Introduced in 1967 as an upscale-trimmed performance car, the GTX topped Plymouth’s midsize car lineup. Restricted to two-door body styles and high-performance big-block V8 power, and equipped with premium features as standard, the GTX became known as “the gentleman’s muscle car.”
The following year, Plymouth unleashed the Road Runner as an entry-level performance vehicle. Unlike the latter, which became a big hit, the GTX remained a slow seller. Discontinued in 1971 when Plymouth also phased out the high-compression 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) and 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) engines, the GTX moved only 55,516 units over five model years.
The final-year 1971 version is the rarest of the bunch. With muscle cars already on their way out and insurance rates through the roof, only 2,703 customers ordered the expensive GTX. Of these, 2,538 left the factory with the standard 440-cubic-inch four-barrel. The other 165 got the 440 Six-Barrel and the range-topping 426 HEMI.
The latter is by far the rarest, with just 30 shipped, including 19 automatic and 11 four-speed manual cars. These final-year HEMI GTXs are also sought-after and expensive, with highly original examples going for more than $200,000. The green-yellow GTX you see here is one of those rigs.
Featured by classic car enthusiast Lou Costabile, this 1971 Plymouth GTX appears to be a flawless restoration. And not only does it have a 426 HEMI under the hood, but it also features a four-speed manual setup. This combo makes it one of only 11 examples built like this. “Rare” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Then there’s the Curious Yellow color, which most likely makes it a one-of-one gem. I’ve seen a HEMI GTX in this exact color cross the block (for a whopping $253,000) in 2019, but that car had a three-speed automatic and no vinyl top. Unless there’s another Curious Yellow HEMI GTX hiding somewhere, this Mopar is unique in terms of paint, top, and drivetrain combo.
Speaking of which, Curious Yellow was a rather controversial hue back in the day. One of ten Chrysler High-Impact colors offered from 1969 to 1973, Curious Yellow was an option for the 1971 model year. It was also available on Dodge models as Citron Yella.
The story goes that many viewed the Curious Yellow name as a reference to the 1967 Swedish erotic drama “I Am Curious (Yellow),” which was initially banned in some American states for being obscene. Even though Chrysler did not issue an official statement, some speculate that the company removed the color after only one year because of this association.
Whatever the case, the hue found its way on very few Mopars. Chrysler did not keep detailed records, but most experts agree fewer than 0.5% of all Mopars were ordered in this vibrant yellow. And much like Rallye Green and Moulin Rouge cars, Curious Yellow rigs are hard to find today.
The owner isn’t planning on parting ways with the GTX, but the color/drivetrain combo would turn this Mopar into a very expensive classic on the auction block. Over the past few years, 1971 HEMI GTX rigs in this condition have changed hands for $192,500 to $374,000. It’s one of those HEMI cars we don’t see very often, so hit the play button below and enjoy the view (and the ride). You may also want to subscribe to Lou’s YouTube channel to see other cool classics from the golden era.