1963 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Convertible 1 of 15 AACA Grand National

Few automobiles better represent Chrysler's transition from early-1960s experimentation to the golden age of American muscle than this extraordinary 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury Convertible. Scheduled for production on February 19, 1963 at Plymouth's Lynch Road Assembly Plant in Detroit, VIN 3431170204 was built as a genuine Super Stock 426 Max Wedge convertible and equipped with the heavy-duty Borg-Warner T-85 three-speed manual transmission. Its trim tag documents a Sport Fury convertible with front bucket seats, light-blue interior, white body, white top and the Max Wedge engine package. Period production research identifies just 15 Max Wedge Sport Fury convertibles with manual transmissions, of which 13 were the 11.0:1-compression version represented by this car; owner-supplied documentation included in the Wise report further identifies it as one of only three White/Blue T-85 examples. The combination places it among the rarest factory performance convertibles produced during Chrysler's Super Stock era.<br><br>Under the hood is a period-correct 426-cu.-in. Max Wedge, the legendary engine Plymouth officially called the Super Stock 426. In 11.0:1-compression specification, it was factory-rated at 415 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, breathing through twin Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors and the unmistakable short-ram intake system. The Wise inspection documents block casting 2406780-1, an engine assembly stamp dated January 24, 1963, correct-style Carter AFB 3447SA carburetors dated A3, intake casting 2402726-1, correct exhaust manifolds, valve covers, water-pump housing, alternator, starter and air cleaners. The report likewise identifies the T-85 as period correct and records the correct bellhousing, tailshaft, side cover, driveshaft, shifter and rear mount. Power is delivered to a Chrysler 8¾-inch rear axle with 3.91:1 gearing, while the chassis retains the Max Wedge-related heavy-duty components, including correct torque boxes and 776/777 torsion bars. Importantly, MMC Detroit characterizes the car as professionally restored, very well maintained and retaining original sheet metal based upon what could be observed; its master inspection summary rates the body, paint, trunk, interior, engine compartment, powertrain, wheels, exhaust, chassis and suspension in good condition.<br><br>Its significance is strengthened by an exceptional documentary and show history. MMC Detroit was presented with the car's production build/track sheet, IBM Production Car Card, owner's and warranty documents, ownership history, and original dealer/in-service information, and recorded the vehicle in the MMC Detroit Global Vehicle Registry; its public VIN tag, trim tag and primary body shipping-order stamping were also examined during the inspection. The history supplied with the car records an OE Gold award at the Mopar Nationals as well as AACA National First Prize and Senior honors, culminating in a 2024 AACA First Grand National award; AACA's official 2024 Grand National results independently list a 1963 Plymouth Fury as a First Grand National winner. With its authentic Max Wedge configuration, factory three-speed manual, exceptional White-and-Blue specification, extensive documentation, high-level restoration and national award pedigree, this Sport Fury represents an opportunity to acquire not merely an exceptionally rare Mopar, but an important surviving example of the factory-built Super Stock automobiles that helped establish Chrysler's performance reputation before the arrival of the 426 Hemi.