You go to Plymouth Dealers in 1972, and ask for a most powerful automobile that have air-condition. There is
exactly one choice: 1972 Plymouth GTX 440-4 torqueflite. Mopar produce only 453 U-code GTX torqueflite in 1972.
Portion of the 453 equipped with AC, this car is one of those. Rare as hen's teeth, it is.
This GTX was advertised as gentleman-car back in the day. It loaded with a biggest motor (440cu 7.2L) and all the
luxury option available: AC, tinted glass, dual racing mirrors, 3-speed wiper, tachometer, woodgrain console, rear
speaker and all decoration trim. This GTX has 2 build-sheets. They all match the VIN and Order #, just have
different Sequence #. My guess is one build-sheet is for the Roadrunner platform, and the other is for GTX package,
that is why they call it as Dual Badge car.
It is rotisserie restored in 2008 to the point as it left the factory in 1972. Matching engine and transmission
rebuilt to stock specifications. Since then I have put roundly 5000 miles on it. The 440 after correct break-in
time is running strong and produce a massive torque. The 3:91 posi-trac force the car launching hard at dead stop
while maintain the decent mpg in highway. The performance of this GTX is just unbelievable, its hard to imaging
4-decades ago people did have such powerful toy to play with. This is truly Americana icon.
It does have a few flaws from use, a few little nicks on the body, small cut in driver seat, crack in dash cover
(see last pics); the gas gauge & oil gauge stop working (the engine oil pressure is good). Also, I threw the
spare-tire away to make the trunk clean and dry, so no spare-tire and trunkmat. Other than that, the GTX is in
excellent shape, its not trailer queen but I would rate it 8 out of 10.
For new car collector, if you by chance reading my auction, consider yourself lucky. Stop buying project car or
small block car. Guys who drive small block and still promo for them because they have not drive big block, once
you drive big block, especially 440 you will see 340, 360 or even 383 as a joke. Everytime you step in the gas
pedal, it stuck you in the driver seat, hard. Also forget the need of 4-speed, the tremendous torque of the 440
give enough of the feeling for changing gear of the 4-speed, it launch quick.
I have own A-body big block, E-body. Nothing can compare with this GTX. The big block A-body is heavy nose; the
E-body is too short. The GTX, in other hand, is heavier than A-body; longer than E-body and have efficient weight
distribution, it made for the best. Dont ever think that you can buy the small block B-body and swap the 440 and
call it GTX. There are much different. The original GTX body made to match high performance engine: high quality
structure, torque box, heavy duty suspension, front and rear-swaybar. All of these made it tight and firm control
at high speed. I have never had this feeling when driving A-body big block of E-body, these are spongy at high
speed.
This GTX are the most aggressive machine ever produce, by both its looks and its performance. Although 71 and 72
GTX are identical, the 72 grille and taillight are different. The 72 made to look more like fighter jet. John
Herlitz, the designer of the 71-72 GTX have stated: "both are good, but the 72 GTX are the best". As for pre-71
GTX, these car look nothing like muscle but a classic car. Coke bottle? Not for me, sorry. As for 1973-74, the
engine detuned; the body is re-structure and the B-body is nothing but grocery-getter car. The 1972 GTX is the last
gentleman-car.