Competition is typically fierce when a desirable muscle car hits the market, especially if the seller lists the car with No Reserve. The interest is heightened if the vehicle is numbers-matching, while a specific combination of factory options ensures the new owner will receive the perfect blend of performance and luxury. This 1971 Plymouth GTX ticks every one of those boxes, making it a rust-free turnkey classic that is ready for summer fun. The GTX is listed here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. Bidding has raced to $55,600, and with No Reserve in play, a new home for this classic is only days away.

It is fair to say that while the muscle car era hadn’t ended by 1971, sales volumes of various models had dropped markedly. Many factors contributed to the trend, but manufacturers were more concerned with complying with upcoming legislative changes to ensure their long-term viability than increasing sales of models that would soon only grace the pages of history books. Against this backdrop, Plymouth released its latest GTX for the 1971 model year. The company had forsaken the previous Coke bottle styling for the “fuselage” look, following an industry trend that saw many models blessed with a more pronounced physical presence. The selling dealer confirms the previous owner had been the car’s custodian since 1988, and it has remained garage-kept since that time. Its history is slightly murky, although the underside shots suggest it may not have seen much action since undergoing some form of restoration. The floors are spotlessly clean, and there is no evidence of rust or surface corrosion. The exterior wears the correct Code B5 True Blue Metallic paint, as verified by the Fender Tags and the pair of partial Build Sheets. Finding anything worth criticizing is almost impossible, with the paint shining like glass and the panels as straight as an arrow. The wheels are a later addition, and while they look nice, I would probably swap them for something more appropriate if the GTX were in my garage. The trim and glass look exceptional for a car of this vintage, further supporting my belief that the Plymouth has received plenty of TLC. However, the hood suggests this classic might be more than a pretty face.

Plymouth offered 1971 GTX buyers a choice of three engines to power their new purchase, including two versions of its 440ci V8. This car features the Super Commando 440, producing 370hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque. Power feeds to the road via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, with the first owner selecting power assistance for the steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. This isn’t the most potent version of the ’71 GTX, but its ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds was still impressive. A driver who was brave enough to keep the pedal to the metal would be rewarded with the needle nudging 135mph. A numbers-matching status is an important consideration when assessing the long-term investment potential of any classic, and this Plymouth ticks that box. The engine bay presents well for a car with over five decades of service under its belt, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller confirms the GTX runs and drives perfectly, with the engine churning out plenty of power and the transmission shifting smoothly. It is set to provide its new owner with years of high-performance motoring pleasure.

This GTX continues to score home runs when we focus on its interior. The first owner trimmed it in White vinyl, selecting Black carpet for a striking contrast. Those seeking comfort will welcome the bucket seats, console, Slap Stik shifter, air conditioning, power windows, and AM radio. The presentation is pretty impressive, with the vinyl free from significant marks and wear and the Rally gauge cluster featuring clear lenses and crisp markings. The dash and pad are spotless, and the headliner has no issues. The only potential criticism is the fit of the rear seatcover. It looks relatively new, but the installer hasn’t stretched it correctly across the foam. This gives it a slightly “baggy” appearance that detracts from the rest of the interior. Addressing the problem would take more time than money, but I’m surprised to find that type of shortcoming in a classic of this caliber.

By 1971, the automotive landscape was changing, and few enthusiasts could envisage the motoring misery awaiting them as the industry plunged into The Malaise Era. Muscle cars were the first casualty of that war, but hints of the upcoming changes were evident by the time this 1971 GTX rolled off the line. Muscle car sales were plunging at an alarming rate, with Plymouth selling 7,141 examples of the GTX in the United States in 1970 but only 2,942 in 1971. Most buyers (2,211) selected the 440 Super Commando/automatic combination, making our feature car the most common version of the relatively rare breed. This car has struck a sweet spot, with thirty-nine bids submitted at the time of writing. I expect that figure to climb before the auction ends, but are you tempted to add to the total?