Plymouth GTX

Last updated
Plymouth GTX
1970 Plymouth GTX.jpg
1970 Plymouth GTX
Overview
Manufacturer Plymouth (Chrysler)
Production1966–1971 (44,178 units)
Assembly St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Body and chassis
Class Muscle car
Layout FR layout
Platform B-body

The Plymouth GTX is an automobile introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 by the Plymouth division. It was positioned as a mid-sized upscale-trimmed performance muscle car through the 1971 model year.

Contents

1967

First generation
67 Plymouth Belvedere GTX (8748507745).jpg
Overview
Also calledPlymouth Belvedere GTX
Production1967
Body and chassis
Body style
Related Dodge Charger
Plymouth Belvedere
Plymouth Satellite
Powertrain
Engine 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
Transmission 4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 116.0 in (2,946 mm)
1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX convertible 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX Convertible (35121787145).jpg
1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX convertible

The GTX was based on the Belvedere, and was differentiated by a blacked out grille and special rear fascia, fiberglass simulated hood scoops with optional racing stripes, a chrome "pop-open" fuel filler cap, and a tachometer mounted on the center console. [1]

The GTX was positioned as a "gentleman's muscle car". [2] Standard was Plymouth's 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 engine called the "Super Commando 440" rated at 375 hp (280 kW). Optional was Chrysler's 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi. A heavy duty suspension system was also standard.

Performance

Model0-60 mph1/4 mile timeSource
1967 4406.5 seconds15.2 seconds at 97 mph (156 km/h) [2]
1967 426 Hemi4.8 seconds13.5 seconds at 105 mph (169 km/h) [2]

1968-1970

Second generation
1968 Plymouth GTX (15056060851).jpg
1968 Plymouth GTX
Overview
Model years 1968–1970
Body and chassis
Body style
Platform B-body
Related Dodge Coronet
Dodge Charger
Plymouth Belvedere
Plymouth Satellite
Powertrain
Engine 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
Transmission 4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 116.0 in (2,946 mm)
Length202.7 in (5,149 mm)
Width76.4 in (1,941 mm)
Height54.7 in (1,389 mm)

1968

1968 Plymouth HEMI GTX 1968hemiGTXBlack.jpg
1968 Plymouth HEMI GTX
1968 Plymouth GTX convertible 68 Plymouth GTX (7331425156).jpg
1968 Plymouth GTX convertible

Chrysler introduced major changes in the design of the 1968 model Plymouth B-bodies and the GTX was given a completely new look. A new hourglass body replaced the previous rectilinear design. The high performance 440 was standard in the GTX as was the TorqueFlite automatic transmission, while it was an extra cost option in the Road Runner. The GTX used the Sport Satellite trim and was offered in two body styles, a two-door convertible and a two-door hardtop (no B-pillar). All featured dual horizontal "racing stripes" on the lower sides ending with a GTX emblem ahead of the rear wheel openings.

The GTX was positioned to be an upscale model of the Plymouth Road Runner by adding luxury to performance. [3]

1969

1969 Plymouth GTX 1969 Plymouth GTX 2 door Hardtop (cropped).jpg
1969 Plymouth GTX

In 1969, the GTX's sales dropped when the Road Runner was also offered in a convertible body style. The GTX received minor cosmetic changes to the tail lights and grille, as well as the side marker lights. An optional "Air Grabber" hood (standard on Hemi-engined cars) featured functional openings on both sides of the hood that were controlled from the dash. [4]

The 1969 GTX had standard black lower-body side paint in place of the previous stripes. The standard 440 V8 was still rated at 375 hp (280 kW). This was the last year that the convertible model was available on the GTX. Total production was 701 GTX convertibles in 1969. Of those, eleven were equipped with the 426 Hemi; four were 4-speeds and seven had TorqueFlite automatics.

1970

1970 GTX with an Air Grabber hood 1970redGTX.JPG
1970 GTX with an Air Grabber hood

The 1970 GTX received a minor redesign with a new grille and rear taillights. Sales were low as the car did not look much different from the Road Runner. Stylists made the lines smoother, and a "power bulge" hood was introduced, as well as non-functional rear-brake air scoops. The convertible body style was no longer available. The Air Grabber hood returned, but instead of having two narrow openings running length-wise as in 1969, it had one opening scoop located on the power bulge. The GTX was available with the standard 440 four-barrel carburetor. Optional were the 440+6 barrel (three 2-barrel carburetors) and the 426 Hemi. In keeping with the GTX marketing strategy, the 1970 model included many standard features.

The only other performance luxury model in Plymouth's lineup was the full-size Sport Fury GT, built on the C-Body platform. The GT was added to the lineup in 1970.

