A particular mannequin yr and trim of a traditional American muscle automotive, the automobile in query represents a excessive level within the efficiency wars of the Sixties. It mixed a mid-size physique model with a robust engine possibility designed for drag racing supremacy. The “426 Max Wedge” refers to a specific iteration of Chrysler’s RB engine, identified for its distinctive horsepower and torque output.
The importance of this automobile lies in its rarity, efficiency capabilities, and its contribution to automotive historical past. Its engine was factory-engineered for optimum efficiency, making it extremely aggressive on the drag strip. Its restricted manufacturing numbers have elevated its standing amongst collectors and fanatics, who acknowledge its pivotal function within the evolution of high-performance automobiles.
The next sections will delve into the particular options, efficiency statistics, and historic affect of this iconic car. Additional dialogue will illuminate its distinctive attributes and lasting legacy inside the automotive group.
1. Efficiency
The efficiency of the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” was a major design goal and defining attribute. The 426 cubic inch Max Wedge engine, a closely modified model of Chrysler’s RB engine, delivered distinctive horsepower and torque for its time. This output translated immediately into fast acceleration and excessive high speeds, making it formidable on the drag strip. The engine’s design, that includes high-flow cylinder heads, twin four-barrel carburetors, and an aggressive camshaft, was particularly engineered to maximise energy inside a slender RPM vary appropriate for short-duration, high-intensity racing occasions.
The affect of this superior efficiency might be seen within the automobile’s dominance in NHRA Tremendous Inventory and different drag racing courses throughout the 1964 season. Privateer racers and factory-backed groups alike leveraged the engine’s capabilities to realize quite a few victories and set document occasions. These achievements served as precious advertising for Plymouth and cemented the popularity of the Max Wedge engine as a number one drive within the burgeoning muscle automotive period. Examples embody observe data set at varied drag strips throughout the US, demonstrating the automotive’s real-world aggressive benefit.
In abstract, the superior efficiency of the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” was not unintentional; it was the results of deliberate engineering selections targeted on maximizing engine output for drag racing functions. The automotive’s success on the observe validated these design selections and contributed considerably to its lasting legacy. Whereas difficult to drive on public roads attributable to its specialised engine configuration, its efficiency capabilities have been simple inside its supposed aggressive surroundings, making it a big milestone in automotive historical past.
2. Rarity
The time period “rarity” is inextricably linked to the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge,” defining a big side of its enchantment and worth. Manufacturing constraints and particular ordering choices contributed to its restricted numbers, making it a prized possession amongst collectors and fanatics.
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Restricted Manufacturing Numbers
The Max Wedge engine was not a regular possibility for the Sport Fury. Its availability was intentionally restricted, requiring particular ordering processes and infrequently being prioritized for racing groups. The precise manufacturing numbers are debated, however estimates typically place the variety of Sport Furys geared up with the 426 Max Wedge considerably decrease than whole Sport Fury manufacturing. This inherent shortage instantly elevates the automotive’s standing.
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Engine and Transmission Mixtures
Inside the already restricted manufacturing, additional rarity is launched by the combos of engine specs and transmissions. The 426 Max Wedge was obtainable in numerous horsepower rankings, and paired with both a guide or computerized transmission. Particular combos are rarer than others, primarily based on buyer preferences and availability on the time of ordering. Documented examples of explicit engine/transmission combos additional amplify the automotive’s uniqueness.
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Manufacturing facility Choices and Particular Orders
Past the engine and transmission, different manufacturing facility choices, reminiscent of particular colours, inside trims, and efficiency packages, contribute to the rarity of particular person automobiles. Particular orders positioned by way of dealerships additional individualized the vehicles, resulting in distinctive combos which are unlikely to be replicated. Such individualization contributes to the next diploma of uniqueness, thereby rising its collector’s worth.
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Survival Price
Rarity can also be influenced by the survival price of those automobiles over time. Given their supposed use in drag racing, many examples have been both closely modified, broken, or just discarded after their racing careers concluded. The variety of unique, unmodified, or well-preserved examples remaining immediately is a small fraction of the preliminary manufacturing, additional intensifying their rarity. Documented survivorship of those automobiles is a vital side of assessing values.
