Pick of the Day: 1969 Plymouth GTX

We previewed The 1967 Plymouth GTX built by Mopar last week at SEMA. I have a 1968 GTX as one of my AutoHunter choices. So why not choose the 1969 version as your daily pick? Very Nice – This 1969 Plymouth GTX hardtop is listed on ClassicCars.com for sale by a dealer in Homer City, Pennsylvania. (Click the link to see the list.)

In the second year of its styling cycle, the 1969 Plymouth GTX hardtop and convertible were refined as the performance market matured. We’ve seen hints of this before in road runner-esque advertising illustrations and racing stripes. In 1969, Plymouth dropped the stripes but added bright colors, an available air intake system, and better marketing to the performance crowd. For a greater performance look, two flat black stripes on the hood replace the black “Sports Hood Patch.”

The mesh grille is a thing of the past, and the front end now features a single horizontal bar in a deeply sunken grille shared with the sports satellite. The taillights were somewhat similar to those of 1968, but were recessed and angled, while the reverse lights were moved to the bumper. The trunklid styling no longer features reflectors in favor of a thinner decal, with black inserts from taillight to taillight. Instead of stripes, the GTX features full-length lower body styling with textured black paint underneath; reflective pinstripes in white or red (presumably to match the tires) sit beneath the trim.

The 440 Super Commando remained the standard powerplant and remained the largest engine available in performance cars other than Hurst/Olds. The 440 is rated at 375 horsepower and features air induction via a vacuum-operated air grab system. The 426 Hemi is optional and standard on the Air Grabber. A three-speed TorqueFlite automatic or a four-speed manual remained the only transmission options, despite marketing involving various performance axle packages.

The Performance Axle Package, inherited from 1968, added a 3.55 rear axle ratio, Sure-Grip, seven-blade radiator fan, and 26-inch radiator with fan shroud to TorqueFlite-equipped 440 and Hemi cars. A new Super Performance Axle Kit upgrades the gears to 4.10, comes with a Dana rear, and power disc brakes. For the four-speed auto, the Track Pak comes with a 3.54 gear, Dana, seven-blade fan, and 26-inch radiator with fan shroud. Upgrade to the Super Track Pak (notice the pattern?) and you get similar equipment to the Super Performance Axle Package, but with four speeds, plus a dual-breaker distributor. Of course, the 3.23 single drag gear is standard on the TorqueFlite-equipped 440 and Hemi GTX.

This silver metallic 1969 Plymouth GTX hardtop is powered by a standard 440 paired with TorqueFlite, but the most eye-catching feature is the unique tin interior, this one with standard buckets. The fender tags are intact and show the performance axle kit (A36), console (C16), left remote mirror (G33), air conditioning (H51, very rare 3.55 gear), AM radio (R11), Black vinyl top (V1X) and white lower body stripes (V6W), etc. According to the seller, some modifications have been made since “the car is equipped with Hyundai’s Holley Sniper EFI system to improve fuel efficiency and performance.” Power steering and brakes, including front and rear discs, help provide a better driving experience in today’s traffic. Magnum 500 wheels are 15×7 in the front and 15×8 in the rear. The seller adds, “Performance upgrades include Holley aluminum air intake, electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, aluminum radiator, and flex cooling fan.” Rear gear shifting is 3.43.

The Plymouth GTX was equipped from the outset to handle most vehicles on the street and strip, but it was nicely finished and lacked the austerity of the Road Runner. Maybe that’s why Plymouth calls it “The Boss”? For $65,900, you can show people who he really is.

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