1971

Third generation
Plymouth GTX (41634240802).jpg
1971 Plymouth GTX
Overview
Model years 1971
Designer John Herlitz
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door hardtop
Related Dodge Charger
Dodge Coronet
Plymouth Road Runner
Plymouth Satellite
Powertrain
Engine 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi 426 V8
440 cu in (7.2 L) RB 440 V8
Transmission 4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 115.0 in (2,921 mm)
Length203.2 in (5,161 mm)
Width79.1 in (2,009 mm)
Height52.9 in (1,344 mm)
1971 GTX Plygtx71.jpg
1971 GTX
440+6 engine in a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 1971 440 6pack roadrunner engine.jpg
440+6 engine in a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

The B-body was redesigned for 1971 and featured rounded "fuselage" styling with a raked windshield, hidden cowl, and a loop-type front bumper around a deeply inset grille and headlights. This was the final year for the GTX as a stand-alone model. The convertible body style was dropped.

1971 Plymouth GTX, one of eleven manually equipped, Hemi-engined cars built 1971 Plymouth GTX Hemi in Curious Yellow, rear right (Greenwich 2021).jpg
1971 Plymouth GTX, one of eleven manually equipped, Hemi-engined cars built
1971 GTX tail light panel with factory slotted exhaust tips 71tailights.jpg
1971 GTX tail light panel with factory slotted exhaust tips

Engine choices were 440 four-barrel, 440 with three two-barrels (Six Pack), and 426 Hemi. Emission restrictions such as lower compression ratios and faster-acting choke operation lowered the base 440 output by 5 hp (3.7 kW), to 370 hp (280 kW). The 440 Six Barrel was down to 385 hp (287 kW), but the Hemi was still rated at 425 hp (317 kW). Due partly to rising insurance rates on muscle cars, sales were low. There were fewer than 3,000 units produced in 1971 (a total of 2,942), and only 30 cars were equipped with the Hemi engine, which was discontinued after this year. [5]

For 1972 through 1974, any Road Runner ordered with the optional 440 was renamed Road Runner GTX and included the badging of both previous models.

Notes

  1. "1967-1974 Plymouth GTX: muscle cars with all the trimmings". allpar.com. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 "Plymouth GTX - History". Musclecarclub.com. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  3. Eisenschenk, Wes (2017). 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. CarTech. p. 10. ISBN   9781613253021 . Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  4. Gunnell, John (2005). American Cars of the 1960s: A Decade of Diversity. Krause Publications. pp. 28–29. ISBN   0896891313 . Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  5. Holley, Chris (2020-10-05). "The Last Gentleman's Muscle Car: Al Macdonald's 1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX". Mopar Connection. Archived from the original on 2021-03-04.


Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac GTO</span> Car models produced by General Motors Corporation

The Pontiac GTO is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-door and four-passenger automobile manufactured and marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over four generations from 1963 until 1974 in the United States — with a fifth generation made by GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, for the 2004 through 2006 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muscle car</span> High-performance car

A muscle car is an American-made two-door sports coupe with a powerful engine, generally designed for high-performance driving.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth (automobile)</span> Defunct American automobile brand

Plymouth was a brand of automobiles produced by Chrysler Corporation and its successor DaimlerChrysler. The brand was launched in 1928 to compete in what was then described as the "low-priced" market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. It became a high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s. Plymouth cars were marketed primarily in the United States. The brand was withdrawn from the marketplace in 2001. The Plymouth models that were produced up until then were either discontinued or rebranded as Chrysler or Dodge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Road Runner</span> Type of muscle car manufactured by Plymouth

The Plymouth Road Runner is a mid-size car with a focus on performance built by Plymouth in the United States between 1968 and 1980. By 1968, some of the original muscle cars were moving away from their roots as relatively cheap, fast cars as they gained features and increased in price. Plymouth developed the Road Runner to market a lower-priced, basic trim model to its upscale GTX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Superbird</span> Automobile made by Plymouth Motor Company

The Plymouth Superbird is a highly modified, short-lived version of the Plymouth Road Runner with applied graphic images as well as a distinctive horn sound, both referencing the popular Looney Tunes cartoon character Road Runner. It was the factory's follow-up stock car racing design, for the 1970 season, to the Dodge Charger Daytona of 1969, and incorporated many engineering changes and modifications garnered from the Daytona's season in competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler 300 letter series</span> High-performance luxury cars built in very limited numbers

The Chrysler 300 "letter series" are high-performance personal luxury cars that were built by Chrysler in the U.S. from 1955 to 1965 and were a sub-model from the Chrysler New Yorker. After the initial year, which was named C-300 for its standard 300 hp (220 kW) 331 cu in (5.4 L) FirePower V8, the 1956 cars were designated 300B. Successive model years were given the next letter of the alphabet as a suffix, reaching the 300L by 1965, after which the model sequence was discontinued while the "300" remained. At its introduction it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler New Yorker</span> American automobile model (1940–1996)

The Chrysler New Yorker is an automobile model produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, serving for several decades as either the brand's flagship model or as a junior sedan to the Chrysler Imperial, the latter during the years in which the Imperial name was used within the Chrysler lineup rather than as a standalone brand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Barracuda</span> Car model built by Chrysler Corporation

