What is a classic car? A certain car club that will remain nameless (CCCA) had its own list of “fine” or “distinctive” cars produced between 1915-48. Conversely, others conflate “classic” and “antique” and feel a 2000 Camry is a classic because it qualifies for Classic plates in some states. Our Pick of the Day is a vehicle that, due to the rate of attrition and a certain novelty, finds a sweet spot in the middle. This 1972 Plymouth Fury III four-door sedan currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership is located in Penndel, Pennsylvania.
Plymouth redesigned its Fury series for 1969. Though attractive, it arguably was no match for the 1970 facelift, which came off very clean, especially on the Sport Fury with hidden headlights. Little was altered for 1971 but, come 1972, Plymouth gave the Fury series a restyle.
In some respects, the 1972 Fury was given the 1970 Dodge Coronet treatment thanks to two huge loop bumpers with a divided grille. With a reshuffled lineup that featured the Gran Fury on top (replacing the Sport Fury), the top trim level continued to feature hidden headlights, but the clean subtlety of 1970-71 was gone. Out back, segmented taillights surrounded by a vinyl applique was another unique touch. Fury IIIs shared the segmented taillights but lacked the applique, while Fury I and II models featured taillights similar to those from 1970-71. All three trim levels featured exposed dual headlights with horizontal grille bars, quite distinctive from the Gran Fury’s.
Perhaps a more substantial yet subtle change was the side sculpting among the four body styles. The two-door hardtop featured dual sculptured lines in the rear quarter panel that could be seen at the front and rea of the rear wheelhousing; the formal two-door hardtop, four-door hardtop, and four-door sedan featured a single sculptured line in the panel at the front of the rear wheel.
New equipment for 1972 was standard TorqueFlite transmission and power steering, optional 400ci V8 (in between the 318, 360, and 440, with the Slant Six falling from the engine list), and a wider rear track “that adds to our low, wide appearance.”
This 1972 Plymouth Fury III four-door sedan flaunts many of the things that made the ’72 unique compared to previous years. This car is planned obsolescence incarnate, which makes this behemoth a true novelty in a world full of pony cars and pickups. Even the Honeydew (GY6) hue smacks of 1972! “One owner!” proclaims the seller. “Fully loaded with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. Runs and drives great!” Note the nice black vinyl and cloth interior, and black vinyl top. This is prime Fuselage!
Powered by the standard 318 and TorqueFlite, this “Sea-body” has just over 42,000 miles on the clock. This anti-classic of the collectible car world is the perfect foil for the anti-hero at a local Cars & Coffee or what-not. For a hair under 13 grand, this is the car that few will understand but everybody needs.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
