1972 Plymouth GTX
The Plymouth GTX is an automobile introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 by the Plymouth division. It was positioned as a mid-sized upscale-trimmed performance muscle car through the 1971 model year.
Plymouth as a brand got sacrificed to leave enough breathing room for the near-bankrupt Chrysler brand. But if you wanted something that looked like a muscle car, had comfortable suspension and a premium interior, the 1970-ish Roadrunner was just that. Both it and the GTX looked the same, even though they were technically different models.
In case you’re wondering, the Plymouth GTX always looked a lot like the Roadrunner, but wasn’t identical. The grille frame is finished in black, just like the hood and the roof, giving the build a sinister look in combination with the tinted windows.
Even so, the GTX was the one with the luxury features, introduced in 1967 as the “Gentleman’s Muscle Car.” In 1971, the body of all Chrysler Group coupes was redesigned to look more streamlined.
The 1972 440 Six-Barrel motor was largely a carryover from 1971. The engine featured a 10.3:1 compression ratio, a high-lift camshaft, Hemi valve springs and dampers, hardened exhaust valve tips, and specially selected and Magnafluxed connecting rods.
Another well-known Mopar historian admitted that the 440+6 motor had been scheduled for 1972 models but was canceled early in August 1971. Apparently the engine did not meet emissions standards for 1972. This reputable source explained to Russell that if Chrysler admitted the existence of his 1972 V-Code Road Runner GTX, it could result in trouble from the EPA. Russell was warned that if the wrong people found out about the car, someone might actually take it away from him.
The beautiful black interior includes bucket seats, console, Strato Vent ventilation, and full Rallye gauges. The highly desirable cassette recorder is mounted on the console, with microphone ready for dictation.
The 15×7 Rallye wheels are shod with Goodyear Polyglas GT G60-15 tires.
The 1972 Plymouth roadrunner ranks high among the best classic muscle cars, and its significance in the automotive industry is still being felt several decades after.