The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Charger Daytona</span> Motor vehicle

Dodge produced three separate models with the name Dodge Charger Daytona, all of which were modified Dodge Chargers. The name was taken from Daytona Beach, Florida, which was an early center for auto racing and still hosts the Daytona 500, NASCAR's premier event. The original Dodge Charger Daytona was designed to beat the competition in NASCAR racing. It was the first NASCAR vehicle to reach 200 miles per hour, which was a major milestone at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Dart</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Dart is a line of passenger cars produced by Dodge from the 1959 to 1976 model years in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler B engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Chrysler B and RB engines are a series of big-block V8 gasoline engines introduced in 1958 to replace the Chrysler FirePower engines. The B and RB engines are often referred to as "wedge" engines because they use wedge-shaped combustion chambers; this differentiates them from Chrysler's 426 Hemi big block engines that are typically referred to as "Hemi" or "426 Hemi" due to their hemispherical shaped combustion chambers. The corporation had been seeking a smaller and lighter replacement for its FirePower engines, in part because new styling dictates meant moving the engine forward in the chassis which negatively affected weight distribution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Coronet</span> American car model sold 1949–1959, 1965–1976

The Dodge Coronet is an automobile that was marketed by Dodge in seven generations, and shared nameplates with the same bodyshell with varying levels of equipment installed. Introduced as a full-size car in 1949, it was the division's highest trim line and moved to the lowest level starting in 1955 through 1959. The name was reintroduced on intermediate-sized models from the 1965 until 1976 model years. Muscle car versions were available starting in 1965 with the 383 and 426 wedge cu in Chrysler RB engine, followed in 1966 by the powerful 426 cu in Chrysler Hemi. Other performance models included the "Superbee", and featured, the 383 cu in Magnum, among other engine options. The nameplate "coronet" is a type of crown worn by royalty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Fury</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Fury is a model of automobile that was produced by Plymouth from 1955 until 1989. It was introduced for the 1956 model year as a sub-series of the Plymouth Belvedere, becoming a separate series one level above the contemporary Belvedere for 1959. The Fury was a full-size car from 1959 until 1961, then a mid-size car from 1962 until 1964, again, a full-size car from 1965 through 1974, and again, a mid-size car from 1975 through 1978. From 1975 until 1977, the Fury was sold alongside the full-size Plymouth Gran Fury. In 1978, the B-body Fury was the largest Plymouth, and by 1979, there was no large Plymouth. This product gap was filled in 1980 with the R-body Gran Fury, followed by the M-body Fury in 1982. Production of the last V8, RWD Plymouth Fury ended at the Kenosha Main assembly plant in Kenosha, WI, on December 23, 1988. Unlike its sibling brand, Dodge, Plymouth would not live to see the resurgence of the large, V8/RWD sedan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Belvedere</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Belvedere is a series of American automobile models made by Plymouth from 1954 until 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Super Bee</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Super Bee is a mid-sized muscle car marketed by Dodge, that was produced for the 1968 through 1971 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Satellite</span> Motor vehicle

The Plymouth Satellite is a mid-size automobile introduced in the 1965 model year as the top trim model in Plymouth's "B" platform Belvedere line. Available initially in two-door hardtop and convertible models, the Satellite remained the top-of-the-line model until the 1967 model year. A station wagon version was added and a higher "Sport" trim introduced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Newport</span> Motor vehicle

The Newport was a name used by Chrysler for both a hardtop body designation and also for its lowest priced model between 1961 and 1981. Chrysler first used the Newport name on a 1940 show car, of which five vehicles were produced. From 1950 to 1956, the Newport name was then used to designate any Chrysler model with a hardtop body style. In 1961, Chrysler introduced the Newport as a new, low-priced model, offering large, comfortable two- and four-door Chrysler models that were modestly priced compared with the Chrysler 300, the Chrysler New Yorker and the Imperial. For 1961, the Newport was priced below the Chrysler Windsor in the Windsor's final year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Charger (1966)</span> American specialty car model by Dodge

The Dodge Charger (1966), also known as Dodge Charger (B-body), is a mid-size automobile that was produced by Dodge from 1966 through 1978 model years, and was based on the Chrysler B platform.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1955 Dodge</span> Motor vehicle

The 1955 Dodge car lineup, consisting of the entry-level Coronet, Royal, and ornate Custom Royal, was a major departure for the company. Driven almost out of business in 1953 and 1954, the Chrysler Corporation was revived with a $250 million loan from Prudential and new models designed by Virgil Exner. The Dodge lineup was positioned as the mainstream line in Chrysler's hierarchy, between DeSoto and Plymouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Challenger (1970)</span> Automotive vehicle produced by Dodge

The Dodge Challenger is a full-size automobile produced by American automobile manufacturer Dodge. The first use of the Challenger name by Dodge was in 1959 for marketing a "value version" of the full-sized Coronet Silver Challenger.