In 1970, Plymouth introduced the Rapid Transit System, a colorful marketing campaign centered on their brand of high-performance supercars, including Plymouth’s top of the line mid-size muscle car, the GTX. Labeled a “gentleman’s hot rod”, the 1970 GTX combined a lavishly appointed interior with power steering and optional front disc brakes, a road tuned heavy-duty suspension, and Mopar’s most potent engines, including the 375-hp 440-ci Super Commando, the triple two-barrel carbureted 390-hp 440+6, and the legendary 425-hp 426 Hemi.
Outside, the 1970 GTX featured an attractive body with restyled nose and tail sections, single non functional rear quarter panel scoops, an all-new “power bulge” hood, and optional performance hood paint and sport stripes along the sides. The big news was the redesigned Air Grabber hood which came standard with the Hemi, optional with the 440+6. With the flip of a switch beneath the dash, a single trap door popped up in the center of the hood, allowing the engine to gulp in heaps of cold air. Although sales for the boulevard brawling B-body were down to a mere 7,748 units, the 1970 GTX was and is respected as one of the finest muscle cars of the era. No brag, just fact.
Like the original, GMP’s latest 1/18-scale 1970 GTX is a real head turner. The body casting has been captured with spot on accuracy and the overall fit and finish is just as crisp as it was over a dozen releases ago, played up with photo-etched emblems, microscopic tampos, and radiant strands of chrome framing the windows, grille and taillight panels, and light bezels. GMP’s GTX also features the most accurate 5-spoke Magnum style wheels I’ve ever seen, shod in pliable Goodyear rubber, along with a functional Air Grabber hood, and a rear license plate frame that cleverly folds down on a spring loaded hinge. The real highlight of this release though is its color combo. Finished in FE5 Rallye Red with V6W white sport stripes and a P6T5 tan interior, this model replicates a truly rare documented GTX, 1 of only 3 known to exist.
Filling the GTX’s engine bay is an extraordinary example of the 426 Hemi. Practically every detail conceivable has been faithfully captured, from the various wires and hoses to the signature broad flat black valve covers to the tiny painted wing nuts and 426 Hemi callout atop the oval shaped open element air cleaner lid. Altogether, this miniature Hemi is a work of art that deserves to be displayed on its own. Further complimenting the lifelike presentation of the engine bay are other realistically detailed parts like the fluid reservoir, battery, and master cylinder, in addition to other components like the air grabber hardware and carved metal latch on the underside of the hood and the familar (but still cool) spring loaded scissor style hinges.
Between the GTX’s realistically hinged doors is an exceptionally striking rendition of the P6T5 tan interior, a color that is almost as rarely seen in diecast as it was with actual GTX’s. GMP nailed the different hues of this unique interior, including the dark brown seat inserts, and topped it off with wood grain accents trimming the door panels and dash as well as the 3-spoke steering wheel, center console, and automatic shifter knob. Other details include an impressive instrument cluster with precisely reproduced gauge faces set behind clear plastic lenses, detailed courtesy lights located on the center console, chrome plated sill plates, flocked carpeting, posable sun visors, a photo-etched GTX emblem above the opening glove box, and folding high-back bucket seats with woven lap belts. Rounding out the interiors extensively long list of highlights are GMP’s ingeniously engineered working chrome plated window cranks that operate the side glass. GMP further enhanced the feature with removable rear quarter panes of clear plastic. Now that's thinking outside of the box!
GMP’s GTX also features an opening trunk - complete with a genuinely textured floor mat, spare tire and jack assembly, and instruction label on the underside of the trunk lid - as well as a thoroughly detailed chassis. In addition to key details, like an accurate 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission, a stainless steel dual exhaust system, painted on brake and fuel lines, and a painted gas tank, the undercarriage of this B-body features a rotating driveshaft, a fully functional front and rear suspension, and real metal leaf springs attached to a Dana 60 rear axle. The only thing missing is the customary Mopar body color overspray.
Overall, GMP’s 1/18-scale 1970 Plymouth GTX is a remarkable replica of the original, combining a phenomenal amount of finger fun and eye candy all in one tiny, but hefty, and might I add attractive package. The chosen color combo for this release might not be to everyone’s liking, but it’s certainly unique, and for me, that really adds to the allure of this replica, not to mention that it’s a replica of a rare, 1 of 3, documented 1970 Hemi GTX. If you’d like to add a special piece of muscle car history to your collection, this one surely qualifies. If the distinctiveness and history of this release still doesn’t tickle your fancy, GMP is offering a similarly equipped GTX in Ivy Green, a darker color that compliments the tan interior beautifully. Whichever version you choose, there’s no denying that these 1/18-scale Plymouth’s are high detail muscle at its finest. No brag, just fact.
Happy Collecting,
DetourDave
GMP
#G1803117 1 of 3 1970 Plymouth GTX
FE5 Rallye Red w/P6T5 Tan Interior
Photography & Review by Dave Nicholson
GMP
#G1803117 1 of 3 1970 Plymouth GTX
FE5 Rallye Red w/P6T5 Tan Interior
Photography & Review by Dave Nicholson
