There’s something about a GTX that has always attracted me. I’m not even sure what it is. While based on the Plymouth Belvedere, I always prefer the looks of the GTX. This is true for all years and I’ve owned 1967 through 1970 models. I suspect that it’s because they have just the right amount of trim. Not too outlandish, but not too plain. 1968 was a big year for all of the automakers to introduce the new more rounded car models. The 67 GTX still had that square look, and I’m often in the minority when I say that I love this body style.
At one time, I was the owner of a restoration shop (don’t ask me how it happened – it was a strange time). I was walking through the shop, and I saw this car. The owner was the widow of a long-time Plymouth GTX collector. She had just paid to have the car put back into tip-top condition, and I just happened to be passing by it. It was beautiful! The collector had a large supply of original GTX parts, and everything about this car was perfect. I bought the car, and never regretted it. It is a beautiful driver, and I always loved the embossed seats.
The 1967 model year was the debut year for the Plymouth Belvedere GTX, which most enthusiasts simply know as the Plymouth GTX. The GTX was always one of the top performers in the 1960s, but was also a refined muscle car, receiving the nickname “The Gentleman’s Muscle Car” in its early years. Unfortunately, the GTX was a late arrival to the muscle car area and only lasted five model years.
In its debut year, there were 12,115 models built, which makes it a rather rare car in itself. Options were not scarce for the 1967 GTX, as it had two engines available, a 425-horsepower, 426 cubic-inch V-8 Hemi or a 375-horsepower, 440 cubic-inch V-8. It also had two transmission options, a three-speed automatic and a four-speed manual.
In addition to the engine and transmission options, there was also coupe or convertible options available. One would assume that the convertible four-speed manual option with a Hemi would be a popular option combination, due to its raw power and ability to shift with the wind in your hair, but that’s not the case. Only seven of these convertible models with four-speeds and a Hemi engine rolled off of the assembly line in the 1967 model year.
That makes this one of the rarest vehicles on the planet, let alone one of the rarest muscle cars ever built. To boot, it is a natural rarity, as opposed to a planned one, like a special edition. It just so happened that dealers ordered so few of this option combination that the factory only produced a few.
