Plymouth GTX Muscle Car

The Plymouth GTX muscle car was an intermediate sized performance car produced between 1967 and 1971.

It was first launched as the Belvedere GTX. Bizarrely, in the young motorists' world of the muscle car, dominated by power and style, the GTX was hailed as a “gentleman's” muscle car.

Assembled in Missouri in the United States, the GTX was an option for the existing Belvedere range.

Apart from modelling differences such as the grille and rear fascia, mock bonnet scoops and chrome filler cap, the GTX gained its muscle credentials with 7.8l V8 engine, toting the name “Super Commando 440.”

For an extra $546, buyers could instead opt to have “The Elephant”, a Chrysler 7l engine installed under the bonnet. The GTX also came in two versions, a two door hard top and a two door convertible.
 
A year after the Plymouth GTX muscle car launch, it underwent a radical redesign. The body was given an hourglass look. Chrysler also launched what was hailed as a performance version, the Road Runner.

While the 440 remained the standard engine for the GTX, the Road Runner boasted the 6.3 l Super Commando V8.

By 1969 sales of the Plymouth GTX were hit by the success of its sister car the Road Runner. While the GTX underwent only minor styling alterations, as well as the addition of a Air Grabber bonnet – which was optional – the Road Runner was given the body styling of a convertible.

Strangely, little emphasis was placed on the convertible GTX model that year, as only 701 were built.

To halt tumbling sales, the GTX was given a major redesign during 1970, but to little avail as the American motorist continued to be unimpressed.

The new design changes featured smoother body lines, and a power bulge bonnet. That year saw the end of production of the GTX convertible. A variety of engines were also made available in a addition to the 440 four barrel. These were the 440 +6 and the 426 Hemi.

Added to the line was the Sports Fury GT, which never matched the renown of the GTX, even though both models were similar in performance.

Despite the redesign of the previous year, 1971 was the final year it was to be sold as a model in its own right, becoming an option within the Road Runner range in 1972.

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