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1970 Plymouth GTX 440 Barn Find

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.

Comments

  1. Avatar George Mattar

    I believe one photo on eBay shows this car in a paint booth. Wishful thinking.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Ed H

    That’s how I remember a 1970 car that is only 5 years old looking like

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Sam Shive

    Non Matching Numbers. Bid At $22,000.00 Needs LOTS Of Work. Some one might break even. NOT ME

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Vern p

    Nicest year for the GTX IMO. A bargain no frilles street racer at its best.
    B-body cars always bringing the big $$. With parts now for old Chryslers readily available, even one in this condition can be brought back for a price.
    Car seems complete, have seen shells of second gen Chargers go for stupid money with many missing parts. I wouldn’t bid over 20

    Like 4
    • Avatar steve

      I’ve seen so many MOPARS in the ’65 to ’70 year range that folks have let RUST DOWN to almost nothing…….Such a shame but I guess no one knew what they would be worth in 2022……Again…SUCH A SHAME!!!!!

      Like 1
  5. Avatar gene

    Too much RUST on this one, no matter the $$$

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Rex B Schaefer

    More Mopar rust buckets!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Mike Wismer

    I’m the guy who bought this garage find and plan on restoring this car going back to previous owner and find out the past history and hopefully fine org. motor fender tag and any thing else if anybody has info please let me know thanks

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Mike Wismer

    Working on getting motor running. Also been on the look for a Jan or Feb 1970 hp block. Car needs partial quarters and trunk floor. Was an under coat car so everything under car as in good condition surprised and happy.Goin to show it before resto as a b/f .

    Like 0

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