A selected mannequin 12 months and trim of a traditional American muscle automotive, the car in query represents a excessive level within the efficiency wars of the Nineteen Sixties. It mixed a mid-size physique model with a strong engine possibility designed for drag racing supremacy. The “426 Max Wedge” refers to a specific iteration of Chrysler’s RB engine, recognized for its distinctive horsepower and torque output.
The importance of this car lies in its rarity, efficiency capabilities, and its contribution to automotive historical past. Its engine was factory-engineered for max 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 position within the evolution of high-performance automobiles.
The next sections will delve into the precise options, efficiency statistics, and historic impression of this iconic vehicle. 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 main 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 speedy acceleration and excessive prime 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 slim RPM vary appropriate for short-duration, high-intensity racing occasions.
The impression of this superior efficiency might be seen within the car’s dominance in NHRA Tremendous Inventory and different drag racing courses in the course of the 1964 season. Privateer racers and factory-backed groups alike leveraged the engine’s capabilities to realize quite a few victories and set report occasions. These achievements served as beneficial advertising for Plymouth and cemented the repute of the Max Wedge engine as a number one power within the burgeoning muscle automotive period. Examples embody monitor information set at numerous 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 functions. The automotive’s success on the monitor validated these design selections 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 have been plain 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 attraction and worth. Manufacturing constraints and particular ordering choices contributed to its restricted numbers, making it a prized possession amongst collectors and fans.
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Restricted Manufacturing Numbers
The Max Wedge engine was not a typical possibility for the Sport Fury. Its availability was intentionally restricted, requiring particular ordering processes and sometimes 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
Throughout the already restricted manufacturing, additional rarity is launched by the mixtures of engine specs and transmissions. The 426 Max Wedge was obtainable in numerous horsepower scores, 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 explicit engine/transmission mixtures additional amplify the automotive’s uniqueness.
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Manufacturing unit Choices and Particular Orders
Past the engine and transmission, different manufacturing facility choices, equivalent to particular colours, inside trims, and efficiency packages, contribute to the rarity of particular person automobiles. Particular orders positioned via dealerships additional individualized the vehicles, resulting in distinctive mixtures 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 Charge
Rarity can be influenced by the survival charge 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 authentic, unmodified, or well-preserved examples remaining as we speak is a small fraction of the preliminary manufacturing, additional intensifying their rarity. Documented survivorship of those automobiles is a crucial 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 mixtures, particular orders, and a low survival charge have mixed to create a extremely fascinating collector’s merchandise. This rarity is a main 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 know-how 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 in the course of the Nineteen Sixties, pushing the boundaries of accessible know-how 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 customary 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 identify refers back to the wedge-shaped combustion chamber, which allowed for bigger valves and improved combustion effectivity. These heads have been crucial in permitting the engine to breathe at increased 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 singular consumption manifold designed to accommodate two four-barrel carburetors. This dual-carburetor setup supplied a big enhance in gas 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/gas combination to every cylinder. The carburetors themselves have been usually Holley models, particularly calibrated for racing functions. This setup allowed for exact gas metering and distinctive energy output throughout the engine’s working vary, maximizing its potential on the monitor.
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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 face up to 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 increased 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 speedy evacuation of exhaust gases from the cylinders. Massive-diameter exhaust manifolds and minimal exhaust system parts have been employed to maximise exhaust movement. 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 max movement, reflecting their supposed use on the drag strip.
The engine know-how 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 part, 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 know-how from the muscle automotive period, demonstrating a dedication to efficiency and innovation that continues to encourage automotive fans as we speak.
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 car’s design, efficiency, and enduring attraction.
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Manufacturing unit Growth and Help
Chrysler actively supported drag racing throughout this period, offering engineering experience, components, 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 information 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 constantly outperform its rivals from Ford and Common Motors. The dominance on the monitor 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.
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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 as we speak. Many fans search to revive these vehicles to their authentic racing specs, preserving a chunk of automotive and drag racing historical past. The vehicles are ceaselessly 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 particular period in drag racing historical past. Its design, engineering, and aggressive success have been all formed by its supposed objective: to dominate the quarter-mile. This drag racing heritage stays a defining side of the car and a main purpose for its enduring attraction.
5. Collector Worth
The collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” will not be arbitrary; it’s a advanced interaction of things that mirror its historic significance, rarity, and desirability inside the traditional automotive market. Understanding these contributing components is crucial for appreciating its place as a extremely sought-after collector car.
