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1970 Dodge GTX. The Argentine muscle car with its V8 Chrysler

Introduced in the late 1970s, the Dodge GTX is one of the pinnacles of Argentine motorsports with its V8 engine in the style of a muscle car. A striking and powerful model mounted on the platform shared with the Dart saloons, which formed the so-called Dodge Line in Argentina by restructuring the Fevre-Chrysler range in the mid-sixties.

In automobile matters, Spain and Argentina have more points in common than it might seem. And also, one of them has to do with the United States. We are talking about the massive introduction in the sixties of the Dodge range, which was manufactured in both countries under national companies. In the case of Spain, the person responsible was Barreiros after signing an agreement with Chrysler in 1963 for the production of Dodge and Simca models at its Villaverde factory.

In the case of Argentina, the protagonist was Fevre. Company that got the representation of Dodge as early as 1916. Even before it was bought by Chrysler in 1928. A history with extensive roots in which they have been manufactured from trucks and cars to VW Beetle units. All through factories such as those of San Justo or Monte Chingolo, which were complemented with interesting buildings such as the Alcorta Palace. A former Chrysler dealership with built-in test track in the FIAT factory way at Lingotto.

However, the most certain moment of settlement came during the sixties. Specifically when the Chrysler range in Argentina was updated with the nationally manufactured Valiant, which received a complete change in appearance by assimilating the body of the Dart. Precisely the model that began to be marketed by Barreiros in Spain in 1965. A global vehicle in its markets and flexible in its preparations, from which both saloons and coupes came out in multiple finishes.

A panoply of models among which the Dodge GTX stands out. A muscle car tight on the Argentine market, which meant the most exclusive example of the Dodge range made by Fevre.

DODGE GTX. A MUSCLE CAR TO ARGENTINA

Although the Dodge GTX was derived from the GT sedan, from the name itself he wanted to distance himself by marking greater aggressiveness. That is why the X derives from the word "end”, Implying that in this case benefits would be paramount. A starting point thanks to which the races in Argentina turned from the predominance of the Ford and Chevrolet to that of the different preparations based on the GTX. Something that is understood when we examine its mechanics. Especially the V8 offered alongside the six-cylinder only a few months after the presentation in late 1970.

Undoubtedly its most representative version, which marked differences with the Slant A119 six-cylinder in-line. An ingenuity of 3687cc and 155CV at 4500 rpm that equipped the GT sedan to which the GTX came to replace. In fact, and since this was so far from the V8, From 1972, the six-cylinder version of the Dodge GTX was renamed the Polara Coupé. Situation that left the V8 as the only engine available for this model, which gave it a true identity by distancing it from the rest of the range. Also based on Chrysler's successful Monocoque Platform A for rear-wheel drive cars.

And, although the Dodge GTX shared a large part of its parts with the rest of the so-called Dodge Line, its V8 engine marked distance thanks to its 212CV at only 4400 rpm. Something that coupled with its 5210cc displacement, it expresses the character of an authentic American muscle car. That is to say, a lot of power centered on a perfect long chassis to give the best of itself not so much in the curves as in the straights. A fact that is confirmed when we inspect the weight, which does not come close to 1600 kilos. Normal for a vehicle more than five meters long and almost three meters long.

POWER WITHOUT SACRIFYING COMFORT

To be honest, the truth is that the muscle car concept has more to do with being seen than with pure sporty driving. Heavy, big and with a steering that does not go well in the curves, the American sports cars in the manner of the Mustang, Camaro or Torino base their appeal on acceleration and imposing aesthetics. Proof of this is not only that they are usually based on chassis used by family vehicles, but also their spacious cabins. Well visible feature on the Dodge GTX. A rabid V8 sports car perfectly useful for long family trips thanks to its large glass surface, comfortable seats and suspensions capable of filtering the dirt.

Plus, its four-speed manual transmission was designed with high gears and a smooth clutch underfoot. Facts that confirm the Dodge GTX as a car more designed to devour straights than twisty mountain routes. And, after all, each car has a use and a context. Thus It is logical to think that Chrysler endowed the Argentine market with such a model, destined to be used by places with a geography similar to that of North America.. Business idea that came from Mexico, where Dodge was already producing the Dart GTS.

Possibly the beginning of the Argentine Dodge GTX, which some sources point to as the product of a market study carried out by Chrysler after having experimentally brought a Mexican Dart GTS with a V8 engine to Argentina. Speculations that, debates aside, do not change the fact that The Dodge GTX is an Argentine-made muscle car. An interesting and spectacular version that we did not have in Spain due to the complex financial situation that Barreiros went through since 1967.

A context where Chrysler ended up taking control of the company, putting aside possible adventures to focus on the Spanish Dodge 3700, differentiated from the Argentine Polara by details such as the grill and the headlights. Elements that are weaving, between Spain and Argentina, a shared automotive history as far as Dodge models are concerned.

Photographs: Chrysler

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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