1968
Plymouth GTX: The Gentleman’s Muscle Car with Power to Spare
"It’s
the car that gets you noticed — not just for speed, but for style."
The
1968 Plymouth GTX stood out among the muscle car giants of the late '60s. It
was a vehicle that exuded a sense of refinement while delivering the raw power
that enthusiasts craved. Nicknamed the “gentleman’s muscle car,” it blended the
best of both worlds: elegance and muscle. With a sleek redesign and power to
spare, it soon became an icon in the automotive world, a true reflection of an
era where power and style met head-on.
A New Era
of Muscle
In
1967, the GTX was introduced as Plymouth’s top-of-the-line muscle car, but it
was in 1968 that the model truly hit its stride. Underneath its sharply
redesigned exterior, the GTX offered a range of powerhouse engines that made
sure you could dominate any street. Plymouth marketed it as "The
Gentleman’s Muscle Car," emphasizing that while this car had a menacing
performance, it was also sophisticated enough for the most discerning of
drivers.
Is
it standout feature? The standard 440 cubic inch is a Super Commando V8 engine.
This powerhouse delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft of
torque, easily launching the GTX from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds. But if
that was not enough, Plymouth also offered the legendary 426 Hemi engine as an
option, producing 425 horsepower. The GTX was a perfect blend of grace and grit
— the refined rebel of its time.
Humor in
the Ride
"It’s the car that makes you question, 'Am I driving it, or is it driving me?''
Owning
a 1968 Plymouth GTX was not just about getting from point A to point B. It was
an experience. Those who sat behind the wheel of this beast could attest to the
feeling of controlled chaos — a car so powerful that it made every drive a
thrilling adventure. The GTX was a muscle car for those who wanted to enjoy the
ride without sacrificing style.
Secret to Success
One
of the lesser-known facts about the 1968 GTX is that it was deliberately
designed to appeal to a more upscale audience, setting it apart from the Road
Runner, another Plymouth model known for its affordability and minimalistic
muscle car approach. The GTX featured more refined interiors, including wood
grain accents, premium bucket seats, and a center console that screamed luxury.
The goal was clear: make it a muscle car that you could drive in a suit and
tie. And it worked. The GTX appealed to a broader audience, leading to a sales
success that surpassed expectations.
In
1968, Plymouth sold over 17,000 units of the GTX, a solid number for a
high-performance car that cost more than its competitors. The base price for a
new GTX in 1968 was around $3,355 (equivalent to $28,000 today). The most
successful year for the GTX was 1969, when it peaked in popularity before
muscle car regulations and insurance rates started to clamp down on the era.
Price
Comparison: Then and Now
|
Year |
Price
(New) |
Price
(Today) |
|
1968 |
$3,355 |
$70,000 - $100,000 (depending on
condition) |
The People
Behind the Power
The
1968 Plymouth GTX was the brainchild of Chrysler Corporation's design team,
with Virgil Exner and Elwood Engel playing pivotal roles in the vehicle's
aesthetic. Exner, known for his “Forward Look” design philosophy, helped craft
the early ideas that would shape Chrysler’s muscle car identity. Engel, who
followed Exner, continued to build on this legacy, emphasizing sleek lines and
aggressive yet sophisticated styling.
At
the heart of the GTX’s performance lay Chrysler’s engineering team, responsible
for the 440 Super Commando V8 and the 426 Hemi. These engines were the epitome
of Chrysler’s engineering prowess and became synonymous with the power and
performance of the late '60s.
Color
Palette and Iconic Shades
The
1968 GTX was offered in a range of colors that added to its appeal. Popular shade
included: Bright Blue Metallic, Sunfire Yellow, Burgundy, Racing Green, Ivory
White, Silver Mist, Black
However,
the most iconic color for the GTX was undoubtedly "Electric Blue."
This vibrant hue became a signature color, often seen on the streets and in
muscle car shows, a testament to the car’s bold character.
Memorable
Moments and Competitors
The GTX made waves in the muscle car scene by taking part in several high-profile drag races and car shows. The car’s reputation as a street and strip king was solidified when it outran several competitors like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS and the Pontiac GTO in quarter-mile races.
Speaking
of competition, the GTX found itself squaring off against the likes of Ford
Fairlane and the Dodge Coronet. But where the GTX really shone was its ability
to balance performance with luxury, something its competitors often struggled
with. The Chevelle might have had raw power, but it did not offer the same
refined experience that the GTX did.
Competition
Comparison
|
Competitor |
Horsepower |
0-60
mph |
Quarter
Mile |
|
Chevrolet Chevelle |
375 hp |
6.5 sec |
14.3 sec |
|
Ford Fairlane |
335 hp |
7.0 sec |
15.1 sec |
|
Pontiac GTO |
366 hp |
6.6 sec |
14.4 sec |
Engine
Specifications
|
Engine
Type |
Size
(Cubic Inches) |
Carburetor |
Horsepower |
Torque
(lb.-ft) |
|
440 V8 |
440 |
4-barrel |
375 hp |
480 lb.-ft |
|
426 Hemi |
426 |
2x4-barrel |
425 hp |
490 lb.-ft |
Performance
Statistics
|
0-60
mph |
Quarter
Mile |
Engine |
Engine
Source |
|
5.8 sec |
13.7 sec |
440 V8 |
Chrysler |
|
5.3 sec |
13.3 sec |
426 Hemi |
Chrysler |
The Legacy
of the 1968 Plymouth GTX
The
1968 Plymouth GTX remains one of the most celebrated muscle cars of its time.
Its blend of power, style, and luxury ensured that it stood out in a crowded
field. It was not just about being the fastest on the block — it was about
looking good while doing it. For many, the GTX is more than just a car; it is a
piece of American automotive history that continues to inspire car enthusiasts
to this day.
"The GTX isn’t just a muscle car;
it’s a muscle car with manners."