There were many changes to the Rapid Transit System in
1971, The Belvedere name was dropped and the Satellite formed the basis
of Plymouth's intermediate line. The GTX was on the top of that
line, which respectively represented the most expensive too.
With a new name as the platform, came a completely new
body. Contours were softer, more rounded, what Plymouth referred
to in it's brochure as "fuselage" styling. The GTX had
pronounced wheel bulges which gave it a very muscular look. The
new performance hood had outward-facing simulated vents which announced
the engine displacement. While the wheelbase only shrunk to 115
inches from 116, the rear track had increased three inches to sixty-two,
greatly improving the GTX's stability and handling.
The 1971 GTX had a list price $3,733 which held up the
executive branch of the Rapid Transit System. The standard four
barrel 440 only lost five horsepower to emission controls. It's
gross rating of 370 hp worked out to a net rating of 305 hp. The
440+6 and 426 Hemi were still optional, but this would mark the last
year of both engines and the GTX as well. GTX's that were ordered
with the 44+6 or the 426 Hemi came fitted with silenced air cleaners to
conform to the states strict drive-by noise standards.
The optional engines of the GTX suffered horsepower
reductions as well the 440+6 was detuned slightly from 10.5:1 to 10.3:1.
Intake was 268 degrees, exhaust was 284 degrees and overlap was
forty-six degrees. The 440+6 had dropped horsepower to 385, with a
net rating of 330. Even the Street Hemi now in it's sixth year and
final year of production didn't escape emissions modifications.
Compression ratio was reduced to 10.2:1, however it was still rated at
425 hp, with a net rating of 350hp and it was still an awesome engine.
The GTX would receive an all new, very stylish interior,
with nothing spared for detail. There were a host of graphic
options depending on the engine that was ordered, and the newly offered
optional elastomeric color-keyed bumpers gave the GTX a purposeful look.
Inside, the optional contour bucket seats were offered in a number of
color combinations, the most striking being the black seats with orange
inserts.
Sales for the GTX in 1971 dropped way below
expectations. High insurance costs, high price tags and the
popularity of the Barracuda were the leading culprits and consequently
pushed the GTX further into obscurity and a with only 2,942 GTX ordered
Plymouth was forced to drop the GTX model the following year.
1971 would mark the end of production for the GTX under
it's own name. Highlighted in an era where muscle cars were the
ticket punch the GTX always shed itself from the pack with impressive
array of standard features and stylish good looks. It never gained
the popularity of other cars from the era, but remains a popular choice
for enthusiasts and restoration junkies alike.
|
