Plymouth GTX
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The Plymouth GTX was introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 by the Plymouth division to be a "gentleman's" muscle car. It was to be an exceptional blend of style and pefromance. What differed it from a normal Belvedere was its special grille and rear fascia, as well as mock hood scoops, chrome "pit stop" fuel filler cap and optional racing stripes. For the performance aspect of the vehicle, a superb suspension system was made standard. Standard too was Plymouth's massive 440 in³ (7.2 L) V8 nicknamed the "Super Commando 440". The engine was rated at 375 hp. Buyers in 1967 could pay an extra US$546 and replace the 440 with Chrysler's legendary 426 in³ Hemi, which was rated at 425 hp. Only 720 GTXs were sold with this engine.
1968
In 1968, the Road Runner was introduced by Plymouth as a budget version of the Belvedere. There were minor changes made in the design of the Belevdere, which made it to both the Road Runner and the GTX. The Road Runner's base engine was the 383 in³ V8, while the 440 was still standard in the GTX. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission was the standard on the GTX, with it being a US$206 option in the Road Runner. The GTX was offered in two models, the 2-door convertible and the 2-door hardtop.1969
In 1969, the GTX's sales were hurt when the Road Runner was offered in a convertible body style. The GTX recived minor cosmetic changes, as well as the introduction of the Air Grabber hood, which made the hood scoops fuctional. 1969 also saw the introduction of the 440+6, referred to as the "440 Six Pack." In this configuration, the standard Carter four-barrel carburetor was replaced by three two-barrel carburetors. This produced an extra 15 hp, making the output of the 440+6 390 hp. The standard 440 V8 was still rated at 375 hp.
1970
The 1970 GTX received a major redesign. The lines were made smoother, and a "power bulge" hood was introduced, as well as non-functional rear brake air scoops. The convertible model was lost in 1970. The Air Grabber hood scoop was brought back, but instead of being two scoops on the hood as in 1969, it became one scoop located on the power bulge. The GTX was available with the standard 440, as well as the 440+6 and the 426 Hemi. But because the GTX was heavier, it was a little bit slower than the more popular Road Runner. However, no GTX ever lacked power.1971
1971 was the final year for the GTX as a standalone model; it was completely redesigned for this year. The 440 engine was still available. Emission restrictions such as lower compression ratios and faster-acting choke operation lowered the output by 5 hp, down to 370 hp. Due to rising insurance rates, sales of the car were low and that spelled the end of the GTX and the Hemi engine.1972-1974
From 1972 to 1974, the GTX was no longer a model of its own, but rather an option package on the Road Runner.External links
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