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Remembering the Plymouth GTX, the Gentleman's Muscle Car

The muscle car war was in full swing in the mid-1960s, both in dealerships and at the drag strip. But as intermediate cars were becoming increasingly faster and more powerful, some customers wanted them with the nice features usually found in full-size automobiles. While Dodge answered with the Charger in 1966, Plymouth rolled out the GTX in 1967.
1967 Plymouth GTX ad 15 photos
Photo: Chrysler Corporation
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The GTX was based on the sixth-generation Belvedere. A nameplate that made its debut back in 1954 as a full-size, it was downsized to intermediate duty in 1962. In 1965, it joined the muscle car market by gaining the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Wedge V8.

Naturally, it was subsequently fitted with the 426 Hemi and the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB, both added to the lineup for 1967.

That's when Plymouth also launched the GTX, an upscale-trimmed version of the Belvedere. To set it apart from its more affordable sibling, Plymouth fitted the GTX with a special grille and rear fascia panel, as well as faux hood scoops and a NASCAR-inspired chrome gas cap. Twin racing stripes were also available for a sportier look.

Inside the cabin, the GTX was notably more luxurious than the Belevedere. Extras included a pair of bucket front seats, embossed vinyl upholstery, and extra chrome trim. And it was more comfortable, too, as it came with six-leaf rear springs, heavy-duty shocks, torsion bars, and power steering as standard.

1967 Plymouth GTX
Photo: Chrysler Corporation
While the Belevedere came with a wide selection of six-cylinder and small-block V8 engines, the GTX was restricted to Mopar's high-performance mills: the 440 RB and the 426 Hemi. The latter provided 425 horsepower, while the four-barrel Super Commando came with 375 horsepower on tap.

The GTX was redesigned for 1968 when Plymouth introduced notable changes to its B-body lineup. It was also repositioned as an upscale version of the then-new Road Runner. Unlike the latter, the GTX was also offered as a convertible and came with the TorqueFlite automatic as standard.

In addition, the GTX showcased chrome wheel-lip moldings, twin-tripe decals above the side skirts, and a well-appointed cabin with fake woodgrain. The 440 and 426 Hemi V8 engine options remained unchanged.

Plymouth did not upgrade the GTX visually for 1969, but it included a wider choice of rear axles on the options list. The latter also included the iconic Air Grabber hood and a Hurst shifter.

1969 Plymouth GTX
Photo: Mecum Auctions
A third engine option appeared mid-year: a 440 V8 with three two-barrel carburetors. Rated at 390 horsepower, it delivered an extra 15 horses over the four-barrel version.

The GTX gained a new appearance with slightly smoother lines and a more aggressive stance for the 1970 model year. Updates included a bulged hood, faux rear brake scoops, Rally wheels, and a single reflective stripe on each side.

The Air Grabber remained standard on the Hemi version and optional on the 440+6 model. Sales dropped under 10,000 units for the very first time due to higher insurance costs and the fact that the GTX lost its convertible model.

Even though the Belvedere was discontinued in 1971, the GTX remained in production as an upscale version of the Satellite. A notable departure from the previous year, the GTX was slightly smaller and featured a fuselage-style body with rounded fenders and wrap-around bumpers.

1971 Plymouth GTX
Photo: Mecum Auctions
While some carmakers detuned their muscle car engines for 1971, Plymouth kept the 426 Hemi and the 440+6 unaltered at 425 and 390 horsepower, respectively. The base 440 lost only five horses, now rated at 370 horsepower. With only 2,942 cars delivered, the GTX was discontinued as a stand-alone model.

However, the "GTX" badge soldiered on until 1974 on Road Runners fitted with the optional 440 V8.

In five model years on the market, the GTX moved 44,178 units. 1968 was its best year, with 18,940 examples sold. Needless to say, it wasn't quite as popular as the Belvedere and the Road Runner, but that's what makes it a rare and desirable classic nowadays.

Hemi-equipped cars are particularly scarce, as only 1,481 were delivered this way across five model years. The 1971 Hemi GTX is the rarest, with only 30 built, while 1970 saw only 72 426-equipped cars leave the assembly line.

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About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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