Documented Frame Up Restored GTX 426 HEMI V8 A727

Chrysler worked hard to position the Plymouth GTX as a luxurious, high-performance alternative to the inexpensive muscle cars that everyone else was selling. Not only was it equipped with all the pavement-twisting horsepower you could get in more basic models, it also featured a ton of luxury options that could be added to create one-of-a-kind vehicles which would suit any car buyers taste. On top of all that variety, the GTX also got an extra dose of sound deadening materials and an upscale look to its interior appointments, making it truly a gentleman's hot rod. And in the case of this 1 of 1 maroon, Hemi-powered GTX, which still carries its original numbers matching engine, an incredible combination of performance and comfort that you just couldn't find anywhere else!

Beautifully restored, and 1 of only 414 '68 hardtop GTXs produced, this super rare 22 option muscle car exactly replicates its fender tag's specifications right down to original style redline tires. And when I say this car was loaded, I'm not kidding; here's the fender tag decode.

CAR: Plymouth GTX 2-Door Hardtop
ENGINE: 426 cubic inch Hemi 2x4-barrel V8
TRANSMISSION: 3-speed automatic
TIRES: F70x15 red sidewall, nylon belted
MODEL YEAR: 1968
BUILD DATE: December 04, 1967.
AXLE: 3.23 ratio, Sure Grip
INTERIOR: Sport Trim Grade, vinyl bucket seats, red interior.
PAINT: Monotone Burgundy Metallic paint.
OTHER: Burgundy Metallic upper doorframe color.

MOLDINGS:
19: Wide sill moldings
25: Drip rail moldings
78: Wheel lip moldings

ABC OPTIONS:
A1: 26-inch radiator
D9: Front disc brakes
H1: Power brakes
K8: Power windows
N8: Rear window defogger
P6: Rear seat speaker
R1: AM radio
T7: Tachometer
X1: Fully tinted glass

abc OPTIONS:
a5: Center front seat
b4: Bucket seats
h7: Fender or hood-mounted turn signals

Clearly the original buyer of this sinister Plymouth knew what he wanted; and after he finished checking the options list, he ended up with one gorgeous ride that had an unusual combination of luxury features and performance hardware. Inside the car you'll find rare creature comforts like power windows and a rear window defogger. Under the car's hood you'll find a big Hemi, power brakes and an extremely rare transmission cooler. And outside, that smooth Burgundy Metallic paint was a one-year-only option making this the only GTX to be optioned and painted as it sits. Even our resident GTX expert, who has owned and restored dozens of these cars, has never seen a 1968 Hemi GTX in this color; it's definitely a very special car!

This hardtop's restoration was carried out over a period of ten years and eventually completed in 2010 by the guys at our very own RKM Performance Center restoration shop. Obviously a solid car to begin with, there were no wholesale panel replacements, just a few patches in the rear quarters in the usual trouble spots. Panel alignment is very good, and thanks to the way old school, slab-sided Mopars were built, the doors close with a solid feeling that you just can't find anymore. The high gloss Burgundy Metallic paint is simply stunning in person, with a deep, rich shine that almost appears pearled under our studio lights. And of course that paint is two-stage urethane, which means it's more brilliant and vastly more durable than the original stuff. As soon as it rolled out of the shop, the car went into a private collection and sat for about 6 months before that owner deemed it too nice to drive and wanted to sell. And now, almost two years later, its back in our RK Motors Charlotte showroom teaching 'lesser' muscle cars what class and sophistication is all about.

All the car's chrome and stainless pieces were either replaced or restored during its 10 year tear down. The big chrome bumpers in particular are in excellent condition. The car's glass is very good, and matches the original owner's specification of tint all around to provide a clean, uniform look. The original grille and rear valence panel, which are always ultra expensive to restore, are show quality pieces. And fresh GTX side stripes blend so well with the paint you'll almost think they're ghosted.

