1971 Plymouth GTX

1971 was the only year the Hemi and Six Pack were offered as options in the GTX. The GTX was introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 and positioned as a mid-sized upscale-trimmed performance muscle car. Styling differences included special rear fascia, a blacked-out grille, and fiberglass simulated hood scoops. Optional performance enhancements included racing stripes, a tachometer mounted on the center console, and a chrome 'pop-open' fuel filler cap. The standard 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, called the 'Super Commando 440' developed 375 horsepower. The 426 cubic-inch 'Street Hemi' was optional.

Plymouth B-bodies received hourglass styling for 1968 that would continue through 1970, replacing the previous rectilinear design. The standard engine in the GTX was the high-performance 440 backed by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Body styles included a two-door convertible and a two-door hardtop without a B-pillar. The GTX was similar to the Road Rummer but with more luxury and performance, and fitted with the Sport Satellite trim.

Plymouth redesigned the B-Body for 1971 with rounded 'fuselage' styling with a hidden cowl, a loop-type front bumper, deeply inset grille and headlights, and a raked windshield. Body styles on the GTX were now solely a two-door hardtop coupe priced at $3,730, making it the most expensive within the Satellite group. The base satellite coupe was priced at $2,660 (the sedan at $2,730 and the station wagon at $3,060), the Satellite Sebring hardtop coupe at $2,930, and the Satellite Custom sedan at $2,900 (6-passenger wagon at $3,240 and 9-passenger version at $3,315). The Road Runner hardtop coupe listed for $3,150, the Satellite Sebring-Plus hardtop coupe at $3,180, and the Satellite Brougham sedan at $3,190.

The GTX and Fury GT came standard with a 440 cubic-inch V8 with overhead valves, a four-barrel carburetor, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and 375 horsepower at 4,300 RPM. Options included the 440 with three two-barrels (Six Pack) and the 426 Hemi. Due to lower compression ratios and faster-acting choke operation, output on the base 440 CID V8 had decreased by five horsepower. The Six Barrel version was down to 385 horsepower, but the Hemi continued to produce 425 horsepower.

1971 was the final year for the GTX and like many other muscle cars throughout the industry, sales were dismal. A mere 2,942 examples were sold compared to 7,748 units the previous year and over 15,600 units in 1969.

From 1972 through 1974, the 'GTX' name was part of the Road Runner and added when ordered with the optional 440, wearing badging from both nameplates.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021