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 strong engine choice designed for drag racing supremacy. The “426 Max Wedge” refers to a selected 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 fans, who acknowledge its pivotal function within the evolution of high-performance autos.
The next sections will delve into the precise options, efficiency statistics, and historic influence 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 straight 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 influence of this superior efficiency may 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 attain quite a few victories and set report instances. These achievements served as invaluable advertising for Plymouth and cemented the repute of the Max Wedge engine as a number one pressure within the burgeoning muscle automotive period. Examples embrace 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 unintended; it was the results of deliberate engineering decisions targeted on maximizing engine output for drag racing purposes. The automotive’s success on the observe validated these design choices and contributed considerably to its lasting legacy. Whereas difficult to drive on public roads as a consequence of its specialised engine configuration, its efficiency capabilities had been plain inside its meant aggressive atmosphere, 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 facet of its attraction and worth. Manufacturing constraints and particular ordering choices contributed to its restricted numbers, making it a prized possession amongst collectors and fans.
-
Restricted Manufacturing Numbers
The Max Wedge engine was not a typical choice 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 usually place the variety of Sport Furys geared up with the 426 Max Wedge considerably decrease than complete Sport Fury manufacturing. This inherent shortage instantly elevates the automotive’s standing.
-
Engine and Transmission Mixtures
Throughout the already restricted manufacturing, additional rarity is launched by the mixtures of engine specs and transmissions. The 426 Max Wedge was out there in several horsepower rankings, and paired with both a handbook or computerized transmission. Particular mixtures are rarer than others, primarily based on buyer preferences and availability on the time of ordering. Documented examples of specific engine/transmission mixtures additional amplify the automotive’s uniqueness.
-
Manufacturing facility Choices and Particular Orders
Past the engine and transmission, different manufacturing facility choices, corresponding to particular colours, inside trims, and efficiency packages, contribute to the rarity of particular person autos. Particular orders positioned by way of dealerships additional individualized the vehicles, resulting in distinctive mixtures which are unlikely to be replicated. Such individualization contributes to a better diploma of uniqueness, thereby rising its collector’s worth.
-
Survival Fee
Rarity can be influenced by the survival price of those autos over time. Given their meant use in drag racing, many examples had 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 autos is a important facet 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 choice mixtures, 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 attraction, 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 a whole 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.
-
Cylinder Head Design
The cylinder heads of the Max Wedge engine had been considerably redesigned in comparison with commonplace RB engines. The consumption and exhaust ports had 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 had been important in permitting the engine to breathe at larger RPMs, a necessity for drag racing purposes. For instance, the consumption port quantity was considerably bigger, permitting for improved volumetric effectivity.
-
Consumption Manifold and Carburetion
The Max Wedge engine utilized a singular consumption manifold designed to accommodate two four-barrel carburetors. This dual-carburetor setup offered a big enhance in gas and air supply in comparison with single-carburetor designs. The consumption manifold runners had been additionally rigorously designed to make sure even distribution of the air/gas combination to every cylinder. The carburetors themselves had been typically Holley models, particularly calibrated for racing purposes. This setup allowed for exact gas metering and distinctive energy output throughout the engine’s working vary, maximizing its potential on the observe.
-
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 in addition required a strong valvetrain to resist the upper stresses. Heavy-duty valve springs, pushrods, and rocker arms had 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 exhibit larger elevate numbers and longer length intervals in comparison with inventory engine.
-
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. Massive-diameter exhaust manifolds and minimal exhaust system parts had been employed to maximise exhaust movement. The discount of backpressure allowed the engine to supply extra energy, additional enhancing its efficiency capabilities. Some autos had been delivered with minimal or no mufflers for optimum movement, reflecting their meant use on the drag strip.
The engine expertise included into the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” was not merely about rising displacement; it was a holistic method to optimizing engine efficiency. Every part, from the cylinder heads to the exhaust system, was rigorously engineered and built-in to maximise energy output for drag racing purposes. 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 fans 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 snug cruiser, however as a purpose-built machine designed for one particular job: dominating the quarter-mile. This heritage is essential to understanding the automobile’s design, efficiency, and enduring attraction.
-
Manufacturing facility Growth and Assist
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 embrace 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.
-
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 opponents from Ford and Basic Motors. The dominance on the observe translated into elevated gross sales for Plymouth and solidified the Sport Fury’s repute 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.
-
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 method, 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.
-
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 fans search to revive these vehicles to their unique racing specs, preserving a chunk of automotive and drag racing historical past. The vehicles are incessantly showcased at classic racing occasions and automotive reveals, 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 selected period in drag racing historical past. Its design, engineering, and aggressive success had been all formed by its meant goal: to dominate the quarter-mile. This drag racing heritage stays a defining facet of the automobile and a major cause for its enduring attraction.
5. Collector Worth
The collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” shouldn’t be arbitrary; it’s a advanced interaction of things that replicate 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.
-
Rarity and Manufacturing Numbers
The restricted manufacturing numbers of the Max Wedge-equipped Sport Fury straight affect its collector worth. Shortage will increase demand, notably amongst collectors looking for to amass uncommon and traditionally vital autos. 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.
