Muscle Cars - Plymouth Belvedere GTX

plymouth belvedere gtx grillesThe Plymouth GTX was introduced in 1967. It was a performance machine that had reliability and a standard 440 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 375 horsepower. It was based on Plymouth's two-door Belvedere hardtop and convertible, with subtle performance cues such as a special grille and tail panel, simulated hood scoops and a 'pit stop' chrome gas cap. The GTX was updated in 1969 from all the updates to the intermediate Belvedere line that year as well as well as a heavy duty battery, car exhaust trumpets, red or white reflective stripes, a performance cam, big valve and ports, a heavy-duty Torqueflite transmission and heavy-duty underpinnings.

This 1969 Plymouth GTX has been in the same ownership for 28 years before it was acquired by the current owner in the mid-2000s. There is a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission and produces about 375 horsepower. There were only about 700 GTX Convertibles built for 1969, as compared to nearly 15,000 GTX Coupes. There are options such as power steering, power brakes, factory AM/FM radio, Air Grabber hood and a factory tachometer. In 1967 Plymouth introduced the GTX as an optional package on the Belvedere model line. The GTX was a two-door vehicle that could be purchased in either convertible or hardtop configuration.

plymouth belvedere gtx tail lightsIt had all the performance options pre-installed and packaged in a stylish vehicle design. The excellent handling was courteous of the leaf springs, modified shocks, ball joins, and torsion bars. Under the hood was a 440 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine, dubbed the Super Cammando 440, producing an astonishing 375 horsepower. A 426 cubic-inch Hemi engine was optional, and boosted horsepower to 425. It cost just a little over $540 for the Hemi engine and only 720 buyers purchased this option. The three-speed automatic transmission was standard but a four-speed manual could be purchased to replace the automatic gearbox.

Plymouth offered a Super Stock R023 version that included the Hemi engine and intended for the drag strip racing circuit. To reduce weight, all non-essential items were removed including the heater, radio, and carpet. Only 55 examples were produced. The 440 was a tunable engine, still able to be driven on the street, and was not plagued with the same tire-spin that the Hemi endured. In 1968 the GTX was modified both aesthetically and mechanically. The taillights and grill were revised and a new hood design was used in place of the former design. In the front were disc brakes. The suspension was modified, the tires became wider, and it now featured a limited slip differential.

plymouth belvedere gtx wheelsIt shared many of the same mechanics as the Plymouth Road Runner, an economical, performance machine. The TorqueFlite automatic gearbox was standard but could be replaced with a four-speed manual at no-cost. Only 450 GTX's were ordered with the Hemi option, costing the $564 over the base $3355 price. For 1969, the GTX was modified only slightly with most of the changes to the grill and taillights. The big news was the Hurst shifter, Air Grabber option, and various rear axles. There were now three engine options. The 440 cubic-inch engines single four-barrel carburetor was replaced with a three two-barrel carburetor resulting in 390 horsepower.

It was dubbed the 440+6 and cost just $120 over the base 440 cubic-inch engine that produced 375 horsepower. Only 209 buyers shelled out the $700 for the Hemi engine. This was the final year the convertible option was offered. In 1970 the GTX was restyled and given a hood scoop that did nothing but add to the aggressive look of the car. A bulge in the hood completed the look of the vehicle. The 440 cubic-inch 8-cylinder engine was standard. The 440+6 and 426 Hemi were optional. The 440+6 was a popular option with 768 buyers opting for the performance increase. Only 72 buyers purchased the Hemi. Sales were slow for the GTX in 1970 with only 7,748 examples being produced.