Easy Restoration: 1968 Plymouth GTX

If you find the idea of tackling a restoration project tempting but aren’t thrilled at the prospect of spending hours eliminating rust, this 1968 Plymouth GTX is worth a close look. Its appearance is tired, but beneath that baked exterior is a rock-solid classic featuring its numbers-matching 440ci V8. The interior is immaculate, so with a fresh coat of paint it could look absolutely stunning. The seller has listed the GTX here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They set their BIN at $19,500 OBO.

Launched in 1967 and marketed by Plymouth as the “gentleman’s muscle car,” the Belvedere-based GTX made a positive first impression. The badge received a major upgrade in 1968, the year our featured car rolled off the line. It is fair to say that its Forest Green paint is pretty baked, which is unsurprising given that this Plymouth has spent much of its life in New Mexico. However, that is extremely good news, because it means that this GTX has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. The seller indicates that the floors and trunk pan are rock-solid, suggesting that its needs are purely cosmetic. The seller includes this image in their listing, providing insight into how stunning this beauty would be after a faithful repaint and giving potential buyers a worthwhile goal to work towards. Some trim pieces may benefit from restoration or replacement, but there are no visible glass issues.

One aspect of this GTX requiring very little is its interior. The seller performed a retrim, which isn’t a cheap undertaking. However, the results justified the effort and expense, because it looks amazing. The Black vinyl suits the car’s character, and combined with bucket seats, a console, and a factory AM radio, life aboard this classic would feel pretty special. There is scope for the new owner to make their mark, because the dashpad appears cracked, some painted surfaces are tired, and the wheel is pretty awful. With those issues addressed, this interior would look close to factory-fresh.

I will never understand why a seller would list a classic as desirable as this GTX without including engine bay shots. They can often reveal much about the life a car has lived, but the listing text suggests the news is nothing but positive. The car retains its numbers-matching 440ci “Super Commando” V8, with that year’s Sales Brochure quoting power and torque figures of 375hp and 480 ft/lbs. The first owner teamed the 440 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, although it is unclear whether they selected power assistance for the steering or brakes. Beyond the fact that this GTX retains its original motor, there is plenty of positive news. The seller recently rebuilt the TorqueFlite, confirming that the car runs and drives extremely well. With no rust issues requiring attention, the buyer could indulge in immediate classic motoring pleasure while planning their cosmetic restoration.

Although it is possible to buy cars off the showroom floor delivering comparable performance to this 1968 Plymouth GTX, none will possess this classic’s raw presence. It is also worth contemplating whether such cars will be as desirable in six decades as this 1960s muscle car. The interest generated by this GTX is incredible, with over 500 people viewing the listing in the past day. I believe it will find a new home, and it will be fascinating to discover whether any Barn Finds readers are tempted to pursue it further.