For Sale: 1978 Plymouth Fury in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Survivors of all shapes and sizes are red hot today, and this neat 1978 Plymouth Sport Fury represents a new generation of collectable cars. Affordable, interesting, and great to drive, it will bring fresh hobbyists into the fold, guys who remember these cars from their childhood, and that's what the old car hobby is all about.

As far as we can tell, the black paint on this car is entirely original save for the right front fender, which was repainted years ago. That was probably when the car was in regular service, although given its preservation and the low mileage (37,850), that probably wasn't for long. The big coupe definitely has presence and it's remarkable to see just how big and flashy even the Plymouths were in the 1970s. Fit and finish are just the way the factory did it, with surprisingly good gaps and big doors that close easily, and even that gigantic hood sits flush behind the upright grille. There are a few signs of use, of course, but nothing major beyond some nicks on the rockers that are all but inevitable. And since this was the 1970s, there's plenty of chrome, including big shiny bumpers at both ends, the stainless rub strip running the length of the bodywork, and big PLYMOUTH lettering on the nose and tail. There's also an interesting white vinyl half-roof, which gives this luxury coupe a distinctive look that works rather well.

If you thought houndstooth upholstery was just for Camaros, you're in for a surprise here, because the tastefully outfitted interior in this Sport Fury looks great. Big, plush bucket seats perfectly capture the spirit of the 1970s but they don't go overboard into ridiculousness like so many others. And they are certainly well-preserved, with very little wear and no discoloration to any of the major components. The white door panels are in great shape, showing no signs that someone rested his elbow on the sill, and the black carpets and dash keep it anchored. A few spots of faux woodgraining warm it up a bit and as a top-of-the-line luxury model, there are a lot of options, including cold A/C, power windows, and an AM/FM/8-track stereo. Big, round gauges cover speed, temperature, and fuel level, with secondary controls tucked underneath to give it a surprisingly clean look. The back seat is spacious enough for real-sized adults and you get a massive trunk that's still carrying what appears to be the original spare tire and mat.

By 1978, the horsepower wars were over, but the 360 cubic inch V8 used here is no slouch. It's all about smoothness and torque, and the 360 delivers. It's totally original with only routine maintenance items being replaced and serviced over the years. There's still corporate turquoise engine enamel on the engine itself, a stock air cleaner with original hose, and even the factory washer bottle that's cleverly integrated into the battery hold-down. Electronics were starting to become prevalent on cars, and all the various systems are working as they should, so it runs great. The transmission is a 3-speed automatic and there's a set of highway gears out back, making this smooth coupe a fantastic highway cruiser. You probably already know how great torsion bar Chryslers ride, and the new single exhaust system offers little more than a hushed whisper, which is how luxury was done in 1978. Factory wire wheel covers and whitewall radials complete the period look.

Maybe you remember a car like this when you were younger. Maybe you're looking for an inexpensive but interesting hobby car. Either way, this is a great example of an overlooked machine. Call today!