How rare is a 1970 GTX?
The 1970 Plymouth GTX is a highly sought-after piece of late-60s American muscle, with rarity hinging largely on engine choice and survivorship. A 426 Hemi GTX is among the rarest of the era, while the standard 440 Six-Pack variant sits a notch below in rarity but remains a collectible standout. Overall, GTX production was sizable for its time, yet only a fraction has survived in original or well-preserved condition.
In this overview, we break down what “rarity” means for the 1970 GTX, including production totals by engine option, how many are thought to remain today, and what collectors look for when assessing a car’s scarcity and value. We’ll also explain how market demand has evolved as these cars age and finally offer practical guidance for evaluating a potential purchase.
What makes the 1970 GTX rare?
Rarity in this model is primarily driven by engine options, production run, and survivorship. The GTX was Plymouth’s top-performance model in 1970, available with several powertrains, each affecting how many cars were built and how many survive today.
Engine and option impact
Here are the main production paths for the 1970 GTX and how each variant influences rarity:
- 426 cubic inch Hemi with a manual or heavy-duty automatic — the most coveted and rarest variant, typically counted in the low hundreds to under a thousand units for the model year.
- 440 cubic inch Six-Pack (three two-barrel carbs) with a manual or automatic — significantly more common than Hemis, but still relatively scarce compared with many other muscle cars of the era.
- Other 440 or 383 combinations — more numerous than the Hemis or Six-Pack options, but still less common than many non-Plymouth classics of the period.
Understanding these configurations clarifies why Hemis command a premium and why even the “common” GTX variants are far from everyday cars on today’s roads.
Estimated production and survivorship
Rarity is often discussed in terms of production totals and how many examples are still around. While exact counts vary by registry and source, the broad consensus provides useful context for collectors and enthusiasts.
- Total GTX production in 1970: commonly cited estimates place the figure in the low-to-mid tens of thousands, with sources ranging roughly from 12,000 to 22,000 units depending on how variants and body styles are tallied.
- 426 Hemi GTX production: far fewer than other GTX configurations, generally estimated in the low hundreds to perhaps around a few hundred units for the year.
- 440 Six-Pack GTX production: more common than Hemis but still relatively scarce; estimates typically fall in the low thousands, varying by registry and how options were documented.
Notes: exact tallies differ across registries and historical records, and some totals mix different body styles or option packages. For buyers and sellers, the key takeaway is that Hemis are exceptionally rare, while Six-Pack and standard 440 GTXs are uncommon enough to be prized by enthusiasts.
Market signals and why rarity matters
Rarity translates into desirability and often higher auction results, especially when provenance and originality are well documented. Hemis regularly fetch premium prices, particularly when the car is numbers-matching, has verifiable history, and presents in desirable colors with correct trim.
- Provenance and documentation: build sheets, broadcast sheets, and dealer invoices dramatically affect rarity assessment and value.
- Matching numbers and originality: a correct engine, transmission, and axle, along with original drivetrain components, elevate rarity and value.
- Condition and presentation: well-preserved or accurately restored GTXs tend to command higher prices, with Hemis again at the top end of the spectrum.
In practice, rarity is a fusion of documented history, engine configuration, and the car’s current condition. A 426 Hemi GTX with verified provenance is among the rarest late-70s Mopars, while a well-kept 440 Six-Pack GTX remains highly desirable and collectible, though not as scarce as the Hemis.
How to assess rarity if you’re buying or selling
Whether you’re buying or selling a 1970 GTX, a careful due diligence process helps you gauge rarity and value. Key steps include confirming authenticity, provenance, and the condition of major components.
- Check documentation: locate build sheets and dealer invoices to confirm original configuration.
- Verify numbers: decode the VIN and engine/transmission codes; ensure they match the documented configuration.
- Assess originality: evaluate factory paint, decals, and matching-numbers drivetrain to determine how original or restored the car is.
Ultimately, rarity hinges on a combination of engine choice, documented provenance, and the car’s current state. A high-quality 426 Hemi GTX with strong documentation is rare and commanding, while a clean but less documented 440 Six-Pack GTX remains a coveted but more common option within the GTX lineup.
Summary
The 1970 GTX remains a coveted symbol of Mopar performance, with rarity most pronounced in its engine options. 426 Hemi GTXs are among the era’s rarest and most valuable variants, often counted in the low hundreds for the model year. 440 Six-Pack GTXs are less scarce but still relatively uncommon, and the broader GTX production sits in the low-to-mid tens of thousands, with survivorship significantly lower due to age and use. For buyers, provenance and numbers-matching originality dramatically influence rarity and value, making well-documented Hemis the pinnacle of GTX collectibility.
