The mid-60s to early 70s is often regarded as the golden age of American muscle. From the Ford Mustang to the Dodge Charger, the Chevrolet Chevelle to the Pontiac GTO, this era brought forth some legendary cars. The Plymouth GTX is one of the icons of that thrilling era.
This is a car that began as a variant of the Plymouth Belvedere and over the years has turned into one of the most desirable muscle cars. In this Classic Cars on DubiCars article, we take a closer look at this impressive 1970 Plymouth GTX listed by CV Auto on DubiCars, exploring its design, performance, and significance.
Plymouth GTX History: The Birth Of A Muscle Car Icon
The term ‘muscle car’ first emerged in 1964 when Pontiac marketed its GTO as a muscle car, igniting fierce competition among American car manufacturers. A part of the Chrysler group, Plymouth was formed in 1928 and came to be known for producing large and heavy cars, like most American manufacturers during the time.
However, the muscle car wars of the 60s demanded something new. Plymouth rose to the challenge by introducing the GTX version of the Belvedere in 1967. The Belvedere was a coupe in production since the 1950s and the GTX trim introduced more aggression and performance.
The Plymouth GTX soon became a muscle car icon, with two large engine options offering immense performance. While the redesigned 1971 Plymouth GTX is more popular among enthusiasts and even starred in the Fast & Furious movie franchise, the pre-facelift 1970 model possesses a unique charm that continues to captivate enthusiasts.
Design & Styling: The Gentleman’s Muscle Car
The 1970 Plymouth GTX is often hailed as the ‘Gentleman’s Muscle Car’ due to its raw yet refined styling. Its aggressive design is balanced with a touch of sophistication, making it suitable for both gala dinners and drag races, straight from the showroom floor.
The massive grille with GTX badging integrates the four circular headlamps, and the large bumper caters to all your chrome cravings. The unique purple paint job on this particular car makes it stand out, even in a crowd of muscle cars. The side profile reveals 20-inch blacked-out American Racing alloy wheels that give the car a modern touch.
White stripes on the side profile flow into the non-functional air vents behind the doors, adding character to the GTX. This lengthy car features a massive boot, a signature element of its era. At the rear, the signature tail lamps mimic the front grille.
Interior: Comfortable & Stylish
The interior of the Plymouth GTX is all about keeping its passengers comfortable while keeping the design of its elements classy and stylish. It features plush leather bucket seats, a stylish dashboard with period-correct elements, and ample space for both driver and passengers.
Plymouth didn’t just focus on power and performance; they ensured the ride was luxurious. The interior details include woodgrain trim, a sporty steering wheel, and a simple instrument cluster. The GTX also came equipped with a radio and a cassette player — a luxury in its day. This particular car has additional retrofitted gauges to help the driver monitor oil pressure and engine speed.
Engine & Performance: Big V8 Engine Brings The Flavour
Under the lengthy bonnet of the Plymouth GTX is its 440 cubic-inch, 7.2-litre V8 engine. Produced between 1965 and 1978, this engine powered various Plymouth and Dodge models. The illustrious list of cars this engine powered includes the likes of the Dodge Coronet, Dodge Charger, Plymouth Road Runner, Plymouth Barracuda, and more.
Known as the ‘440 Super Commando,’ this motor was a beast in its day. It produces an impressive 370hp and 651Nm. These figures didn’t make it the most powerful muscle car of the era. However, it did place it among the top 10 fastest muscle cars of the time. It could accelerate to 100km/h in just seven seconds and then on to a top speed of around 210km/h.
Behind the wheel, the GTX feels incredibly powerful. It’s a car that feels at home both on the open road and the drag strip. While its suspension setup was considered sporty for its time, it now feels incredibly comfortable compared to modern muscle cars. Plus, the exhaust note is music to any gearhead’s ears.
Verdict
The 1970 Plymouth GTX with its 440ci V8 is a powerful, stylish, and incredibly fun car to drive. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the golden age of muscle cars. From its aggressive yet refined design to its luxurious interior and powerhouse of an engine, the GTX remains a symbol of American automotive excellence.
Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or someone looking to relive the glory days of American muscle, the 1970 Plymouth GTX is a car that promises an unforgettable experience. Check out the wide variety of classic cars for sale on DubiCars.
Plymouth GTX Price
This particular Plymouth GTX from CV Auto is priced at AED 225,000 and is currently the only GTX for sale in the UAE. Prices for GTX models of this vintage usually range between AED 146,000 and AED 510,000 depending on the car’s condition and spec.
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FAQs
What Does GTX Stand For On A Plymouth GTX?
The Plymouth GTX was designed to compete with the Pontiac GTO, hence a similar name was developed. While rumours suggested that it stood for ‘Grand Touring Extra,’ Plymouth never officially confirmed what it stood for.
How Much Is A Plymouth GTX Worth?
Depending on the condition of the car, its spec, and its story, a Plymouth GTX can sell for anywhere between AED 146,000 and AED 510,000. The most powerful 440 Commando V8 engine has the highest value.
When Was Plymouth GTX Discontinued?
1971 was the last model year of the Plymouth GTX. The muscle car was produced between 1967 and 1971, and around 44,000 units were produced.
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