Photos: Mecum Auctions

In the beginning, Plymouth’s plans for the GTX were based on the 1967 Belvedere two-door coupe and intended to provide a strong mix of luxury and performance. Standard under the hood was the 440cui Super Commando engine, with either a 4-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. The optional 426cui HEMI ‘Elephant’ motor was also available.

By 1971, the last year for the GTX to be a standalone model, the Belvedere had undergone two significant redesigns. Underhood options had expanded with the addition of the 440 Six Pack motor, which was putting out a healthy 385hp.

Competition from the Plymouth Road Runner had been strong over the past couple of years, particularly since the convertible version was introduced. As a result of this and other anti-muscle car trends developing, significantly less than three thousand 1971 GTX’s were built. For the 1972 through 1972 model years, the GTX package became an option on the Road Runner.

The numbers matching example shown here is reported to have fewer than 42,000 miles and is being offered for auction by the original owner. The car’s driveline comprises the standard 440 4-bbl Super Commando engine; with Pistol Grip handle equipped 4-speed manual transmission and Dana 90 rear end, fitted with 3.54 ratio gears from the A33 Track Pack option.

Apparently, some paint work has been done, but the owner claims it is 90 percent original. The chrome Cragar SS rims were original from the dealer and set off the triple black car nicely. The optional Landau roof, along with its other equipment list makes it a one of one combination. Only 327 cars were built with the manual transmission that year.

For the Mopar aficionado, this is a well documented example of a rare muscle car. This 1971 Plymouth GTX will be auctioned on Saturday, June 18 at the Mecum Auctions event, on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, in St. Paul, MN.

Additional information is available at the event web site.