1959
Strictly from an engineering point of view, 1959 was a pivotal year at Chrysler.
The 300E was now powered by a 413 cubic-inch RB Wedge
engine ("R" for
raised deck height B-engine) with dual Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetors.
While much cheaper to produce than the Hemi, the 413 Wedge was rated at an
identical 380 horsepower as
the earlier and more costly Hemis.
The big, beautiful new Dodge for 1959 received engine upgrades befitting its
new look. The D-500 engine was now an enlarged version of the 361 B-engine
at 383 inches and 320 horsepower from a single 4-barrel carburetor. The Super
D-500 V8, also a 383 B-engine, produced 345 horsepower through dual Carter
AFB 4-barrel carbs.
Alas, the Plymouth Fury was gone as a true performance-specific car with a
stand-alone identity. Fury badging was now available on several body styles,
including a Plymouth Fury Suburban station wagon. At the top end was the new
Sport Fury available as either a hardtop or convertible; silver anodized aluminum
replaced the gold of previous years. Standard propulsion in a Sport Fury was
the 318 Poly engine with a single 4-barrel carb and 260 horsepower. A 361 cubic-inch,
305 horsepower "Golden Commander" engine was a $74 option.
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