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The 1963 Plymouth 426 Wedge stood out as one of the most intimidating early muscle cars. Explore additional photos of these powerful machines.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.Plymouth muscle cars ranged from playful to downright menacing, often blending both traits into a single remarkable model.
Once regarded as Chrysler's affordable and less exciting brand, Plymouth underwent a transformation in the 1960s and early '70s, becoming a hub for massive engines and heart-pounding excitement. In doing so, it carved out a muscle car identity separate from its sibling division, Dodge.
Plymouth was quick to jump into the horsepower race. While models like the 1962 Plymouth 413 Wedge didn't resonate with mainstream buyers, their compact size and lightweight design made them ideal for Mopar's powerful 410-bhp 413-cid V-8 engine, making them an unexpected performance powerhouse.
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These cars were among the fastest early muscle machines, capable of completing the quarter mile in the mid-14-second range at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Their legacy was solidified in 1963, when enthusiasts could opt for the competition-ready 425-bhp 426-cid Wedge Head V-8.
In 1964, Plymouth enthusiasts saw a promising future when Chrysler introduced its 426-cid Hemi V-8 to both NASCAR and organized drag racing. The Hemi powered the '64 Daytona 500 winner and would go on to help Richard Petty and his iconic blue No. 43 Plymouths achieve legendary racing status. A street-friendly version of the Hemi was released in 1965, and Plymouth made the 425-bhp beast available in its midsize Satellite and Belvedere models.
With potent engines and a track record of victories, Plymouth introduced its first fully integrated muscle car package in 1967 with the GTX. This Satellite-based supercar came equipped with a 375-bhp 440-cid V-8, offering the Hemi as the only engine option. It became the first midsize Plymouth to feature hood scoops, special emblems, bucket seats, redline tires, and wide wheels, all hallmarks of the muscle car era.
Like other manufacturers, Plymouth's midsize models were crucial to its performance legacy. The 1968-70 intermediate cars, with their sleek, rounded bodies and spacious engine bays, became muscle car classics. This lineup included one of the most influential cars of the era, the Road Runner.
Blending affordability, performance, and a playful spirit (cartoon bird decals, "beep beep" horn), the Road Runner became a sales phenomenon that even other brands, including Dodge, had to emulate. The 1970 Road Runner hosted one of Detroit’s most eye-catching designs. With its oversized rear wing and extended nosecone, the Road Runner Superbird (along with the Dodge Charger-based Daytona) brought NASCAR-style superspeedway aesthetics to the streets of America.
Plymouth was also a strong competitor in other markets. Its compact Valiant-based Barracuda beat Ford's Mustang to the market by 17 days in 1964, securing an early spot for the division in the pony car arena. These early Barracudas offered solid performance, with the 1965 version offering a balance of reasonable handling and a 235-bhp 273-cid solid-lifter V-8. The Barracuda started flexing its muscle in 1967 with the addition of the 383-cid big-block engine. By 1969, the 'Cuda could be had with the 440-cid V-8.
The Barracuda underwent a redesign in 1970, now sharing quintessential pony car proportions with the new Dodge Challenger, leading to some of the most coveted vehicles of the muscle car era. These cars could be equipped with any high-performance engine from Chrysler’s catalog, from the high-revving 340-cid V-8 to the monstrous 440 big-block, and even the legendary Hemi.
Produced in limited numbers, the 1970 and 1971 Hemi 'Cudas were aggressive performers when new and are now considered among the most valuable muscle car collectibles. The striped and spoiler-equipped 1970 AAR 'Cuda also attracts significant collector interest.
In 1970, Plymouth unveiled its comprehensive Rapid Transit System muscle car lineup, which included the 'Cuda, Road Runner, GTX, and the new compact Duster 340. The 1971 GTX was one of the last big-block cars of the muscle car era, and although the Road Runner name continued until 1978, it was primarily a nameplate with more image than performance.
Equipped with the 340 and later the 360-cid V-8 engines, the 'Cuda remained in production until 1974, and the Duster lasted until 1975, marking the end of Plymouth's performance era. By the time the division was shut down in 2001, these models had become little more than nostalgic memories for most.
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For more profiles, images, and specifications of Plymouth muscle cars, explore:
- The Hemi-powered 1965 Plymouth Factory Altered Wheelbase was a muscle car built for victory at any cost.
- The 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX marked the beginning of Plymouth's comprehensive muscle car approach.
- Plymouth upgraded its midsize muscle car with 440 or Hemi engines, dubbing it the 1968 Plymouth GTX.
- The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner established the budget-muscle segment and became one of the most iconic cars of the 1960s.
- The 1969 Plymouth 'Cuda 440 featured the largest engine of any contemporary pony car, though that was also its downfall.
- The 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda paid homage to Dan Gurney's All-American Racers, a dominant force in Trans Am racing.
- With a price of $2,547, a sleek fastback body, and a powerful 340-cid V-8, the 1970 Plymouth Duster hit the mark for budget-conscious muscle car enthusiasts.
- Unmatched in its time and nearly priceless today, the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda stands as a true muscle car legend.
- Don't let the Beep! Beep! horn fool you, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi was a serious contender.
- With its nosecone prow, towering spoiler, and NASCAR heritage, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird stood out in a crowd of fast cars.
- The 1971 Plymouth GTX 440+6 defied the decline of muscle cars with 385 bhp of classic tri-carb, big-block power.
For images, profiles, and specifications of the finest Plymouth muscle cars, explore:
- The 1963 Plymouth 426 Wedge was so raw it came with warnings against using it on public roads.
- The understated style of the 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi was the only thing modest about this powerhouse.
- With its monstrous power, minimalist styling, and performance-oriented pricing, the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi epitomized the muscle car era.
