The 1968 Plymouth GTX hardtop holds a storied place in muscle car history, but this particular example stands out as a unique tribute to NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his iconic #43 Plymouth Road Runner. Modified in the spirit of Petty’s 1968 Daytona 500 car, this GTX combines racing heritage with distinctive styling and performance upgrades.
Tribute to a Racing Icon
Repainted in a shade of blue replicating Petty’s NASCAR cars and featuring a black roof finished in bedliner material, this GTX showcases bold racing graphics, including #43 markings and “Plymouth by Petty” lettering. The experimental roof surface, inspired by Petty’s Daytona 500 efforts, nods to its track-focused origins. Chrome bumpers, hood pins, safety bars, and a GTX grille complete its NASCAR-inspired appearance, while subtle imperfections like rust bubbling and missing trim emphasize its authenticity as a vintage racer.
Performance Built for Thrills
At its heart is a replacement 440ci V8 engine equipped with an RV-spec camshaft, Edelbrock intake manifold, and Mopar electronic ignition. Complemented by a Nitrous Oxide System, the engine delivers a potent blend of raw power and modern enhancements. Paired with a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain has been meticulously maintained, including a recent carburetor rebuild and fuel system updates.
Racing DNA in Every Detail
The GTX rides on black-painted 15×8″ steel wheels with Goodyear Eagle NASCAR tires, while drum brakes and rear air shocks provide stability on and off the track. Inside, late-model gray cloth bucket seats and a black vinyl rear bench are joined by a roll bar and four-point seatbelts for a race-ready feel. The Hurst shifter, topped with a NASCAR 50th Anniversary knob, and the signatures of Richard Petty and his team add priceless provenance.
Unique Features and Modifications
- Fuel Cell & Nitrous Oxide System: Installed in the trunk, these modifications underline the car’s performance-focused upgrades.
- Signature Details: Autographs from Richard Petty, Dale Inman, and other NASCAR legends adorn the car’s interior.
- Instrumentation: A mix of factory and aftermarket gauges, including a 150-mph speedometer and AutoGage tachometer, provides precise monitoring.
- Custom Touches: Blue-tinted dome light, woodgrain trim, and safety enhancements reflect a blend of vintage charm and racing modifications.
A Storied Journey
This GTX has been displayed at legendary racetracks like Charlotte Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway, cementing its status as a celebrated tribute car. After a decade of storage, it stands ready to reignite its legacy with a new chapter on the road or at shows.
Specifications
- Engine: 440ci V8 with RV-spec camshaft and Edelbrock intake
- Transmission: TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
- Exterior Color: Richard Petty-inspired blue with black roof
- Interior: Gray cloth front buckets, black vinyl rear bench
- Wheels & Tires: 15×8″ steel wheels with Goodyear Eagle NASCAR tires
- Special Features: Nitrous Oxide System, roll bar, racing graphics
This NASCAR-style 1968 Plymouth GTX is more than a muscle car—it’s a tribute to motorsport history and a testament to American automotive ingenuity.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
