Muscle Car Icon
Plymouth was once an American automotive powerhouse, founded in 1928 by Chrysler. It was supposed to be the entry-level fighter against Ford and Chevrolet. During the early years, it even saved Chrysler as a whole, as the only profitable brand in the portfolio during the Great Depression.
When muscle cars emerged in the late ’60s and ’70s, Plymouth played a pivotal role by introducing muscle-car icons such as the Cuda, Superbird, Road Runner, and GTX. The latter of which was a rarer choice for buyers back then, and examples sold today are sought after.
Mecum Auctions
Final Production
Mecum Auctions has just listed a very rare Plymouth, a 1971 GTX Hemi with a four-speed manual transmission. This is a late-production model car that was already on its way out by 1971, as was the 426 Hemi “Elephant” V8. Since the GTX wasn’t the go-to choice for muscle car buyers back in the day, it didn’t sell in huge numbers; a total of just 2,942 were made in 1971. Those with the Hemi are even more rare, with a total of just 30 being built. The car up for sale is the rarest specification, with a 4-speed pistol grip manual transmission; it is just one of eleven ever produced.
That 426 Hemi produces 425 hp, which, for the time, was massive. One unique feature of this particular car is that it comes with the Super Track Pack, which means it gets a 4.10 gearing ratio and a Super grip limited-slip differential, rare for cars back in the 70s. It is also reportedly the only 1971 Hemi GTX that comes in Winchester Gray. Some other notable features of the GTX include power steering, power brakes, and the very cool Air Grabber intake that pops out of the hood, complete with graphics.
Mecum Auctions
Priced Accordingly
The GTX was introduced in 1967 and was intended as a more upmarket muscle car option compared to the entry-level Road Runner, which was launched a year later. In reality, the GTX was more of a competitor for the likes of the Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile 442.
Any rare car commands top dollar value on auctions, and the 1971 Plymouth GTX Hemi is no exception. Mecum Auction lists the estimated sale price between $325,000 and $350,000; some models have even sold for as high as $374,000.
Mecum Auctions
Â
