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Original 440: 1970 Plymouth GTX

Such was the pressure during the 1970s that it would have been easy for the muscle car to fade into oblivion. The triple whammy of tightening emission standards, rising fuel prices, and growing insurance premiums almost led to their demise. However, a hardy bunch of individuals protected their prized investment, with cars like this 1970 Plymouth GTX proving that people genuinely cared enough to preserve these classics for future generations. This GTX has a few minor needs, but nothing that prevents a new owner from indulging in immediate classic motoring pleasure. It is listed here on eBay in Waxhaw, North Carolina. The bidding has raced to $25,700, which remains short of the reserve.

Plymouth introduced its Second Generation GTX in 1968, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final build year for that body style. Its original owner ordered it finished in Code K5 Deep Burnt Orange, which is a fascinating shade that looks closer to bronze than what many would consider a traditional orange. Its appearance is not to be sneezed at, with its paint shining beautifully and its panels as straight as an arrow. That doesn’t mean it is perfect because there are flaws to consider. There are issues with the Black vinyl top on the driver’s side which might prompt the successful bidder to consider replacement to achieve perfection. Rust appears limited to spots in the trunk pan, but the photos suggest that patches might address the problem. It would take an in-person inspection to confirm that, but depending on where the bidding lands, replacing the entire trunk pan could be worth the cost. Otherwise, the floors look rock-solid, the chrome and trim are excellent, and there are no visible glass issues.

The theme of impressive presentation continues when we turn our attention to this Plymouth’s interior. The bucket seats, console, and lashings of faux woodgrain tell the story of a model its creators aimed at the more affluent muscle car enthusiast who wanted their fist of iron clad in a velvet glove. Its presentation is hard to fault, and while I struggle to describe it as perfect, it is above average for a survivor of this vintage. The upholstered surfaces show no wear or abuse, and I can’t spot any crumbling plastic or other items impacted by UV rays. The only aftermarket additions are an FM converter mounted under the dash and a pair of rather baked speakers bolted to the rear parcel tray. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory.

GTX buyers could choose from three engines to power their new purchase in 1970, with this car’s original owner opting for the 440ci “Super Commando” V8 that sent 375hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. They also selected power steering, although there is no assistance for the brakes. There was no doubting the GTX’s performance credentials because even though this was the most conservative drivetrain combination in the range, this car should still storm the ¼-mile in 14.2 seconds on its way to 132mph. The listing shows an odometer reading of 67,000 miles, and the seller looks to have supporting evidence. They mention an exhaust leak, which is understandable considering the car features its original system. Otherwise, it runs and drives well and mainly sees service for weekend outings or trips to shows.

The reign of the Plymouth GTX was all too brief, with the first appearing in 1967 and the last one rolling out the door in 1971. Sadly, the writing was on the wall for the badge by the time the original owner took delivery of this gem. Sales plunged by nearly 50% between 1969 and 1970 to 7,748 cars. The situation didn’t improve in 1971, with a mere 2,942 GTXs rolling off the showroom floor. Although this one has a few needs, addressing them should be straightforward. Considering recent sales results, I won’t be surprised if bidding threatens $40,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree?

Comments

  1. Nevada1/2rack Nevadahalfrack Member

    Very nice East Coast GTX from what as been seen here on BF. Gotta be tough to let it go..

    I donno about the rest of you but I’d even leave the FM Converter there mounted below the dash just to hear “What’s that?”

    Like 27
    • scooter8

      I’d just want to hear the motor. never owned a 70 GTX. alway’s yearned for one though. thinkin’ bout putting the side stripes on my house.maybe an air grabber on my roof? beep,beep

      Like 9
    • sakingsbury20

      yah on the FM converter……I can remember my HS yrs (69-73) when my buddy got one for his slant 6 ’65 valiant everyone wanted to cruise around with him……

      Like 14
  2. Cadmanls Member

    Not a real Mopar guy but these are good runners Back in the day they were some of the big dogs on the street. The 70 B body did rust in the rust balt and this one has survived very nicely, would be worth a mild restoration. They make a wonderful sound with the go pedal smashed to the floor.

    Like 6
  3. MoparDoug

    No tic-toc-tac. That’s always a bummer for me on these cars. Otherwise, love the car. The ’70 B-body from Plymouth and the ’69 Dodge Charger have always been some of my favorites. Too bad they have been priced out of my budget, now.

    Like 9
    • Big Bear 🇺🇸

      MoparDoug .. I was surprised also no tic-toc tac! You would think a GTX top line model would? I am a Mopar guy myself as you know the prices are crazy. I am glad I grew up when these were used cars! 😂🐻🇺🇸

      Like 8
  4. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    This is a nice GTX. Nice to see and unmolested one still out there. That’s the original distributor which means it has points. Depends where the exhaust leak is you might be able to patch up the exhaust leak and try to keep the original exhaust on the vehicle. On Mopars the right side exhaust manifold had a heat riser overtime the PIN that holds the flap begins to leak and makes that sound then nobody likes to hear. Yes I would not be surprised if it goes up to 40,000 Plus for this since it is a survivor with papers. I just hope the next only appreciates it and keeps it original. And not do a full Mark Worman on it! 😂

    Like 13
  5. Dean whitaker

    I had a 1970 I bought new in 1970 and I dearly loved that car and they they say the top speed 135 mile hour when I see that I have to laugh. My car seen over that 150 mark more then once it was a very fast car. So they kinda tell ya that for insurance purposes but the insurance company’s got wise to that. But this car mit only run that fast cause it’s a 4barrel carburetor mine was a 6 pack and a magnum so that mit be the difference.

    Like 6
    • Big Bear 🇺🇸

      Dean . So you have a V code 440-6 also did you have the N96 air grabber hood? Do you still have it? 😄

      Like 2
    • Dean

      No I do not have the car anymore. I traded it in 1972 for a 3/4 ton Ford pickup for my job. That air grabber was a great investment to the cars, it made a very large improvement to the way they run. It did increase the horse power some but the amount some different then others.

      Like 2
    • Rex B Schaefer

      I say “bull” to 150!

      Like 0
  6. Yblocker

    Nice car, I’ll take this over that $2,000,000 Cuda any day.

    Like 7
    • timothy r herrod

      would be able to drive this one without too much worry

      Like 2
  7. Melton Mooney

    Pretty bare bones car for a GTX. No pwr steer on a b-body is a minus, imo. Great looking cars in ’70 though.

    Like 4
    • Yblocker

      These, like any car, steered just fine without power steering. Power steering is for girls.

      Like 5
  8. jack

    Does not appear to have a Rallye dash.

    Like 1
  9. Oldschool Muscle

    I would bid on it but my wife would have my luggage at the door!!LOL

    Like 4
  10. Howie

    The seller might want too much for this.

    Like 2
  11. DON

    I’ve always been of fan of the 68-70 B bodies and this one is a real looker – from the outside .. I never cared for that orangey brown vinyl . To me, this car with the black top and black stripes should have a black interior .

    Like 0
  12. Lowell Peterson

    $30k version of the $40k car. Nice driver tho’!

    Like 0

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