In the Garage: 1967 Plymouth GTX
This 1967 Plymouth GTX 426 “Hemi” is owned by Marisa Mazziotti who bought the car new in March 1967 for $3,020. Credit: David Fluhrer
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER: 1967 Plymouth GTX 426 “Hemi” owned by Marisa Mazziotti
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING: In the America of 1967, you could walk into a Plymouth dealer, tick off some boxes on the order form and turn an everyday Belvedere coupe into a wicked and wild machine that can still outrun most 2014 cars. It was called the GTX (a “three-letter terror,” according to Hemmings classic car magazine) and the most powerful available engine was the legendary 426-cubic-inch “Hemi” V-8, pumping out a factory-rated 425 horsepower. Dubbed “the elephant” because of its large size, the powerplant was enough to accelerate the coupe to 60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds, a figure almost unheard-of for the era. It’s no wonder that this engine made history on the NASCAR racing circuit. Mazziotti’s GTX recently went through a two-year restoration. “Everything is in perfect shape and has very low mileage,” she says. “The color is triple black, which is a rare color for this car. The engine has been modified and was rebuilt by a master builder. The horsepower on the car is well over 500. The drivetrain is all brand new, as well as the transmission and rear end. I also added four-wheel disc brakes. The car still has the original rims and Redline tires.”
HOW LONG SHE’S OWNED IT: “I am the original owner,” she says. “I bought the car in March 1967.” It cost $3,020 new.
WHERE SHE FOUND IT: She purchased it from a Valley Stream dealer.
CONDITION: “The car is in perfect condition,” Mazziotti says. “I have all the original manuals, and the original window sticker and build sheets that came with the car. It now has a fiberglass hood to fit the carburetors. It has a brand new paint job. All the lenses on the car are brand new. The bumper and chrome have all been re-chromed. When the car went under restoration, it only had 4,000 miles on it. It was parked in my garage for 35 years.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS: “When you are going to have your car restored,” she advises, “make sure you have a list of questions that you want answered. Also, make sure you are using a reputable restorer.”
VALUE: Mazziotti estimates the Plymouth is worth “at least $175,000.”
THE BOTTOM LINE: “This car has been a part of my family for 47 years,” she says. “When you drive it down the streets, you get nothing but a ‘thumbs-up’ from the older and the newer generations.”