-
Originality and Situation
The diploma to which a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” retains its unique parts and manufacturing facility specs is a important determinant of its collector worth. Unrestored, well-preserved examples command a premium, as they signify 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 parts and verifiable provenance additional enhance worth.
-
Provenance and Historical past
The historical past and documented possession of a selected “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” can considerably have an effect on its collector worth. Autos with a documented racing historical past, notably these with notable achievements or well-known house owners, command larger costs. Provenance, or the documented chain of possession, offers invaluable 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.
-
Market Tendencies and Demand
The collector automotive market is topic to traits and fluctuations in demand. The worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” may be influenced by broader market sentiment, financial circumstances, and collector preferences. Elevated curiosity in muscle vehicles, a renewed appreciation for Sixties efficiency autos, or the emergence of recent collectors can drive up demand and, consequently, costs. Market analyses and public sale outcomes present invaluable insights into present traits 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 determine its place as a extremely fascinating and invaluable collector automobile, a standing that continues to be strengthened by its significance in automotive historical past and its enduring attraction to fans 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 attraction and market positioning. The design contributed to its identification as a performance-oriented automobile, although many styling parts had been shared with non-Max Wedge fashions. The Sport Fury’s aesthetic offered a visually interesting platform for the high-performance engine choice, influencing shopper notion and model picture.
-
Exterior Design and Trim
The 1964 Sport Fury featured clear, linear traces and a sporty profile attribute of early Sixties American vehicles. The physique included refined chrome accents, a particular grille design, and outstanding rear tailfins, contributing to a way of each magnificence and athleticism. Max Wedge-equipped fashions typically obtained 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 fans and people looking for a trendy, but sensible, mid-size automotive.
-
Inside Appointments
The inside of the Sport Fury mirrored the styling traits of the period, with a give attention to performance and luxury. Vinyl upholstery, chrome trim, and a spacious cabin had 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 practical instrument panel and cozy seating offered 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.
-
Colour Choices and Visible Identification
The 1964 Sport Fury was out there in a variety of exterior colours, permitting consumers to personalize their autos. Whereas particular colours weren’t unique to the Max Wedge fashions, sure mixtures might have been extra widespread amongst efficiency fans. The selection of shade, mixed with the automotive’s general styling, performed a big function in shaping its visible identification and interesting to a selected goal market. For instance, darker colours like black or darkish blue might need been perceived as extra aggressive and performance-oriented.
-
Wheels and Tires
Though the usual wheel and tire mixtures 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 attraction. Wider tires, for instance, improved traction and contributed to a extra aggressive stance. The selection of wheels and tires turned an essential a part of personalizing the automobile and signaling its efficiency capabilities. This personalization was typically seen on drag strips and at automotive reveals, 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 attraction and market positioning. The clear traces, refined trim, and customizable choices offered a visually interesting platform that complemented the automotive’s distinctive efficiency capabilities. The styling contributed to a mix of magnificence and athleticism, making the Sport Fury a fascinating and iconic automobile of the muscle automotive period.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury geared up with the 426 Max Wedge engine. The knowledge offered goals to make clear misconceptions and provide correct insights into this traditionally vital 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 autos had been factory-equipped with the 426 Max Wedge engine?
The precise manufacturing figures will not be definitively identified, and range relying on supply. Nonetheless, out there knowledge suggests {that a} comparatively small variety of 1964 Sport Furys had 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 meant 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 had 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 embrace 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 right parts and markings. Professional appraisal is really helpful to make sure authenticity.
Query 6: Are there particular sources out there 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 autos, and Mopar fanatic golf equipment. These sources can present invaluable data on manufacturing figures, technical specs, and possession historical past.
This FAQ part has offered important details about the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge.” Understanding these key elements is essential for appreciating its historic significance and navigating the complexities of the collector automotive market.
The next part offers a concluding abstract, reviewing this automobile’s influence 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 method to make sure authenticity and situation are precisely evaluated. The next ideas function tips for potential consumers.
Tip 1: Confirm the Engine’s Authenticity. Study 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 alternative.
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 influence 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 ranking. Incorrect or mismatched parts can detract from the automobile’s originality.
Tip 4: Assess the Car’s Documentation. Unique manufacturing facility documentation, such because the construct sheet or window sticker, offers invaluable data relating to the automobile’s unique specs and choices. Totally look at any out there documentation to confirm the authenticity of the automobile and its parts. 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 vulnerable to rust and injury. Fastidiously examine these areas for indicators of corrosion, notably in widespread drawback areas corresponding to the ground pans, rocker panels, and quarter panels. Intensive rust or injury may be expensive to restore and may have an effect on the automobile’s structural integrity.
Tip 6: Search Professional Appraisal. Because of the complexity and worth of those autos, it’s advisable to hunt an skilled 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 sure that the funding aligns with the automobile’s true worth and situation. Due diligence is paramount in securing a real and traditionally vital 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, vital drag racing heritage, styling nuances, and resultant collector worth. Every ingredient 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 a long-lasting influence 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 fans.