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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 in search of to accumulate uncommon and traditionally vital automobiles. The less examples that exist, the upper the potential worth, assuming comparable situation and documentation. Documented manufacturing figures, although usually 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 authentic parts and manufacturing facility specs is a crucial determinant of its collector worth. Unrestored, well-preserved examples command a premium, as they characterize an genuine snapshot of the car because it left the manufacturing facility. Closely modified or poorly maintained examples sometimes have decrease values, though sympathetic restorations that adhere to authentic specs can improve worth. Correct documentation of authentic parts and verifiable provenance additional enhance 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 homeowners, command increased costs. Provenance, or the documented chain of possession, offers beneficial insights into the car’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 Tendencies and Demand
The collector automotive market is topic to developments and fluctuations in demand. The worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” might be influenced by broader market sentiment, financial situations, and collector preferences. Elevated curiosity in muscle vehicles, a renewed appreciation for Nineteen Sixties efficiency automobiles, or the emergence of recent collectors can drive up demand and, consequently, costs. Market analyses and public sale outcomes present beneficial insights into present developments 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 situations. Its rarity, originality, and provenance mix to determine its place as a extremely fascinating and beneficial collector car, 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 position in its total attraction and market positioning. The design contributed to its identification as a performance-oriented car, although many styling components 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 strains and a sporty profile attribute of early Nineteen Sixties American vehicles. The physique integrated refined chrome accents, a particular grille design, and distinguished rear tailfins, contributing to a way of each magnificence and athleticism. Max Wedge-equipped fashions usually acquired minimal exterior modifications, permitting the efficiency capabilities to talk for themselves. The understated styling, mixed with the potential for immense energy, created a car that appealed to each efficiency fans and people in search of a trendy, but sensible, mid-size automotive.
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Inside Appointments
The inside of the Sport Fury mirrored the styling developments of the period, with a give attention to 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 purposeful instrument panel and comfy seating supplied a driver-focused expertise, subtly enhancing the performance-oriented nature of the automotive. The dearth of overly luxurious options strengthened its picture as a severe efficiency machine.
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Coloration Choices and Visible Identification
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 mixtures might have been extra widespread amongst efficiency fans. The selection of colour, mixed with the automotive’s total styling, performed a big position in shaping its visible identification and interesting to a specific goal market. For instance, darker colours like black or darkish blue might need been perceived as extra aggressive and performance-oriented.
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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 car and signaling its efficiency capabilities. This personalization was usually 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 total attraction and market positioning. The clear strains, refined trim, and customizable choices supplied 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 car of the muscle automotive period.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury geared up with the 426 Max Wedge engine. The data supplied goals to make clear misconceptions and provide correct insights into this traditionally vital car.
Query 1: What outlined the “Max Wedge” engine, and the way did it differ from customary 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 customary 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 usually are not definitively recognized, 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 suited 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 total situation. Autos with verifiable provenance and minimal modifications command the best costs within the collector automotive market.
Query 5: What are the important thing concerns when evaluating the authenticity of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge”?
Key concerns embody verifying the engine’s date codes and casting numbers, confirming the car’s authentic specs via manufacturing facility documentation, and scrutinizing the presence of appropriate parts and markings. Knowledgeable appraisal is advisable 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 beneficial 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 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 car’s impression 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 car necessitate a cautious strategy to make sure authenticity and situation are precisely evaluated. The next ideas function pointers 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 car’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 evaluate them to documented specs. Aftermarket or incorrect cylinder heads can considerably impression the car’s worth.
Tip 3: Examine the Consumption Manifold and Carburetor Setup. Authentic Max Wedge engines utilized a twin four-barrel carburetor setup. Confirm the presence of an accurate consumption manifold and carburetors, guaranteeing they’re acceptable for the engine’s horsepower score. Incorrect or mismatched parts can detract from the car’s originality.
Tip 4: Assess the Automobile’s Documentation. Authentic manufacturing facility documentation, such because the construct sheet or window sticker, offers invaluable data relating to the car’s authentic specs and choices. Totally look at any obtainable documentation to confirm the authenticity of the car and its parts. Absence of documentation raises questions on originality.
Tip 5: Consider the Physique and Chassis for Rust and Harm. The physique and chassis of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” are prone to rust and injury. Rigorously examine these areas for indicators of corrosion, significantly in frequent downside areas equivalent to the ground pans, rocker panels, and quarter panels. In depth rust or injury might be pricey to restore and may have an effect on the car’s structural integrity.
Tip 6: Search Knowledgeable 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 establish potential points and supply an correct evaluation of the car’s situation and authenticity.
Adhering to those pointers can mitigate the dangers related to buying a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” and be sure that the funding aligns with the car’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 know-how, restricted manufacturing and consequent rarity, vital drag racing heritage, styling nuances, and resultant collector worth. Every aspect contributes to a complete understanding of its significance.
The “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” endures as a testomony to engineering ambition and an emblem of the unbridled pursuit of efficiency in the course of the muscle automotive period. Its legacy serves as a reminder of an period the place innovation was pushed by competitors and an enduring impression was solid on the asphalt of drag strips throughout the nation. Additional analysis and continued preservation efforts are important to making sure its story continues to resonate with future generations of automotive fans.
