Well, the "...bine" part seems like a match. And there was indeed a 1959 Plymouth turbine, using the Fury trim. But it was branded "Turbine Special", and the lettering was inside the trim:
So it's not consistent with the turbine that Plymouth built - and I think it's a stretch to say the first part says "Tur". But, what do I know?
Thanks to Dick Koch, for providing this excellent http://www.allpar.com excerpt of an article originally written and copyrighted by Jim Benjaminson, and printed by Motorbooks International. The full article can be found here.
Jim Benjaminson wrote:
Plymouth Turbine Cars
...
Following a public absence of nearly three years, Plymouth officially unveiled the CR2 turbine in a red 1959 Fury four-door hardtop. Like the original CR2 version in the 1956 and 1957-58 cars, this turbine was rated at 200hp. This car was taken out on the highway, logging a 576 mile test run from Detroit to New York City and back in December 1958.
This second generation turbine, also considered "just a laboratory tool," was improved in nearly all respects. Three major components, the compressor, regenerator, and burner, showed significant improvements in operating efficiency. At an average speed of 38 mph, the turbine logged 19 mpg on the run east; on the return trip, averaging 51 mph, mileage dropped slightly to 17 mpg. Fuel used on this trip included diesel fuel, JP4 jet fuel, and regular gasoline.
For purposes of comparison, the nameplate from the Ghia Turbines of the mid-Sixties, vs. our mystery "Fury":
Dan - I noticed two things about the white 2dr, Fury Hardtop that are different from the 4dr Hardtop Turbine car.
1. The valence is not a stock valence, Its not setback from the bottom edge of the bumper, it's flush and seems to have a oval opening. The valence on the turbine car looks to be stock.
2. The top of the dash has the standard two fins. While the turbine car has two round gauge pods.
What say you,
Dick
Dick, you're right about the dash. But don't ask me about how a valance should look - it should be smooshed against the splash pan, judging from Faulkner
I'm pretty sure this is a normal valance panel, the angle and distance of the camera is what alters the view slightly.
It's a staged photo for sure, has Chrysler Photographic markings on the back. Note that it was taken in the mid-day sun due to shadows cast by many objects, and I think I see on the original that auxiliary lighting was used, coming in low at the left front of the car, out of view of the camera. Creates a couple lengthy shadows from the tires extending towards the right rear of the car. Not sure if you can see that detail on the website photo copy.
I believe this picture, and even more so the 4 door on the turntable can teach us something about photographic techniques by the factory studios to present the cars in the most attractive perspective. Appears to me that the camera was set some distance away and a slight telephoto lens setting used to get the car to look right. Would be an interesting exercise to photo a car, any car, or object, and take a series of photos from the same spot but use differing focal lengths seeking the most pleasing effect.
Since the original photo is in my hands, and I cannot make out the nameplate wording by eye, I'll try to look at it under magnification in a day or two and report back to y'all.
One other question on this two-door car: is this truly regular Fury trim, without the Sportone insert? Did Furys have the insert standard or was it an option, as I really don't remember right now.
The next guess is as good as any for what it says, beginning with "W" and the rest is up to your imagination. I cannot make it out even with 6X magnification on the original picture. Obviously an early promo photo, never saw it used anywhere. Hope you enjoyed seeing how nice and clear the air was back in the summer of 1958.
And I must apologize for the white spots on the photo, due to some tape that accidently landed on the photo long ago after I got it. When I removed it some of the photo tore off as well.
Lastly, answered my own question about Sport tone trim on Furys by looking at the Showcase, some cars don't have it. Was just going by memory as I do most of the time.
Hope everyone had fun with this and the other pictures, and whatever else pops up.
1959 was quite a year is so many ways, and we get to keep the memories going each and every day with this website. Thanks!!
