Back From Kuwait: 1969 Plymouth GTX Hemi

Some classics can cover considerable miles without turning a wheel. That is certainly the case with this 1969 Plymouth GTX. Its odometer shows 40,105 miles, but it has recently returned after spending years in Kuwait. That sort of history has protected it from rust, and the Hemi occupying the engine bay is the icing on the cake. It is ready to find a new home, with the seller listing the GTX here on eBay in Crownsville, Maryland. They set their BIN at $69,000 with the option to make an offer, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this muscular classic.

It is quite common for desirable classics to find their way to Middle Eastern countries, as demonstrated by this GTX. It has spent over twelve years residing in Kuwait, but returned to its native shores only a few months ago. Kuwait’s dry climate is good news for potential buyers, as it has protected this classic from the rust issues that are quite common. It makes a bold visual statement in Vitamin C Orange with a Black vinyl top. The paint color isn’t original, as the seller indicates it left the line wearing an unspecified shade of Green. Its presentation is first-rate, with the paint shining beautifully and no dings or dents. The vinyl has withstood the rigors of the Middle Eastern sun without deteriorating, and the glass is clear. Add spotless trim and a sparkling set of Rally wheels to the equation, and this GTX looks like a winner. However, the hood badges confirm that it is more than a pretty face.

Decoding the VIN confirms that this Plymouth’s first owner ordered the car with the entry-level 440ci V8 under the hood. It may have been the least potent motor, but with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 375hp and 480 ft/lbs in that year’s Sales Brochure, it was far from an automotive wimp. However, that is largely irrelevant, since lifting this classic’s hood reveals the iconic 426ci Hemi. The specifications are unclear, although I would be surprised if it didn’t produce at least 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, but the car doesn’t feature power assistance for the steering or brakes. It is unclear whether there is evidence verifying the odometer reading, but the seller confirms that the Hemi has done little work since receiving a rebuild. It appears that potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition that is ready to cruise the streets.

The GTX’s interior brought me up short, because I wasn’t expecting what I found in the listing images. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the upholstered surfaces look excellent. There is no genuine wear or other problems. The Gray carpet doesn’t fit well, and with pulled threads also visible, perfectionists might consider spending a couple of hundred dollars on a replacement set. However, it is time to address the elephant (or elephants) in the room. The custom dash fascia and aftermarket gauges look out of place, and relocating the stereo so far from the driver is simply impractical. The seller doesn’t indicate why someone made the changes, and although it is in good condition, I suspect that most readers would probably reverse the change. The shifter is the other questionable item. I love the traditional pistol grip, but this aftermarket version isn’t for me. It is so long that it seems that people sitting in the back seat could successfully swap cogs for the driver. It is another item that I would probably change. However, since the interior is serviceable, any changes could occur at the buyer’s leisure.

I was really excited about this 1969 Plymouth GTX when it crossed my desk. Its presentation is impressive, its history is fascinating, and the Hemi gives it genuine performance credentials. I then saw the interior images, and it left me feeling cold. I would love to know what motivated someone to install a custom dash in this desirable classic, and the shifter looks pretty impractical. If I became its new owner, I would return the interior to its factory form, though that is my personal preference. You might genuinely love the custom touches, and I respect your opinion if you do. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback.