Very Important Plymouth: 1967 Plymouth VIP
In 1965, Ford introduced a luxury version of its full-size car, the Galaxie 500. Dubbed the LTD, Ford’s marketing department advertised that it rode as quietly as a Rolls-Royce. Others quickly jumped on the bandwagon, with the Chevrolet Caprice (Impala), and the Plymouth VIP (Fury III). The VIP remained in the Plymouth lineup from 1966 to 1969 and then quietly disappeared. This ’67 edition appears to have been in the garage for many years, but the seller is optimistic that it can soon be running again. Located in Chesterfield, Michigan, this Mopar is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,500. A tip brought to us by Barn Finder Ted!
Ford sold enough Galaxie LTDs to warrant promoting the car to a series of its own. Chevrolet had similar success with the Caprice. The VIP started as strictly a 4-door hardtop but a 2-door version was quickly added. As you might expect, the level of trim was a notch or two above what was offered on the Fury III, though the standard engine was the basic 318 cubic inch V8 and most were sold with an automatic transmission. Unlike the Ford and Chevy, this version of the big Plymouth wasn’t a huge seller. Fewer than 19,000 assemblies took place specifically in 1967, the year of the seller’s car (this compares to 110,000 LTDs and likely a similar number of Caprices).
Back when this car was built, U.S. automakers had a thing for stacked headlights. Ford used them on the LTD from 1965 to 1967 and Plymouth from 1965 to 1968. The Fury/VIP got a facelift in 1967 and continued with the styling that began two years earlier. It had a boxier appearance than its counterparts at Ford and Chevy.
We don’t know the history of this VIP (Very Important Plymouth?). The seller said it was originally a California car that has no rust. The paint may be okay, but the photos are too dark to say much about the interior. But when did the car find its way to Michigan? It looks like it’s been dormant for awhile, yet the seller feels that a tune-up and fresh fluids will have it back on the road in no time. We’re told it was running when parked and put away, but it does make a difference as to when that was. The seller has been unable to find the title, so it will be sold with a bill of sale, only.
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Comments
Top write up Russ, thanks for your efforts. Chrysler Valiants had a VIP model here in Australia in the late 60s.
Not as big as this massive Plymouth but aldo with the 318, cheers
Top write up Russ, thanks.
What a monster this Plymouth is.
Chrysler Valiants Australia also had a VIP edition in the late 60s, not as big a car but with the 318, cheers
Not sure why but in 1986 while I ran a wrecking yard I was at a sale and a 68 VIP coupe was there. A maroon car with black vinyl top and black leather interior. The car had power steering, brakes, ac, tilt telescoping wheel, power locks, am fm radio, cruise control, a plated light dimmer gizmo at the center of the windshield on the cowl panel behind the hood, a rear window defroster. Under the hood was a 383 commando 4bbl with the twin snorkel air cleaner. The car ran beautifully. I used it as a daily with my interchangeable tag that yards and dealers have. The big minus was the rear quarters were rusty and the left lower rear mounding was missing and likely fell off from the corrosion. The skirts were still in place. I am not a diehard Mopar guy by anymeans by for me this car checked all the right boxes and for a guy that has had everything and drove everything from the big three and many others. This car flew to the tune of a 15.1 at the Friday night street drag that the strip near me did each week. Once life moved on and my yard days went into the rear view mirror that car was placed in the back of a huge warehouse I had where it laid until I relocated. I almost had it scrapped along with 300 + others I had at the time but instead shipped it to my new home. I question my stupidness for doing it as I will likely never restore it and it isn’t worth restoring, and is no better now than then but I liked it and like many other I kept around and still drive. I had quite a bit of fun with that car. I never even did the title as I still have the auctioneers paperwork which shows the big 81.00 bid that took the car. These are really nice. even with rusted quarters this car drove as nice as a friend’s Imperial back then. Mine will never see the road again, I like looking at it and taking a time trip to a time that fun and much nicer and simpler.
Any car that one wants is worth restoring for one’s own enjoyment/use. Relatively few cars are worth restoring if someone wants to be an auction show star.
So many people don’t get this. I agree completely.
These need at least a 383 2bbl to get down the road properly.
Actually, before engines were smogged, the 318 had plenty of power for everyday driving. Some of the big cars had the slant 6.
Dave, You’re right about that. I just like the extra torque of the larger engines. According to “Automotive-Catalog:” a 67 4dr Fury w/TF automatic Trans, had recorded 0-60mph times as follows: 225 slant six @ 14.9sec, 318 @ 9.7 sec, and the 383 2bbl @ 9 sec. Not much difference between the two 2bbl V8s. But 4bbl 383 or 440, now we’re talking! 225…not so much, though still a cool car, and fairly economical. All said, 318 was a fine choice!
And the Poly 318s that went out in favor of these LA 318s had a little more power, as well as a flatter torque curve.
Great writeup Russ, the Plymouth VIP is definitely a special car. I do believe the credit for upscale median line cars goes to the 1964 Bonneville Brougham. It is my understanding that a decree came down from the powers at GM that upper management in each division had to drive an offering from their own division. Many had all been driving Cadillacs up to this point but it was now not an option. The execs at Pontiac were apparently acclimated to a more luxurious ride than was currently available within their division so John DeLorean decided to create a more luxurious Pontiac with the Broughamtrim level on a Bonneville. Other manufacturers took notice immediately and in 1965, Ford did the LTD trim package on Galaxy 500 and Chevy offered the Caprice trim option on an Impala. Oldsmobile also stepped up 98 luxury with the LS trim level. Plymouth stepped in with their VIP to compete in 1966.
Thanks for choosing this one from me, Russ! I’m enjoying all of the posts and comments from everyone!
Ted
Ah the VIP. The dad of my best friend in High school was 3rd man at the local assembly plant and the kid got his dad’s VIP for a double date night. He let me drive it and I showed him what that 440 could do. Of course I didn’t know what it could do but it could fishtail for a block long and drift like it was built for it while leaning so far that it felt like it was going to roll.
Well, there seems to be 178 meanings for “VIP”, oddly, none pertaining to a Plymouth. The real meaning for this car, was appeal to “Very Important People”, like as if one of these ever graced the country club. Maybe the cook had one. These were the cars you remember as a kid riding in the back seat, on the way to Hebrew School alternating with your mom. They were for the upper middle class when new, but quickly became just used cars mom was relegated to drive. The 318 does look a bit lonely in there, but rest assured, the 318 was a great motor. Took a world of unintended abuse, and never quit.
This car? Geez, again, I just don’t know. If cleaned up and ready to go, might have a chance, but here, it’s just an old Plymouth. California plates being sold in Michigan, gotten cheap because you won’t find a ’67 Plymouth anywhere north of I-70. I do agree, it would make a nice car, if anyone cares.