The
Plymouth muscle cars were some of the most popular options available in the
market back in the 1960’s. That’s why it should be no surprise that the
Plymouth GTX is one of the most remembered.
Some
Background on the Plymouth GTX
Originally,
the GTX was going to be named the Belvedere. It was released in 1967 and was
designed not to be just any example of muscle cars. Instead, it was intended to
be a muscle car for gentlemen – guys who wanted to drive around in a more
luxurious version of the cars being driven by the younger generation. The car
sported a specially designed V8 engine which was known only as the Super
Commando 440. With this intense engine, the car could go from 0 to 60 in about 4.4
seconds which was phenomenal at the time. This version of the car was sold
through 1971. They are still one of the most collectible muscle cars around.
A Lower
Cost Version
While the
Belvedere was designed for the gentleman, 1968 saw the development and release
of a more affordable version of the GTX. This version was known as the Road
Runner. Although it had many of the same features, it included a similar Super
Commando V8 engine that was a 383 not a 440. A TorqueFlite automatic
transmission was also added as a standard feature on the GTX and was offered as
a $200+ option on the Road Runner. Despite the similarities between the
Belvedere and the Road Runner, some clear differences were apparent, including
a smaller number of padding, trim, and other comfort items.
One year
later, the Road Runner was offered as a convertible and the GTX version was
revised a bit, including a changed hood.
The
Plymouth GTX Loses Sales
Because
of the popularity of the Road Runner version, the GTX version had already started
seeing a decrease in sales by the time 1970 rolled around. To improve the
situation, Plymouth decided to do some redesigning, including rear brake air
scoops. The convertible GTX was discontinued, too. More standard equipment was
added. Unfortunately, none of these additions and modifications were enough to
stop the declining interest in the model.
Part of
the problem may have been the release of another Plymouth model during 1970:
the Sport Fury. Built on a C-body, the car was considered more of a luxury car
for older gentlemen and part of that market had been dominated by the Plymouth
Belvedere.
The
following year was the last year of production for the GTX. Because muscle cars
were considered a higher risk in terms of insurance premiums, more consumers
were starting to avoid some of them and that contributed to the reduced sales.
Fewer than 300 were created in this final year.
However,
the GTX model didn’t disappear for good. In 1972, it was an options package
made available for the still popular Road Runner model.