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” advantages from a confluence of things that set up its rarity. Restricted manufacturing numbers, various possibility combos, particular orders, and a low survival price have mixed to create a extremely fascinating collector’s merchandise. This rarity is a major driver of its worth and enchantment, solidifying its place in automotive historical past.
3. Engine Know-how
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” is synonymous with superior engine expertise for its period. The 426 Max Wedge engine was not merely a bigger displacement engine; it represented an entire re-engineering of the Chrysler RB block to maximise airflow and energy output. This engine stands as a testomony to Chrysler’s engineering capabilities throughout the Sixties, pushing the boundaries of obtainable expertise for aggressive efficiency.
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Cylinder Head Design
The cylinder heads of the Max Wedge engine have been considerably redesigned in comparison with commonplace RB engines. The consumption and exhaust ports have been enlarged and reshaped to maximise airflow into and out of the combustion chamber. The “Wedge” within the title refers back to the wedge-shaped combustion chamber, which allowed for bigger valves and improved combustion effectivity. These heads have been vital in permitting the engine to breathe at greater RPMs, a necessity for drag racing functions. For instance, the consumption port quantity was considerably bigger, permitting for improved volumetric effectivity.
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Consumption Manifold and Carburetion
The Max Wedge engine utilized a novel consumption manifold designed to accommodate two four-barrel carburetors. This dual-carburetor setup supplied a big improve in gasoline and air supply in comparison with single-carburetor designs. The consumption manifold runners have been additionally fastidiously designed to make sure even distribution of the air/gasoline combination to every cylinder. The carburetors themselves have been typically Holley items, particularly calibrated for racing functions. This setup allowed for exact gasoline metering and distinctive energy output throughout the engine’s working vary, maximizing its potential on the observe.
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Camshaft and Valvetrain
The camshaft profile of the Max Wedge engine was aggressive, designed to maximise valve elevate and length. This resulted in elevated airflow and improved cylinder filling, but additionally required a strong valvetrain to resist the upper stresses. Heavy-duty valve springs, pushrods, and rocker arms have been used to make sure dependable operation at excessive RPMs. The camshaft profile was tailor-made particularly for drag racing, prioritizing peak energy over low-end torque. Examples of camshaft specs display greater elevate numbers and longer length durations in comparison with inventory engine.
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Exhaust System
The exhaust system on the Max Wedge-equipped Sport Fury was designed to reduce backpressure and facilitate the fast evacuation of exhaust gases from the cylinders. Giant-diameter exhaust manifolds and minimal exhaust system elements have been employed to maximise exhaust stream. The discount of backpressure allowed the engine to provide extra energy, additional enhancing its efficiency capabilities. Some automobiles have been delivered with minimal or no mufflers for optimum stream, reflecting their supposed use on the drag strip.
The engine expertise integrated into the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” was not merely about rising displacement; it was a holistic strategy to optimizing engine efficiency. Every element, from the cylinder heads to the exhaust system, was fastidiously engineered and built-in to maximise energy output for drag racing functions. The 426 Max Wedge stays an iconic instance of engine expertise from the muscle automotive period, demonstrating a dedication to efficiency and innovation that continues to encourage automotive fanatics immediately.
4. Drag Racing Heritage
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” is indelibly linked to the historical past of drag racing. It was engineered not as a cushty cruiser, however as a purpose-built machine designed for one particular activity: dominating the quarter-mile. This heritage is essential to understanding the automobile’s design, efficiency, and enduring enchantment.
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Manufacturing facility Growth and Help
Chrysler actively supported drag racing throughout this period, offering engineering experience, elements, and even direct sponsorship to racing groups. The 426 Max Wedge engine was a direct results of this manufacturing facility involvement, representing a targeted effort to develop a aggressive engine for NHRA Tremendous Inventory racing. Examples embody factory-backed groups just like the Ramchargers, who used Max Wedge-powered Plymouths to set data and win championships. The manufacturing facility’s dedication legitimized the automotive and fueled its reputation.
