Final Year Model: 1971 Plymouth GTX

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The 1971 model year marked the end of the line for the GTX as a standalone model. Plymouth would continue using the badge from 1972 until 1974, attaching it only to Road Runners ordered with a 440ci V8 under the hood. This 1971 GTX presents extremely well, and could be ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver with Mopar muscle. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Plymouth listed here on eBay in West Des Moines, Iowa. The seller set their price at $46,500 OBO.

Okay, I am willing to stick out my neck and state that I have never been a fan of the “fuselage” styling adopted by Chrysler across various marques and models from 1971. I find the look quite heavy and lacking elegance, although I respect your opinion if it differs from mine. Leaving personal preference aside, this 1971 GTX makes a bold visual statement. I love the creative flair that manufacturers demonstrate when naming paint shades. The color gracing this Plymouth’s exterior is Curious Yellow, although it could just as easily have been called “In Your Face” Yellow. It is a bold shade that will turn heads, while the Black vinyl top and matching stripes provide a striking contrast. The car’s presentation is first-rate, with no visible significant cosmetic imperfections. This is unsurprising, as the seller confirms it underwent a rotisserie restoration a few years ago. Its beauty is more than skin deep, with the underside shots revealing no rust in prone areas like the floors or the rear rails. The trim is excellent, and the GTX rolls on Rallye wheels.

The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this GTX. Trimmed in Black utilizing a combination of cloth and vinyl, there is no evidence of cosmetic shortcomings or signs of neglect. The woodgrain trim hasn’t faded or lifted, and there is no UV damage. It retains its factory pushbutton radio, while the underdash gauge cluster appears to be the only aftermarket addition. These could be easily removed for authenticity, but I consider them excellent insurance to monitor what is happening under the hood.

Buyers ordering a 1971 GTX received a 440ci V8 as the entry-level powerplant. Considering it generated a factory-quoted 370hp off the showroom floor, most customers struggled to justify the cost of the more potent 426ci Hemi. This GTX features a 440, but it isn’t numbers-matching. It started life in another vehicle in 1969 and is equipped with a factory steel crank. It sends its power to the road via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, while the buyer also receives power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller keeps things short and sweet when describing this car’s mechanical condition, stating that it drives as nicely as it looks. Therefore, flying in and driving this beauty home would be an excellent way for the new owner to build a relationship with their new toy.

This 1971 Plymouth GTX is a tempting proposition for enthusiasts seeking a classic that will provide immediate motoring pleasure. The V8 hiding under its hood should make this GTX a genuine muscle car, produced at a time when that market was shrinking dramatically. It has no apparent needs, and the paint shade guarantees it will turn heads wherever it goes. With Christmas only days away, could you see this Plymouth parked under your tree?

Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    One of the great models. The GTX. 🏁👍

    Like 2
  2. ThunderRob

    I was a fan of the fuselage styling ,but mainly on the Charger and full size Chryslers and Plymouth Fury.The thing i never liked about the Plymouth Satellite/Road Runner/GTX was the squared off wheel openings,it always irked me as looking weird..Otherwise they are good looking cars,with the loop bumper being particularily nice.

    Like 0
    • Terrry

      I like that “loop” in front too, it made the car look menacing. Of course, safety regs requiring 5 mph bumoers would put an end to that.

      Like 0
  3. Terrry

    The paint gets its name from a popular X-rated movie that was out about that time, “I Am Curious Yellow”.

    Like 0

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