Still utilizing body-on-frame construction, the standard engine for the top two lines was a 318 cubic inch V8. The dual four-barrel 350 cubic inch motor from the 1958 Fury was increased to 361 cubic inches and was available with either a single two barrel or single four barrel carb. No multiple carb options were available in the Plymouth for the 1959 model year. Transmission choices remained a three-speed manual, a two-speed automatic and a three-speed automatic with both automatic offerings operated by push buttons. The fin height increased slightly and many Plymouth enthusiasts feel the 1959 models epitomize Exner’s styling efforts.
This 1959 Plymouth Belvedere convertible is an excellent example of a car that presents very closely to ,the condition it left the Evansville, IN factory back in 1959! Purchased new at a dealership in the Oakland, CA area in March 1959 by a female owner, the convertible remained in the Oakland area in her ownership until the present owner acquired the vehicle in April of 2005. According to documents relating to the car at the time of sale, the original owner’s daughter says the car was rarely driven and was always garaged during the time her mother owned the car. There are several documents relating to the car including the original sales documents, the original title and many service receipts for maintenance. The paperwork leads us to believe that the 12,540 miles showing on the odometer to be original and correct, but in accordance with Missouri statutes the vehicle will be sold mileage exempt due to the vehicle’s age. The car at some point has been resprayed in the factory color prior to the present owner’s acquisition and, as noted in the pictures, there is a tear in the passenger front seat insert and some discoloration in the seat back. There is also a wear issue with the factory carpeting in the driver’s floorboard near the accelerator pedal.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this very rare, unrestored 1959 Plymouth Belvedere convertible for $99,900 USD. Pre-purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged. We would gladly assist with transportation and delivery at buyer’s expense. For questions or to make an offer on this magnificent example of 1950’s elegance contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000. To see other investment-quality vehicles offered by Evergreen Digital Showroom, visit our website www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all of our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
