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Chrysler realized a tough lesson from the GTO: picture meant every part. Whereas all of Detroit provided some form of efficiency mannequin by 1966, Chrysler merely felt having the Hemi was picture sufficient. That didn’t translate to gross sales, nevertheless, and the extra tolerable 383 was missing in energy in comparison with Tri-Energy Goats. In 1967, Chrysler developed a two-pronged assault by introducing the most important engine obtainable in a efficiency automotive (440) and having it customary in a efficiency mannequin (Plymouth GTX and Dodge Coronet R/T). Our Decide of the Day could be very good instance of one in all these automobiles, a 1967 Plymouth GTX. It’s listed on ClassicCars.com by a vendor in Volo, Illinois. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)
Earlier than the GTX, Plymouth relied on its Belvedere and Satellite tv for pc fashions to deal with the efficiency chores. In any case, this was the way it was carried out beforehand by most manufacturers — even Pontiac provided 421s within the Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville, and Grand Prix. However the GTO modified issues by selling a efficiency picture with a novel mannequin and trim. Oldsmobile rapidly developed the 4-4-2 earlier than the tip of the 1964 mannequin yr, and the Buick Gran Sport joined in 1965. Chevrolet had the products in 1965 however determined to construct an unique Z16 SS 396, ready to supply a full manufacturing model for 1966, the place it was joined by the Ford Fairlane GT and Mercury Cyclone GT. The market seemingly was plagued by mid-size efficiency automobiles, but Chrysler continued to place large engines in fashions with unglamorous names like Belvedere, Satellite tv for pc, and Coronet. For 1967, Chrysler lastly joined the bandwagon, and clearly it had been taking notes.
On Plymouth’s facet, the brand new GTX mannequin was primarily based on the high-line Satellite tv for pc, which meant it had a elaborate inside and loads of exterior trim. Whereas the GTO solely provided a brand new 400, the GTX trumped it with an enormous 440 providing 375 horsepower — that was 15 greater than the GTO’s high marketed horsepower. Pontiac had a 428, however an odd rule restricted it to full-size automobiles, restraining the GTO’s efficiency potential. And if the 440 GTX had points competing with the 427 obtainable within the FoMoCo merchandise, Plymouth provided the 426 Hemi as an possibility. Swiftly, Plymouth was king of the hill.
Offered here’s a positive instance of a 1967 Plymouth GTX that’s extra uncommon than most. Options particular to the GTX included simulated hood scoops, rocker panel and wheel trim, rear applique, “pit-stop” fuel cap, chrome exhaust suggestions, and upscale bucket seat inside. All these items are typical GTX fare. The usual 440 Tremendous Commando with TorqueFlite powers this White Plymouth, however peek inside and you could discover the white inside options crimson elements. Triple white tends to be extra at house on a Cadillac convertible, however most GTXs with white interiors obtained black elements. In response to Plymouth’s colour and trim mixture chart, this inside was really useful with Black, Darkish Purple, and White hues, and acceptable with Buffed Silver and Shiny Purple colours. Whomever ordered this automotive selected to undergo a barely totally different route than typical, and the outcomes are spectacular.
“All of it #s matching and restored to manufacturing facility concourse high quality. Documented with fender tag, construct sheet, decoded by Galen Govier and listed in his registry,” says the vendor. “The steel trim is all repainted. The door panels, armrests, cranks, and handles seem like new. The seats are rebuilt and have agency cushion and all-new upholstery with the proper embossed western sample. The complete sprint space is gorgeous.” Each the engine compartment and underside are detailed, with “all of the dates and codes lining up correctly.”
So, what wouldn’t it price to accumulate this primo piece of Plymouth historical past? “This may price $150,000 to duplicate at knowledgeable store,” the vendor claims. Solely an excellent resto (wo)man is aware of for certain how true that’s, whereas we all know that this GTX may be yours for $85,998.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Decide of the Day.
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