1968 Plymouth GTX 440 Six Pack Wagon
April 2020 • By Tony ThackerIf there are two things we like at TorqTalk.com, it’s phantom cars—cars that could have been but never were, and wagons—we love ’em both so why not combine them into a phantom wagon?
Rumor has it that in 1968, a long time Chicago resident and Mopar enthusiast named Herb purchased a new Plymouth Satellite mid-size station wagon that served his family well. Heck, they even came with a two-way tailgate that could be optioned with a self-washing window. Herb was happy until the following year when Chrysler released the Road Runner 440 Six Pack—he needed a six-pack, even his wife said so. Herb quickly called Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge (GSD) located nearby in Chicago's Humboldt Park.
Herb asked Mr. Norm, whose real name was Norman Kraus, if they could retrofit the Road Runner/Superbee 440 Six Pack into his B-body wagon. Mr. Norm quickly assured Herb that it was an easy, bolt-in swap and that all the parts, including the 440 engine were in stock.
The interior was restored using Year One components.
Before Mr. Norm’s phone hit the cradle, Herb was pulling his wagon into Grand Spaulding’s lot at the corner of West Grand Avenue and North Spaulding Avenue. The conversion, apparently only took one week before Herb was driving out of GSD in his hot rodded wagon.
Herb got to enjoy his ride for barely a year before his brother arrived from California. Herb made the mistake of giving said brother a ride and said brother made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Said brother headed west on Route 66 to Cal-i-for-ni-a where he added the factory fiberglass, lift-off, Six Pack hood, a four-speed and the seats and console from a GTX.
440 Six Pack engine built by Van Gordon Racing features an Edelbrock intake and triple Holley carbs.
Eventually, as often happens, the wagon was parked and left until it was re-discovered somewhat neglected, rust free but almost intact with only some of the speed equipment missing. It was eminently restorable and went to Larry Weiner’s PerformanceWestGroup.com for a complete rebirth with only a few subtle updates making it a contemporary but faithful resurrection.
For example, the chassis was completely refurbished and updated but with a slightly lower stance enhanced by the Oasis Hurst Dazzler-inspired 18-inch chrome wheels shod with corresponding Pirelli tires that offer modern ride and handling characteristics.
The paint is Sherwin-Williams B-5 Super Blue shot by Mike Face Custom Paint. Classic GTX dual side accent stripes, emblems and tailgate graphics by Stencils and Stripes.
Under the Year One ’69 Plymouth A-12 Six Pack hood finished in satin black there is, of course, a 440 Six Pack engine built by Van Gordon Racing, Upland, CA., enhanced with three Holley carbs on an Edelbrock intake. Behind the engine sits a bullet proof Hays Clutch that transmits the power to a Chrysler A-833 four-speed manual transmission armed with a Hurst Competition Plus shifter.
Hurst Dazzler-inspired 18-inch wheels by Oasis are fitted with Pirelli PZero Rosso–Assimetrico tires. Front: 235/50ZR18, Rear: 255/55R18.
Externally, the wagon is coated with Sherwin-Williams ‘B-5 Super Blue’ paint that is a modern interpretation of the original B-5 Blue. The hood is, of course, satin black and the body in enhanced with classic GTX dual side accent stripes and emblems.
As muscle wagons go, we’d put this right up there at the top of our want, want, want list because it looks great, it has gobs of cubic horsepower, you can haul the gang to the races and besides the story is cool.
S P E C S
• Vehicle: 1966 Plymouth GTX 440 Six Pack Wagon phantom
• Builder: PerformanceWestGroup.com
Engine
440 Six Pack built by Van Gordon Racing
• Bore: .040 over, stroke: Stock
• 465 Horsepower @ 5500 rpm
• Pistons: Speed Pro, compression: 10.50: 1
• Cam: Comp Cams
• Oil pan: Milodon
• Intake: Edelbrock
• Carbs: Holley
• Air cleaner assembly: Year One. Inc.
• Exhaust manifolds: Chrysler Corp.
• Clutch: Hays
• Trans: Chrysler A-833 four-speed manual
• Shifter: Hurst Competition Plus
• Overdrive: Gear Vendors
• Diff: Chrysler 8-3/4
Chassis
• Brakes: Stainless Steel Brakes Corp
Front: Tri Power 3-piston calipers w/ 14” slotted, ventilated rotors
Rear: Single piston calipers w/ 10.5” rotors
• Control arms: Control Freak Suspension
• Rear leaf spring: Eaton Detroit Spring
• Shocks: Edelbrock IAS Performer
• Sway bars: Hotchkis Performance
• Torsion bars: Heavy duty 440
• Wheels: Oasis, Hurst Dazzler inspired, size: Front 18x7, Rear 18 x 8
• Tires: Pirelli PZero Rosso –Assimetrico, Front, 235/50ZR18, Rear 255/55R18
Interior
• Upholstery: Katzkin Leather Inc., sewn to original 1968 Plymouth GTX Pattern
• Color: Parchment Pearl
• Restoration parts: Year One Inc.
• Carpets: Auto Custom Carpets
• Headliner and door panels: Jim’s Auto Upholstery
• Weather stripping: Steele Rubber Products
