The GTX was Plymouth’s upscale mid-size performance automobile, arriving on the muscle car scene a year before the popular Road Runner. Sales were fewer compared to its more budget-oriented cousin, so the GTX was produced as a standalone model for only five years. This 1970 edition is from the car’s second generation and has been in storage since the ’90s. While that doesn’t seem that long ago to some of us, it’s been parked 25 to 30 years! It may need some coaxing to run and will require some time in the body shop to correct former ills. Located in Wahoo, Nebraska, this Plymouth is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $16,300. But there’s a reserve waiting to be met before someone can tow it home.

Plymouth introduced the GTX in 1967 as an extension of the Belvedere/Satellite line-up. It was only available as a 2-door hardtop or convertible and came with the 440 cubic-inch, 375 hp “Super Commando” V8 and TorqueFlite automatic transmission as standard equipment. The trim level was a cut above, much like that on the Satellite. Initially, a Hemi was the only optional engine, but the 440 6-Pack became available later. Due to a lack in popularity, the convertible body style was dropped after 1969.

For 1970, the GTX received a styling update and hood scoop bulge that added to the aggressive look of the car. Production for the year only reached 7,748 copies, so by 1972, the GTX was an option on the better-selling Road Runner. The seller’s 1970 GTX appears to have been finished in Tor-Red paint which may not be original. There is evidence of some bodywork done in the past, like the cracking of Bondo in both of the rear quarter panels. If that’s the case, new ones may be required rather than doing another patch job. And there’s a big hole in the trunk floor where a section was cut out where the gas tank was.

While we’re told the VIN and door tags match, the fender tag is missing. This is not a numbers-matching car, as the 440 under the hood came out of a 1968 model. It doesn’t run but the seller says the motor turns over freely by hand, a good sign. Having been dormant for upwards of 30 years, we’re told the prior owner eventually lost interest in the project. The GTX is not complete as the seller says a few parts are missing, but “nothing major” (like the radiator, for example). Also, could the transmission be out given the lack of a shifter in the console and how high the front end rests off the ground?  The interior looks okay at first glance, but some cracks in the upholstery will require the seats to be redone along with replacing the old carpeting.

The resale value of the 1970 GTX is at least as strong as that of the Road Runner and maybe more given the smaller production numbers and scarcity today. If the seller hasn’t set a reserve too high, perhaps there is room to fund a restoration on this car without breaking the bank. How many Tor-Red GTX’s can be left? It sure would be a beauty once it is back on the road!

Special thanks to Bruce Johnson for his collaboration on this article.