Lot 236

The John Staluppi Collection

1968 Plymouth GTX Convertible

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$55,000 USD | Sold

United States | North Palm Beach, Florida

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Chassis No.
RS27L8G272859

A highly-optioned and rare, original example

Model RS. 375 bhp, 440.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and disc-front, drum-rear power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 116.0 in.

The late-1960s demanded specialty models as never before, particularly in the mid-size market segment. Chevy offered the Chevelle Super Sports, Ford the Fairlane 500 fastbacks, and Dodge the Charger. Plymouth’s initial entry was the Satellite, a well-trimmed Belvedere hardtop coupe. Satellite amenities included bucket seats with a center console, fender-top turn signal indicators, body stripes, and full-length lower body trim. The GTX, first seen in 1967, was a full-performance Satellite, with a 375 brake horsepower, four-barrel, Super Commando 440 wedge, a heavy duty Torqueflite transmission, brakes and suspension, dual hood scoops, a pit-stop fuel cap, and red-line tires. Both the hardtop coupe and convertible models were available. In its day, the 440 GTX recorded 6.5-second 0–60 times, and a 15.2 second 97 mph quarter mile.

This 1968 GTX convertible is all but identical to the 1967 model, except for the government mandated safety features, like side marker lights and seat belts. In Sable White, it has a black body stripe and wears the characteristic chrome Magnum wheels and red-line tires. Accessories include power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, windshield washers, and a Solid State AM/FM radio with in-dash speakers. Seats are upholstered in pearlescent white vinyl, and there is a black canvas top with a white vinyl boot cover. Additional options include bucket seats, a console shift, power top, remote side view mirror, day/night mirror, tachometer, original fender tag, and of course, the 440-cubic inch 375 horsepower engine.

The car is in exceptional, as-original condition throughout and is one of the most highly optioned examples we have seen to date. It is believed, though yet to be verified at the time of catalogue production, that this particular example may have indeed been a “Brass Tag” executive order car given all of the installed accessories and options. All contours are correct, and the paint and brightwork are excellent. The engine compartment is tidy, with the Super Commando engine in the correct shade of blue. All hardware is correctly detailed, and underneath the car, everything is very clean and tidy.

The GTX convertible was dropped after 1970, but the coupe continued into 1971. By then, however, the no-nonsense Road Runner, a new model for 1969, had pretty well overtaken it. In its last season, the GTX sold fewer than 3,000 cars, and this excellent 1968 convertible is one of just 1,026 built that year. It’s a forgotten part of Plymouth history and will reward its new owner in many ways. We are confident that this is one of the most highly-optioned GTXs in existence.