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Dominance in Tremendous Inventory Class
The 426 Max Wedge shortly turned the engine to beat within the NHRA Tremendous Inventory class. Its superior horsepower and torque allowed it to persistently outperform its rivals from Ford and Common Motors. The dominance on the observe translated into elevated gross sales for Plymouth and solidified the Sport Fury’s popularity as a efficiency powerhouse. Newspaper articles and racing publications from the period documented the automotive’s quite a few victories, additional solidifying its place in drag racing historical past.
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Affect on Subsequent Muscle Vehicles
The success of the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” influenced the event of subsequent muscle vehicles. Rivals acknowledged the effectiveness of Chrysler’s strategy, which prioritized uncooked horsepower and torque over creature comforts. This led to the event of bigger engines and extra aggressive efficiency packages from different producers. The Max Wedge, in impact, helped outline the muscle automotive period and set the usual for efficiency.
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Enduring Legacy and Restoration
The drag racing heritage of the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” contributes considerably to its worth and collectability immediately. Many fanatics search to revive these vehicles to their unique racing specs, preserving a bit of automotive and drag racing historical past. The vehicles are often showcased at classic racing occasions and automotive exhibits, the place they proceed to draw consideration and admiration. Their continued presence serves as a tangible hyperlink to the golden age of drag racing.
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” is greater than only a automotive; it is a image of a particular period in drag racing historical past. Its design, engineering, and aggressive success have been all formed by its supposed goal: to dominate the quarter-mile. This drag racing heritage stays a defining side of the automobile and a major cause for its enduring enchantment.
5. Collector Worth
The collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” will not be arbitrary; it’s a complicated interaction of things that mirror its historic significance, rarity, and desirability inside the traditional automotive market. Understanding these contributing parts is important for appreciating its place as a extremely sought-after collector automobile.
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Rarity and Manufacturing Numbers
The restricted manufacturing numbers of the Max Wedge-equipped Sport Fury immediately affect its collector worth. Shortage will increase demand, significantly amongst collectors searching for to accumulate uncommon and traditionally important automobiles. The less examples that exist, the upper the potential worth, assuming comparable situation and documentation. Documented manufacturing figures, although typically debated, function benchmarks for assessing rarity and, consequently, worth.
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Originality and Situation
The diploma to which a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” retains its unique elements and manufacturing facility specs is a vital determinant of its collector worth. Unrestored, well-preserved examples command a premium, as they symbolize an genuine snapshot of the automobile because it left the manufacturing facility. Closely modified or poorly maintained examples usually have decrease values, though sympathetic restorations that adhere to unique specs can improve worth. Correct documentation of unique elements and verifiable provenance additional improve worth.
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Provenance and Historical past
The historical past and documented possession of a specific “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” can considerably have an effect on its collector worth. Autos with a documented racing historical past, significantly these with notable achievements or well-known house owners, command greater costs. Provenance, or the documented chain of possession, supplies precious insights into the automobile’s previous and enhances its desirability amongst collectors. Autos with clear and verifiable historical past possess a premium over these with incomplete or questionable backgrounds.
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Market Developments and Demand
The collector automotive market is topic to tendencies and fluctuations in demand. The worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” might be influenced by broader market sentiment, financial circumstances, and collector preferences. Elevated curiosity in muscle vehicles, a renewed appreciation for Sixties efficiency automobiles, or the emergence of recent collectors can drive up demand and, consequently, costs. Market analyses and public sale outcomes present precious insights into present tendencies and the evolving valuation of this particular mannequin.
The collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” is a composite measure that displays its historic context, its situation, its documented previous, and the prevailing market circumstances. Its rarity, originality, and provenance mix to ascertain its place as a extremely fascinating and precious collector automobile, a standing that continues to be strengthened by its significance in automotive historical past and its enduring enchantment to fanatics and collectors alike.
