Dodge Viper Zb Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, California 2018

1968-1970
In 1968, after one year of production, the GTX was given a completely new look. A new hourglass body replaced the more box-like body of 1967. The Road Runner was introduced by Plymouth as a budget performance version of the Belvedere. There were major changes made in the design of all the Plymouth B-bodies. The Road Runner’s base engine was the new 383 cu in (6.3L) “Super Commando” V8 (renamed the “Road Runner 383”), while the high performance 440 was still standard in the GTX. The TorqueFlite automatic transmission was standard on the GTX, with it being a US$206 option in the Road Runner. The GTX used the Sport Satellite trim and was offered in two models, the two-door convertible and the two-door hardtop. The Road Runner used the Belvedere trim, and had less insulation and comfort items (padding, vinyl roof, trim), which reduced weight, helped produce better track times, and kept it in the low price field.

History of the 1968-1970 Plymouth GTX
The Plymouth GTX arrived on the muscle car scene in 1967 as Plymouth’s serious contender, a hot rod version of the square Belvedere, with a Hemi V8 option. Base motor in the GTX was the 375-hp, Super Commando 440 ci V8, capable of 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 14.6 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph. And that was when the car was equipped with an automatic transmission and not an optional 4-speed. The 426 Hemi option cost $605 extra and only 703 GTX hardtops and 17 convertibles were so equipped in 1967.

The Plymouth GTX became a little curvier in 1968, and its position as a luxury hot rod was strengthened with Plymouth’s introduction of the more affordable and basic Road Runner. Engine choices remained unchanged from the previous year and continued that way through 1969. Drag test showed that the 440 ci Super Commando V8 led the 426 ci street Hemi for the first eighth of a mile, until the Hemi came “on the cam” and won by about two car lengths. With a 4.10 rear axle a 440 motor, the GTX could turn 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 102.8 mph. Exterior changes in 1969 were minimal with just a new grille and taillights.

Model year 1970 was the last for this body series, and the Plymouth GTX received a new grille, new hood, and new fenders. The 440 ci Super Commando remained the base engine but options included the 390hp Six Pack with three two-barrel carburetors, or the 425hp 426 ci street Hemi with dual four-barrels. That same year the convertible GTX was discontinued. The 1971 model year was the final year for the Plymouth GTX. It was priced at $3,733.

Due to its high cost relative to the Plymouth Road Runner, the GTX is relatively rare today. The cars were incredibly quick, but also invariably better equipped than most other muscle cars of the era, which makes good originals worth seeking out. Hemis are the rarest of the breed, and priced accordingly, but the 440 cars are generally easier to live with and provide an exhilarating ownership experience in their own rights.

Phase ZB (2003-2010)
ZB I (3rd Generation)
The third-generation engine, introduced on the 2003 Viper, had a displacement of 8.3L (505 ci) and was rated at 510 hp (380 kW) and 535 lb⋅ft (725 N⋅m) after SAE certification in 2006.

CC rating: 8,280 cc 505 ci (8.3L) Chrysler Gen 3 V10

NZ First Registration: 04-Aug-2017

– Chrysler Gen 3 V10
– Tremec T56 6 Speed Manual
– Strange Engineering Dana Ultimate 60
– Custom American Racing – Dunlop Sportsmax
18 x 8 245/45/18
20 x 10 315/35/20
– Full Custom Leather
– Kenwood Head-Unit – Kicker Amps, Speakers, + Subs
– Ian Neary – Design By Owner