Open that big “HEMI” branded hood and you'll find an original, date code correct 426 cubic inch elephant block that's clean, mean and ready to be seen. When it comes to stuffing an engine bay, there's really nothing that can do it as well as a Hemi. From its Hemi Orange paint and black wrinkle finish valve covers to its big chrome air cleaner and optional 26 inch radiator, this car's mill is exceptionally well detailed. Someone clearly spent a lot of money making this one right (have you priced a Hemi rebuild lately?); and all the details you expect are there, including correct hoses and clamps, reproduction decals, and even the correct ballast resistor on the firewall. These cars are so well documented and the production details so thoroughly researched that there's just no excuse for not getting the basics right, and this GTX nails them all! There's nothing quite like the sound of a Hemi; and when you turn this car's key there's no mistaking what's under its hood. On the street the monster motor roars, yanking the car's nose skyward and forcing you to hang on tight as the transmission slips through its gears. And when you bury your right foot in the floorboard, it's like nothing else you've ever experienced!

The 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission is the ideal partner in a GTX, and I even like that this one has a column-mounted shifter that adds to the car's luxury appeal. That rare front-mounted transmission cooler helps keep the transmission alive and well behind the monster Hemi. And out back, there's a rugged 8.75 inch rear end which spins 3.23 gears and a Sure Grip limited slip differential, as original. The car's original floors have been finished in matching Burgundy Metallic paint, which is a beautiful backdrop for the nicely detailed chassis. And yes, we understand that it's probably a little too nice under there; but on a car of this caliber, that's to be expected. The exhaust is a correct OEM-style replacement system that has been reproduced in stainless for long-lasting durability and good looks. The front and rear suspensions have been rebuilt and feature new bushings, shocks and factory optioned power steering. The power front disc and rear drum brakes are also fully rebuilt and stop the car with confidence. At the corners, a brand new set of Wheel Vintique Magnum 500 road wheels spin a fresh set of 225/70 BF Goodrich Silvertown red line radials. And if you're a purist, no worries because the sale also includes four 15-inch painted steel wheels that are equipped with both 'dog dish' hubcaps and F70-15 Firestone Wide Oval redline tires.

Inside the car, a lavish and well-trimmed red vinyl interior is proof that Chrysler was serious about taking the GTX upscale. The cockpit was recently restored using high-quality materials, virtually all of its components are new; and while Ma Mopar called it red, it's actually a well-matched maroon which perfectly complements this Plymouth's slick exterior panels. The seats have fresh foam so they're firm, and they're covered in beautiful and accurate covers and topped with super rare, optional headrests. The dash pad has been restored, and the gauges are rebuilt, including the optional tachometer nestled in a corner next to the radio -- almost like it was an afterthought. This car carries options like power windows and a rear window defroster, all of which are fully functional, along with the original Music Master AM radio with rear speaker. Correct carpets are on the floor, along with reproduction GTX floor mats, and the headliner is taut and wrinkle-free. And finally, the trunk includes a correct mat, a full-size spare tire and a complete jack assembly.

This GTX is also very nicely documented. Its sale includes a copy of its original broadcast sheet, original dealer papers and manuals, a small stack of restoration receipts, and the aforementioned Monotone Burgundy Metallic wheels.

At RK Motors Charlotte, we love anything with tires and a motor, but if you get the impression that we're particularly fond of this car, you'd be exactly right! It's the unique cars that always get our blood flowing the fastest; and this GTX is unique for all the right reasons: a super rare color, a numbers matching Hemi engine, and loaded with options. At the Mopar Nationals, this car will undoubtedly draw a crowd and it will be hard to resist taking it out on the road. It's also surprisingly affordable, which is shocking in this day and age of six-figure Hemis. In summary, this GTX is a great example of exactly what Plymouth was trying to achieve in the late 60's: luxury and performance wrapped in a handsome package. And as appealing as this killer hardtop was then, it's even more appealing now!