6. Styling
The styling of the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury, whereas not explicitly targeted on the 426 Max Wedge variant, performed a vital function in its general enchantment and market positioning. The design contributed to its identification as a performance-oriented automobile, despite the fact that many styling parts have been shared with non-Max Wedge fashions. The Sport Fury’s aesthetic supplied a visually interesting platform for the high-performance engine possibility, influencing client notion and model picture.
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Exterior Design and Trim
The 1964 Sport Fury featured clear, linear traces and a sporty profile attribute of early Sixties American vehicles. The physique integrated delicate chrome accents, a particular grille design, and outstanding rear tailfins, contributing to a way of each class and athleticism. Max Wedge-equipped fashions typically acquired minimal exterior modifications, permitting the efficiency capabilities to talk for themselves. The understated styling, mixed with the potential for immense energy, created a automobile that appealed to each efficiency fanatics and people searching for a classy, but sensible, mid-size automotive.
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Inside Appointments
The inside of the Sport Fury mirrored the styling tendencies of the period, with a concentrate on performance and luxury. Vinyl upholstery, chrome trim, and a spacious cabin have been typical options. Whereas the Max Wedge fashions didn’t obtain distinctive inside appointments, the general design contributed to a way of high quality and class. The useful instrument panel and cozy seating supplied a driver-focused expertise, subtly enhancing the performance-oriented nature of the automotive. The shortage of overly luxurious options strengthened its picture as a critical efficiency machine.
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Coloration Choices and Visible Id
The 1964 Sport Fury was obtainable in a spread of exterior colours, permitting consumers to personalize their automobiles. Whereas particular colours weren’t unique to the Max Wedge fashions, sure combos might have been extra fashionable amongst efficiency fanatics. The selection of colour, mixed with the automotive’s general styling, performed a big function in shaping its visible identification and interesting to a specific goal market. For instance, darker colours like black or darkish blue may need been perceived as extra aggressive and performance-oriented.
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Wheels and Tires
Though the usual wheel and tire combos weren’t particular to the Max Wedge, many homeowners opted for aftermarket wheels and tires that enhanced each the automotive’s efficiency and its visible enchantment. Wider tires, for instance, improved traction and contributed to a extra aggressive stance. The selection of wheels and tires turned an necessary a part of personalizing the automobile and signaling its efficiency capabilities. This personalization was typically seen on drag strips and at automotive exhibits, reinforcing the Sport Fury’s affiliation with efficiency.
In conclusion, the styling of the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury, whereas not radically completely different for the Max Wedge variant, was integral to the automotive’s general enchantment and market positioning. The clear traces, delicate trim, and customizable choices supplied a visually interesting platform that complemented the automotive’s distinctive efficiency capabilities. The styling contributed to a mix of class and athleticism, making the Sport Fury a fascinating and iconic automobile of the muscle automotive period.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury geared up with the 426 Max Wedge engine. The data supplied goals to make clear misconceptions and supply correct insights into this traditionally important automobile.
Query 1: What outlined the “Max Wedge” engine, and the way did it differ from commonplace Chrysler RB engines?
The “Max Wedge” designation referred to a closely modified model of Chrysler’s RB engine household. Key variations included redesigned cylinder heads with bigger ports and wedge-shaped combustion chambers, a twin four-barrel carburetor consumption manifold, and a high-performance camshaft. These modifications considerably elevated airflow and energy output in comparison with commonplace RB engines.
Query 2: What number of 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury automobiles have been factory-equipped with the 426 Max Wedge engine?
The precise manufacturing figures should not definitively identified, and differ relying on supply. Nonetheless, obtainable knowledge suggests {that a} comparatively small variety of 1964 Sport Furys have been factory-equipped with the 426 Max Wedge engine, contributing to its rarity and collector worth.
Query 3: Was the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” primarily supposed for road use, or drag racing?
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” was particularly engineered for drag racing. The engine’s design prioritized peak horsepower over low-end torque, making it ideally fitted to short-duration, high-intensity racing occasions. Whereas road authorized, its efficiency traits have been optimized for the drag strip.
Query 4: What components contribute to the excessive collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge”?
