A particular mannequin 12 months and trim of a basic American muscle automobile, the automobile 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 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 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 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 instantly 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 slim RPM vary appropriate for short-duration, high-intensity racing occasions.
The influence of this superior efficiency could be seen within the automobile’s dominance in NHRA Tremendous Inventory and different drag racing lessons through 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 helpful advertising and marketing for Plymouth and cemented the status of the Max Wedge engine as a number one pressure within the burgeoning muscle automobile period. Examples embody observe data set at varied drag strips throughout the USA, demonstrating the automobile’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 decisions centered on maximizing engine output for drag racing purposes. The automobile’s success on the observe validated these design choices and contributed considerably to its lasting legacy. Whereas difficult to drive on public roads because of its specialised engine configuration, its efficiency capabilities had been simple inside its supposed 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 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 fans.
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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 sometimes being prioritized for racing groups. The precise manufacturing numbers are debated, however estimates usually place the variety of Sport Furys outfitted with the 426 Max Wedge considerably decrease than complete Sport Fury manufacturing. This inherent shortage instantly elevates the automobile’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 out there in numerous horsepower scores, and paired with both a handbook or automated transmission. Particular mixtures are rarer than others, based mostly on buyer preferences and availability on the time of ordering. Documented examples of explicit engine/transmission mixtures additional amplify the automobile’s uniqueness.
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Manufacturing facility Choices and Particular Orders
Past the engine and transmission, different manufacturing unit choices, comparable to particular colours, inside trims, and efficiency packages, contribute to the rarity of particular person autos. Particular orders positioned by dealerships additional individualized the vehicles, resulting in distinctive mixtures which can be unlikely to be replicated. Such individualization contributes to a better diploma of uniqueness, thereby rising its collector’s worth.
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Survival Charge
Rarity can be influenced by the survival price of those autos over time. Given their supposed 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 right now is a small fraction of the preliminary manufacturing, additional intensifying their rarity. Documented survivorship of those autos 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 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 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 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 through the Nineteen Sixties, pushing the boundaries of obtainable know-how for aggressive efficiency.
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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 vital in permitting the engine to breathe at greater RPMs, a necessity for drag racing purposes. 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 improve in gas and air supply in comparison with single-carburetor designs. The consumption manifold runners had been additionally fastidiously designed to make sure even distribution of the air/gas combination to every cylinder. The carburetors themselves had been typically Holley items, 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.
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Camshaft and Valvetrain
The camshaft profile of the Max Wedge engine was aggressive, designed to maximise valve carry and period. 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 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 display greater carry numbers and longer period 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. 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 max movement, reflecting their supposed use on the drag strip.
The engine know-how included 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 purposes. The 426 Max Wedge stays an iconic instance of engine know-how from the muscle automobile period, demonstrating a dedication to efficiency and innovation that continues to encourage automotive fans right now.
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 process: dominating the quarter-mile. This heritage is essential to understanding the automobile’s design, efficiency, and enduring enchantment.
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Manufacturing facility Improvement 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 unit involvement, representing a centered 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 unit’s dedication legitimized the automobile and fueled its recognition.
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Dominance in Tremendous Inventory Class
The 426 Max Wedge rapidly 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 Basic Motors. The dominance on the observe translated into elevated gross sales for Plymouth and solidified the Sport Fury’s status as a efficiency powerhouse. Newspaper articles and racing publications from the period documented the automobile’s quite a few victories, additional solidifying its place in drag racing historical past.
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Affect on Subsequent Muscle Automobiles
The success of the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” influenced the event of subsequent muscle vehicles. Opponents 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 automobile 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 right now. Many fans search to revive these vehicles to their unique racing specs, preserving a bit of automotive and drag racing historical past. The vehicles are incessantly showcased at classic racing occasions and automobile 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 automobile; it is a image of a particular period in drag racing historical past. Its design, engineering, and aggressive success had 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 motive for its enduring enchantment.
5. Collector Worth
The collector worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” just isn’t arbitrary; it’s a complicated interaction of things that replicate its historic significance, rarity, and desirability inside the basic automobile market. Understanding these contributing parts is crucial 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 instantly affect its collector worth. Shortage will increase demand, significantly amongst collectors in search of to accumulate 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.
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Originality and Situation
The diploma to which a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” retains its unique parts and manufacturing unit specs is a vital determinant of its collector worth. Unrestored, well-preserved examples command a premium, as they characterize an genuine snapshot of the automobile because it left the manufacturing unit. 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 improve worth.
