Plymouth GTX: The Mopar Muscle Legend That Burned Bright and Fast

 

 

1968  Plymouth GTX Convertible

 

Some cars don’t just roll off the production line—they thunder into history. One such machine was the Plymouth GTX, a true heavyweight in the golden age of American muscle cars. Built for performance and dressed to impress, the GTX earned its title as the “gentleman’s muscle car” while leaving rubber and rivals in the rearview.

1967: The Birth of a Mopar Icon

When Plymouth unveiled the GTX in 1967, it wasn’t just another mid-size performance car—it was a statement. With only two engine choices, both were brute force options:

• 440 cubic-inch Super Commando V8 with 375 horsepower
• The legendary 426 HEMI rated at 425 horsepower (though many agree it packed far more in reality)

Either option could launch the GTX from 0-60 in just over six seconds—lightning fast for its size and era. And it wasn’t just straight-line speed. According to Motor Trend Magazine, the GTX was also one of the best-handling full-sized cars of the decade. Nearly 13,000 units were sold in its debut year—a strong start for a new nameplate.

1968: A New Look and More Power to Burn

In 1968, the GTX got a full redesign in step with the rest of Chrysler’s intermediate line. Sharing styling cues with the Dodge Charger, Super Bee, and the newly introduced Plymouth Road Runner, the new shape was sleek, aggressive, and unmistakably Mopar.

Performance stayed top-tier, and so did the accolades. Car Life Magazine hailed the GTX as “the fastest and most powerful standard car built in America,” giving major kudos to the 440 as well. Sales surged to over 18,000 units, making it the high watermark for GTX popularity.

1969–1970: The Muscle Car Zenith

While the body remained mostly unchanged in 1969 and 1970, Plymouth knew better than to mess with a winning formula. Cosmetic tweaks were limited to grille and taillight updates, but under the hood, the GTX remained a beast.

The big news in 1970 was the introduction of a third powerplant: the infamous 440 Six Barrel. Sporting a trio of dual-barrel carbs, it was not only wild to look at—it packed an extra 35 horsepower punch. It was pure Mopar magic.

• 1969 sales: ~15,000 units
• 1970 sales: Dropped to ~7,000, not because of the car—but the times.

Insurance premiums, rising gas prices, and a cooling economy began to dim the bright lights of the muscle car era.

1971: The Final Form of a Legend

Plymouth redesigned its intermediate line in 1971 with a futuristic, jet-inspired look. The “fuselage” styling turned heads, but not all in a good way. It was a love-it-or-hate-it design that marked the end of an era.

The GTX still offered potent powertrains, but the market had moved on. Only 2,600 GTXs were sold in 1971. By 1972, the GTX was no longer a standalone model, surviving only as an option package on the Road Runner.

The GTX Legacy: A Star That Still Shines

Though its production run was short-lived, the Plymouth GTX left a lasting impression. It entered late into the muscle car wars, but it arrived with power, presence, and poise. Today, collectors and enthusiasts prize these machines for their:

• Muscular performance
• Aggressive, timeless styling
• Low production numbers (especially the HEMI and Six Barrel variants)

If you’re lucky enough to find a clean GTX—especially from 1967–1970—you’re looking at a true piece of Mopar history and a surefire head-turner at any car show.

Are You a GTX Fan?

Whether you grew up dreaming of a HEMI-powered boulevard bruiser or you’re just discovering the legend, the Plymouth GTX is a must-know name in classic American muscle. From its bold beginnings to its lasting legacy, the GTX didn’t just keep up with the muscle car pack—it often led it.

 

1969 Plymouth GTX

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