A number of components contribute to its excessive collector worth, together with its rarity, efficiency capabilities, documented racing historical past, originality, and general situation. Autos with verifiable provenance and minimal modifications command the very best costs within the collector automotive market.
Query 5: What are the important thing issues when evaluating the authenticity of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge”?
Key issues embody verifying the engine’s date codes and casting numbers, confirming the automobile’s unique specs by way of manufacturing facility documentation, and scrutinizing the presence of appropriate elements and markings. Professional appraisal is beneficial to make sure authenticity.
Query 6: Are there particular sources obtainable for researching the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge”?
A number of sources can be found, together with historic automotive publications, on-line boards devoted to Mopar automobiles, and Mopar fanatic golf equipment. These sources can present precious data on manufacturing figures, technical specs, and possession historical past.
This FAQ part has supplied important details about the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge.” Understanding these key points is essential for appreciating its historic significance and navigating the complexities of the collector automotive market.
The next part supplies a concluding abstract, reviewing this automobile’s affect and lasting legacy.
Recommendations on Assessing a 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge
Buying a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” requires meticulous inspection and diligent analysis. The worth and rarity of this automobile necessitate a cautious strategy to make sure authenticity and situation are precisely evaluated. The next suggestions function tips for potential consumers.
Tip 1: Confirm the Engine’s Authenticity. Look at the engine block’s casting numbers and date codes. Seek the advice of dependable Mopar sources to cross-reference these numbers and make sure they align with the automobile’s manufacturing date. Discrepancies might point out a non-original engine or a substitute.
Tip 2: Scrutinize the Cylinder Heads. Max Wedge engines featured distinctive cylinder heads with bigger consumption and exhaust ports. Examine the heads for figuring out markings and examine them to documented specs. Aftermarket or incorrect cylinder heads can considerably affect the automobile’s worth.
Tip 3: Examine the Consumption Manifold and Carburetor Setup. Unique Max Wedge engines utilized a twin four-barrel carburetor setup. Confirm the presence of an accurate consumption manifold and carburetors, guaranteeing they’re applicable for the engine’s horsepower score. Incorrect or mismatched elements can detract from the automobile’s originality.
Tip 4: Assess the Automobile’s Documentation. Unique manufacturing facility documentation, such because the construct sheet or window sticker, supplies invaluable data concerning the automobile’s unique specs and choices. Completely look at any obtainable documentation to confirm the authenticity of the automobile and its elements. Absence of documentation raises questions on originality.
Tip 5: Consider the Physique and Chassis for Rust and Injury. The physique and chassis of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” are prone to rust and harm. Fastidiously examine these areas for indicators of corrosion, significantly in widespread drawback areas reminiscent of the ground pans, rocker panels, and quarter panels. In depth rust or harm might be expensive to restore and may have an effect on the automobile’s structural integrity.
Tip 6: Search Professional Appraisal. As a result of complexity and worth of those automobiles, it’s advisable to hunt an knowledgeable appraisal from a certified Mopar specialist. An skilled appraiser can determine potential points and supply an correct evaluation of the automobile’s situation and authenticity.
Adhering to those tips can mitigate the dangers related to buying a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” and be certain that the funding aligns with the automobile’s true worth and situation. Due diligence is paramount in securing a real and traditionally important instance.
The following part concludes this examination, providing a remaining perspective on the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” inside the context of automotive historical past.
Conclusion
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” represents a definite confluence of things that outline a pivotal second in automotive historical past. This evaluation has explored its high-performance engine expertise, restricted manufacturing and consequent rarity, important drag racing heritage, styling nuances, and resultant collector worth. Every component contributes to a complete understanding of its significance.
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” endures as a testomony to engineering ambition and a logo of the unbridled pursuit of efficiency throughout the muscle automotive period. Its legacy serves as a reminder of an period the place innovation was pushed by competitors and an enduring affect was solid on the asphalt of drag strips throughout the nation. Additional analysis and continued preservation efforts are very important to making sure its story continues to resonate with future generations of automotive fanatics.