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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. Automobiles with a documented racing historical past, significantly these with notable achievements or well-known homeowners, command greater costs. Provenance, or the documented chain of possession, supplies helpful insights into the automobile’s previous and enhances its desirability amongst collectors. Automobiles with clear and verifiable historical past possess a premium over these with incomplete or questionable backgrounds.
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Market Traits and Demand
The collector automobile market is topic to traits and fluctuations in demand. The worth of a “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge” could be influenced by broader market sentiment, financial circumstances, and collector preferences. Elevated curiosity in muscle vehicles, a renewed appreciation for Nineteen Sixties efficiency autos, or the emergence of recent collectors can drive up demand and, consequently, costs. Market analyses and public sale outcomes present helpful 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 helpful collector automobile, a standing that continues to be bolstered by its significance in automotive historical past and its enduring enchantment to fans and collectors alike.
6. Styling
The styling of the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury, whereas not explicitly centered on the 426 Max Wedge variant, performed an important position in its general enchantment and market positioning. The design contributed to its identification as a performance-oriented automobile, regardless that many styling parts had been shared with non-Max Wedge fashions. The Sport Fury’s aesthetic supplied a visually interesting platform for the high-performance engine choice, 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 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 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 fans and people in search of a trendy, but sensible, mid-size automobile.
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Inside Appointments
The inside of the Sport Fury mirrored the styling traits of the period, with a concentrate on 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 purposeful instrument panel and comfy seating supplied a driver-focused expertise, subtly enhancing the performance-oriented nature of the automobile. The dearth of overly luxurious options bolstered its picture as a severe efficiency machine.
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Colour Choices and Visible Identification
The 1964 Sport Fury was out there in a spread of exterior colours, permitting patrons to personalize their autos. Whereas particular colours weren’t unique to the Max Wedge fashions, sure mixtures could have been extra widespread amongst efficiency fans. The selection of colour, mixed with the automobile’s general styling, performed a big position 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.
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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 automobile’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 essential a part of personalizing the automobile and signaling its efficiency capabilities. This personalization was typically seen on drag strips and at automobile exhibits, reinforcing the Sport Fury’s affiliation with efficiency.
In conclusion, the styling of the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury, whereas not radically totally different for the Max Wedge variant, was integral to the automobile’s general enchantment and market positioning. The clear strains, refined trim, and customizable choices supplied a visually interesting platform that complemented the automobile’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 automobile period.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury outfitted with the 426 Max Wedge engine. The data supplied goals to make clear misconceptions and supply 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 aren’t definitively identified, and range relying on supply. Nevertheless, out there information 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 supposed for avenue 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 avenue 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. Automobiles with verifiable provenance and minimal modifications command the best costs within the collector automobile 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 manufacturing unit documentation, and scrutinizing the presence of right parts and markings. Skilled appraisal is really helpful to make sure authenticity.
Query 6: Are there particular assets out there for researching the “1964 Plymouth Sport Fury 426 Max Wedge”?
A number of assets can be found, together with historic automotive publications, on-line boards devoted to Mopar autos, and Mopar fanatic golf equipment. These assets can present helpful info 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 features is essential for appreciating its historic significance and navigating the complexities of the collector automobile market.
The next part supplies 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 strategy to make sure authenticity and situation are precisely evaluated. The next suggestions function pointers for potential patrons.
Tip 1: Confirm the Engine’s Authenticity. Look at the engine block’s casting numbers and date codes. Seek the advice of dependable Mopar assets to cross-reference these numbers and make sure they align with the automobile’s manufacturing date. Discrepancies could 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 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 unit documentation, such because the construct sheet or window sticker, supplies invaluable info relating to the automobile’s unique specs and choices. Totally study 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 inclined to rust and injury. Rigorously examine these areas for indicators of corrosion, significantly in widespread drawback areas comparable to the ground pans, rocker panels, and quarter panels. In depth rust or injury could be expensive to restore and may have an effect on the automobile’s structural integrity.
Tip 6: Search Skilled Appraisal. Because of the complexity and worth of those autos, it’s advisable to hunt an skilled appraisal from a professional Mopar specialist. An skilled appraiser can determine potential points and supply an correct evaluation of the automobile’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 certain 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 last 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 through the muscle automobile period. Its legacy serves as a reminder of an period the place innovation was pushed by competitors and an enduring influence was cast 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.
