The muscle car war was in full swing by the late 1960s, and every manufacturer seemed to want a slice of the action. Plymouth took a two-pronged attack into battle with its Road Runner and GTX models. It designed the latter as a more upmarket offering, and while the GTX wasn’t as cheap as some of the competition, it sold in reasonable numbers. This 1968 model is stunning, and its cause is helped by the healthy 440ci V8 teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Its elderly owner feels it deserves a new home, but are you tempted to make it yours?
Plymouth launched the GTX in 1967, although the following year brought a replacement featuring significant styling changes. Our feature car is a second-year classic finished in Forest Green with a matching vinyl top. The car’s history is unclear, with the seller listing it on behalf of a friend. They don’t specify whether it is a genuine survivor or a restored classic. Faulting its presentation is virtually impossible. The paint has an impressive shine, while the panels are as straight as an arrow. The lack of visible surface corrosion across most aspects of this classic suggests it is rust-free. The vinyl is in good order, and the stripes look crisp. I can’t fault the chrome or glass, and the sports wheels provide a muscular finishing touch.
GTX buyers in 1968 could choose between two motors to power their new toy, with this car featuring the entry-level 440ci V8. Classing such a large engine as the base motor seems strange, but the alternative was to splash considerable cash on the 426ci Hemi. However, with 375hp and 480 ft/lbs delivered by the 440, most buyers struggled to justify the outlay. This car teams its V8 with a four-speed manual transmission and a Dana rear end. A 14-second ¼-mile ET should be there for the taking, confirming that Plymouth meant business with the GTX. It is unclear whether this classic is numbers-matching. However, the engine bay presents superbly. The seller supplies this YouTube video of the engine in action. It sounds as sweet as a nut, suggesting the new owner won’t face mechanical worries with this beauty.
Every aspect of the GTX seems to possess the “wow” factor, and its interior is no exception. The White vinyl trim is spotless, with no evidence of marks, stains, or wear. The dash seems flawless, the carpet is excellent, and the console looks exceptional for its age. The current owner added a gauge cluster below the dash to monitor the motor’s health, but that is the only visible change. One welcome feature is the factory AM radio/8-track player. These often disappear as owners substitute more modern alternatives, making this a wonderful discovery.
It is sometimes challenging to determine the desirability of a classic, but this 1968 Plymouth GTX erases any doubts. Since the seller listed it here on eBay in Roxboro, Quebec, Canada, it has received an impressive sixty bids. It sits below the reserve at $35,100, and I suspect it will need to hit at least $40,000 before a new home is inevitable. Would you be interested at that price, or will you be an interested spectator in this auction?
14 seconds in a quarter mile is pretty quick for a car, but to put it in perspective, the 1980 Yamaha XS650 motorcycle , not considered a performance bike by any stretch, could do that same one fourth of a mile in 13.5 seconds. Not to denigrate the GTX in any way because these cars are one of the few muscle Mopars I like.
I believe that the motorcycle is a tad lighter. You really cannot compare the two. In 1968 that type of acceleration was rocket like.
You are right, my only point is I’m just comparing how fast one is to the other.
Interesting that you would compare it to that particular bike. I had a ’79 XS750 that felt fast by anyone who drove it, including other jap bike 750cc owners.
Scoot G. here at BF also has an XS750.
A 14 second quarter mile is quick for a car, but to put it in proper perspective, a 1980 Yamaha 650 motorcycle, not considered a performance bike by any stretch, could do that fourth of a mile in 13.5. This is not to denigrate the GTx here, it’s a nice car and these early editions are one of the few performance Mopars I like.
Try a 1969 Kawasaki 500 H-1 if you want a fast quarter….
Apples to Oranges
Not always about speed its the looks.The car has great lines!! Looks Tough
I agree, I’ve always loved the looks of these, the fastback style rear window, those beautiful wheels, and plenty of muscle with the 440, which should keep it reasonably affordable in this insane market! And the color combo of the green with the white interior, just wish I could be a bidder too! But if I bought another Mopar I would end up in hot water with my better half!
Another great one.
Last year for the blue 440. In 69, they went to the orange 440. Same HP and torque. Great street and/or drag strip engines.
While not a huge Mopar fan, this one would really excite me. There’s nothing that I would change.
Always preferred the 68 over the 69 because of the stainless panel between the taillights on the 68 made it look great. Had the opportunity to drive the same car back in the 70s . Still remember
Wrong wheels wrong console…..why I’m I seeing this car again ?
Really like Plymouth more than Dodge of this era. So much better looking. I don’t understand keeping the original radio. From a collectors POV yeah it’s worth more if it’s unmolested. But if you’re going to drive it I have to have tuneage, and AM and 8 track ain’t gonna make it. If you could even find tapes they’d jam and unspool after a few plays.
In 68 the Chrysler family put a number of cars on the market that were bone crushing monsters. I don’t know which one I liked the most. The GTX Roadrunner.or Super Bee you could even get your family Coronet or Satellite with a big block but the GTX just had something special about it that let you know exactly what business it meant. Grat looking GTX. And l can’t afford any of um.
in the early seventies I built one of these motors with large cam, ported heads double pumper 850 carb hooker headers and a B&M 727 Torque flight trans, stuffed it into a 35 Chevrolet, no muscle car including a turbo Porsche could keep up with me, B block Mopar engines are pretty much bullet proof.
Very handsome car with great equipment throughout…except the owner completely dropped the ball on tires. 17″ Torque Thrusts and Michelin Pilots would retain the resto vibe and allow the car to reach its high performance potential.
And Forest Green? I’m sold! Park this baby next to my F8 Green Scat Pack Challenger! After I pay it off!!!😳😳😳