There are few things that make a muscle car enthusiast’s eyes sparkle more than the word “426 Hemi.” These NASCAR-inspired homologation vehicles were expensive and had a limited warranty, but they also were the engine to which all others were judged. Not only is our Pick of the Day a Hemi, but it’s also a droptop, which makes it one of the rarest and most desirable muscle cars built. This 1967 Hemi Plymouth GTX convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. (Click the link to view the listing)
The GTX was a Johnny-come-lately of sorts, as Plymouth had the equipment to compete with the GTO since 1964, but it took several years for Plymouth to understand the importance of image in its marketing. A 383- or Hemi-powered Belvedere or Satellite didn’t really cut it with the street set, and the 383 was no match for Tri-Power GTOs besides.
The 1967 GTX solved all those issues and more. Standard was a high-performance 440, an engine introduced the year before, though not for mid-sized models. Now, Plymouth was able to offer a model that looked the part and had a name to match, and it was powered by the biggest engine in the performance market—standard! The 440 Super Commando was rated at 375 horsepower and 480 ft-lbs of torque. Most cars from General Motors did not exceed that rating with their optional engines, while Ford’s roster couldn’t compete at all unless the 427 was specified (and very few did).
Of course, Plymouth had the 426 Hemi to unleash on any pesky 7-liter Ford. The Hemi remained unchanged from 1966, featuring dual four-barrel carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a very reasonable 10.25 compression. Horsepower was 425, with torque edging the 440 by 10. The cost of the engine was one-sixth the cost of a GTX hardtop.
The GTX was much like the GTO: a high trim level with standard bucket seats and an option list that could accommodate either any enthusiast or a person who enjoyed sporty with a lower-case “s.” That meant air conditioning was compatible with the 440, but not the Hemi. The standard twin simulated air intakes could be complemented by optional Sport stripes in several colors including black, white, red, blue, or copper.
When the dust settled at the end of the model year, Plymouth sold only 12,010 GTX hardtops and convertibles. Compare that with 81,722 GTOs and it would seem the GTX was not a success, but the street scene had a different opinion because the 440 developed a tough reputation (never mind the Hemi). Convertibles were quite rare at 680 built, so combine that body style with the Hemi and you will have you a very rare car, with some estimates pegging production at 17.
Interestingly, Chrysler records only show 733 Hemi combined GTX hardtops and convertibles built for the U.S. (not including Canadian or export markets), so even with fuzzy production info, the Hemi convertible was quite a rare item. This Yellow 1967 Hemi Plymouth GTX convertible features a black bucket seat interior (P6X) bisected by a full-length console housing the transmission shifter that’s connected to the TorqueFlite automatic. Other features include black convertible top, chrome custom road wheels, remote left-side mirror, and AM radio, among others.
If you’ve checked Hemi’Cuda convertible prices, you know they go for several million dollars. That makes this Hemi GTX convertible quite a bargain at $329,900 in comparison. Few muscle cars can compete with the open-air desirability of a Hemi ragtop, and with around 100 built in total from 1966-71, it’s easy to understand why.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com