The Plymouth muscle car advertised as the “gentleman’s muscle car” was the GTX.
Introduced for 1967, the GTX was based on Plymouth’s mid-size Belvedere but added upscale trim and serious performance equipment. Its standard engine was the 440-cubic-inch Super Commando V8, rated at 375 horsepower, while buyers could also choose Chrysler’s powerful 426-cubic-inch Hemi. Those features gave the car both strong acceleration and a more polished image than some bare-bones muscle cars.
The GTX’s styling included a blacked-out grille, special rear treatment, simulated hood scoops, optional racing stripes, a chrome fuel-filler cap, and a console-mounted tachometer. It was therefore positioned as a premium performance model rather than simply the cheapest way to get a large engine.
A common mix-up is confusing the GTX with the Plymouth Road Runner. The Road Runner was intentionally simpler and lower-priced, while the GTX emphasized comfort, equipment, and status. The GTX was sold from 1967 through 1971, first as the Belvedere GTX before becoming its own nameplate.