Beast in Black: The 572ci Ray Barton Hemi Powered 1969 Plymouth GTX

The 1969 Plymouth GTX originally occupied a unique space in the Mopar hierarchy as the “gentleman’s muscle car,” blending high-performance hardware with more refined interior appointments. However, this specific hardtop has been radically reimagined by Dave Dudek Musclecars, shedding its luxury persona for a more aggressive, track-oriented identity. By adopting the iconic styling of a Road Runner and shoehorning a massive Ray Barton powerplant into the engine bay, this build creates a bridge between factory heritage and modern mechanical dominance.

A Menacing Presence in Triple Black

The visual character of this build is defined by its deep black repaint, which is further sharpened by matte-black accents across the hood and fender tops. While the silhouette remains true to the classic B-body lines of 1969, the inclusion of Road Runner graphics, red-grilled ventilation openings, and Hemi badging signals a significant departure from stock specifications. Grounding the car are 15-inch steel H-series wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S rear rubber, ensuring that the sinister aesthetic is backed by serious traction capability.

The Heart of the Beast: 572 Cubic Inches of Hemi Power

Mechanical authority is provided by a Ray Barton Racing Engines 572ci Hemi V8, a displacement monster that was meticulously rebuilt in early 2024. Featuring a 4.5-inch Crower crankshaft, Stage V cylinder heads, and dual 750-cfm carburetors, this engine represents the pinnacle of Mopar performance. On the dynamometer, the Hemi produced a staggering 768 hp/778 PS and 725 lb-ft/983 Nm of torque. This immense output is routed through a TorqueFlite automatic transmission augmented by a Gear Vendors overdrive, allowing for both strip-ready launches and comfortable highway cruising.

Purpose-Built Cockpit and Safety Hardware

Inside, the environment has been updated to reflect the car’s high-performance capabilities while maintaining its period-correct charm. Black vinyl bucket seats provide the primary seating, but the addition of a multi-point roll bar with a Simpson four-point harness for the driver emphasizes that this is a 10-second-capable machine. The dash remains mostly traditional, though a Mopar Performance tachometer and auxiliary oil and water temperature gauges have been integrated to provide the pilot with mission-critical data. Despite its raw power, the cabin retains the fundamental ergonomics that made the 1969 B-bodies famous.

Precision Chassis and Market Rivalry

To keep the massive Hemi power manageable, the car utilizes a Borgeson power steering system and Calvert Racing CF Series shocks paired with rear traction bars. Stopping power is equally robust, featuring a Hydratech-boosted front disc system with drilled and slotted rotors. In the current market, a build of this caliber competes directly with high-end restomods like the Dodge Charger R/T, but its unique Road Runner styling cues and Ray Barton pedigree give it a distinct edge for collectors who value mechanical transparency and raw mechanical force over modern electronic interference.

Final Verdict on a Mopar Icon

This 1969 Plymouth GTX is far more than a simple restoration; it is a masterclass in period-appropriate performance engineering. By combining one of the most respected names in Hemi engine building with a sinister, well-executed aesthetic, this vehicle honors the legacy of the Rapid Transit System while delivering performance that can challenge modern supercars. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the B-body platform and the terrifying potential of 572 cubic inches of American muscle.

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Source: bringatrailer.com