1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX
1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX Description:
1971Plymouth Hemi GTX David: 303.947.0444
The 1971 Hemi cars were some of the rarest of the Hemi cars because of their low production numbers. To my knowledge there were 30 Hemi GTX’s produced and only 11 with 4 speeds. That number may be high or low by no more than 5 cars. In 1971, the insurance industry decided they’d had enough of muscle cars and their inherent high loss ratio. One of the first engine options they chose to “pick” on was the Hemi because of its name recognition and no doubt most Mopar fiends wild antics. So, in 1971 insurance on a car like this rose to $100 per month. That represents about 80% of what the normal monthly payment would have been on this car. It had its desired effect and 1971 was the last year for Hemi production cars. Chrysler attempted to combat this by cheapening up the Hemi package. Things like big brakes and 15” wheels were no longer standard along with the Hemi’s. This is one of those cars. The 1971 B body was all new in design and it was styled not only for sales, but also for NASCAR competition. The vehicle has a better drag coefficient than the recently outlawed wing cars of 1969 and ‘70. This styling is one of my favorites. The GTX package included the 440 engine (optional 6-pack, optional Hemi), an upgraded interior, more chrome and vinyl roof.
I purchased the vehicle 35 plus years ago. I spotted in Pueblo Colorado, it had broken down and was on the side of the road. No one was nearby, so I stopped and checked the VIN number and proceeded to locate the owner. The car was not well cared for and the original drivetrain was long gone. In it’s place was 400 2-barrel and an automatic transmission with the floor shift sticking out of the original 4-speed hole. I purchased the car, located a 1969 block, and outfitted the engine with all the correct 1971 appearance pieces including correct 1971 carburetors. The power steering pump, steering gear, and all of the other accessories, except alternator, were still there and correct. The truly attractive thing about this car at that time was the complete lack of rust. I have no reason to think that this car was anything but a local Pueblo, Colorado car. And southern Colorado wonderfully rust free. I drove the car for many years and in fact placed second at the 1989 Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. The only reason I got second instead of first is that my horn relay failed and the horn would not “honk”. Some of the car had not been beat to death, so the car still retains its original door panels, dash, and rear seat. The paint job, which shows extremely well, is 35 years old and other than the chips on the front valence doesn’t really have any reason to be replaced or repaired. Recently (two years ago) the engine was upgraded with a stroker kit, heavy duty clutch and a Gear Vendor’s overdrive which perfectly compliments the 3.54 rear axle. I’ve had many show cars and this was never intended to be one. The overall size and wheelbase of the GTX has always made it a comfortable car to actually drive. You’ll have to forgive the fugly big and little tire combo. They were really cool back in the day and a huge upgrade from the 14” station wagon hubcaps that it came with. As with all NGDCars, this car has been well sorted and driven extensively, so it is capable of stress free cruising or even a long trip. If you wanted to show the car at the highest levels, it would need to be re-restored as the state of the art of restoration has increased massively since 1989. All of the sheet metal on the car is absolutely the original parts. It has never been crashed, patched or hail damaged.
What’s wrong with the car: Mopar guys are especially picky about originality, I know, I’m one of them and I’ve already sold off my “picky” cars (1971 Hemi Cuda, 1969 Hemi Daytona) so let me attempt to describe all the things that are incorrect with the car. The carburetors are indeed 1971 list numbers and are out of the box units. However they were dealer replacement carbs instead of modified 1970 units with a new list number on them. We’ve already discussed the engine and the Gear Vendor’s overdrive. To return it to stock you would have to replace the tail shaft housing, which is included with he sale, and remake the drive shaft. As the photos show, even after 35 years of indiscriminate driving in weather, no rust is peaking through the paint. There is a tiny amount of surface rust in the trunk (pictured), however we’re starting to form minor rust bubbles underneath the vinyl top (also pictured). The windshield is not original nor is the radiator. The miles are original and up until the installation of the overdrive, the exhaust system was as well. Notice it still has its original resonators. I include that factoid to support my claim of a rust free car. The front chin spoilers and the rear wing did not come on the car and the rear wing is improperly mounted and will require the replacement of the deck lid to return it to the stock configuration. The vehicle has the correct list number fuel pump on it, however it is supplemented by an electric helper pump and the fuel line has been cut to accommodate that. There is also a small crack in the original dash, but it is almost invisible. The vehicle does not have a fender tag. However, with the original build sheet (pictured) one can be made. For any other information I’ve included a copy of the build sheet for you to decode.
David: 303.947.0444
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On Sep-28-18 at 12:59:33 PDT, seller added the following information:On Sep-28-18 at 13:01:34 PDT, seller added the following information:
Included with the sale is the original hubcaps, 14" wheels with vintage polyglass tires mounted.
On Sep-28-18 at 13:03:36 PDT, seller added the following information:Also of note, there is a crack on the console near rear ashtray.
On Sep-29-18 at 12:06:49 PDT, seller added the following information:
