Test Driving a 1970 GTX 440 - Everyone LOVES This Car

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What's not to love? A gorgeous, clean 440 GTX? Nick always test drives cars before he starts to work on them, but you can understand why he may have taken a few more minutes than usual with this one.

[@joyfilters]

Nick is still a kid. Love that you made some noise under the overpass!

[@robertgrant4501]

Me too

[@altenwoodrow6479]

My friend Smitty had one of them 1969 GTXs. 440 4 bbl. Back in 79, That car literally screemed.

[@KENNEY1023]

That color purple is awesome, great car. The owner sent this car to the perfect person to get it 100%.

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

I'm 67 and drove those B bodies when they were brand new. Always loved the white interiors.

[@BlueHopi144]

that color is enough to make it a Show stopper !!!!! Fabulous 70's Gem

[@nickpanaritis4122]

I want t thank many of you for trying to locate an M1 intake for the 383. We have located one in Ontario and it is on the way to my shop.

[@terryschimweg2294]

With all your followers I was positive you would find that manifold.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Nick Panaritis isn’t all of Ontario on the way to your shop your in Laval right I’ve been ther once at a trucking company truck and roll do a lot of concerts me and my buddy were doing snowmobile shows with them

[@nickpanaritis4122]

@@jeffleblanc8850 . Province of Ontario is on the west side of Quebec.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Nick Panaritis i thought you meant it was on the way as you driving ther lol i was being blonde it’s on it’s way being shipped ther sorry lol

[@GeoHvl]

When I was 17 I bought a new 1970 Road Runner in the fall of 69. It was a wonderful car. 383 with a TorqueFlight 727 with 388L/S rear. By mid-summer South Georgia I wished I had bought the GTX just for the AC. My friends warned me. Best looking Plymonths ever made.

[@GeoHvl]

@Curtis Fleabag The Bird I had did not have AC.

[@southernshop8424]

@Curtis Fleabag my cousin Robert had one with a 409

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

Customer : "Nick, I think my tail light is out..." Nick : "Vasilis, watch the shop, I am going out for a test drive, back after lunch!!" Haha 😄

[@goldcfi7103]

This looks like a special special build that is going to receive a lot of TLC. Fantastic!

[@tomsigler6575]

Let’s take it around the block “one more time” ! I’ll bet Nick says that pretty often with those beautiful Mopar’s he gets to work on. Cheers from Texas my friend !

[@NicksGarage]

Cheers!

[@WarJakEnterprises]

San Antonio here!

[@21lt]

San Antonio here too!!! Maybe I’ll have Nick build me an engine for my 1968 Mustang fastback. I just got it a few months ago. It belonged to my brother-in-law who passed away a couple of years ago and he had the car parked in his garage for close to 40 years. It’s time to restore the bad boy!

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

And all were video taped as well for cold winter nights playback .

[@captnjack5637]

the 440 definitely needs some tune-up work also you might want to install a B&M 747 shift kit and a deeper trans oil pan.

[@Snowtruckdriver]

I grew up a GM fan but who wouldn't like to own that jewel. What a sweet ride.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Narrator says that these test drives aren't joyrides, next thing you know Nick is stopping under a bridge to do a one-wheel peel. Epic!

[@79tazman]

The RPM/Clock was called the Tic Toc Tach

[@NicksGarage]

And how cool is that?👍

[@rhythmstyx1945]

Extremely!

[@tomwilliams5933]

79tazman tic toc tach is GM nomenclature

[@rhythmstyx1945]

Lowell Sharrah don't know about GM but Mopar used that term

[@michaelcuff5780]

I thought the Tick toc tach was on the early GTOs only. Guess I was wrong. Lol!

[@Husky1run]

No better person then you Nick to make this car right for your customer 💯

[@davemiller6893]

What with the seventies music and the cool car the only thing missing was Nick wearing his flared pants, platform shoes and "Shaft" mustache. You're the man Nick.

[@musclecarmitch908]

I've always loved the honeycomb grille in the 70 GTX's.

[@davidson2004fatboy]

WHAT BETTER GUY to HAVE WORKING ON YOUR CAR, than DOCTOR NICK

[@steveshoemaker6347]

This ride has made my week a...Little better......GTX l all most had....But the dealer stayed drunk all the time....O'well......Thanks for the upload George you are the best my friend....tHANKS nICK...!

[@shawnewaltonify]

What a great story about modifying a beautiful muscle car for an owner with only one leg. Nick's Garage coninually sets an example for how to do things right in the car world!

[@danielscott6787]

Being a life long amputee i can relate to his problems. As for what to use to convert the gas pedal to the left side of the brake pedal. In the 80's i built many "different" vehicles. 53 Packard with a 400/400, Nova 10 bolt. 60 Brookwood on a 74 K-30 4x4 frame, 1948 Desoto on a 73 Kingswood frame. I always used a mid 70's Ford gas pedal / throttle cable with the built-in spring! Easy to mount and route thru the firewall. Might be something to consider when doing this conversion. Worked well for me!!

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Love it! Not a wisp of blue when you started/ drove that beauty.

[@chasmontecarlo7271]

Hi nick beautiful car ,I’am 71 years old a baby boomer I would see these cars years ago all over. Just one nice car👍🚘

[@johnbecay6887]

Good job Nick helping this guy out.

[@baird5776mullet]

Thanks 4 the cruise Nick!

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Kenny. My pleasure.

[@danjoseph7881]

Great looking GTX . It has the same paint and stripes my friend had on his 70 GTX back in the mid 70s . His car was a factory Hemi 4spd car that Ramchargers worked on. It ran an 11.19 back then. He did drive it on the street too. But back then you could buy high octane gas at the gas station . He sold it for $5500 in the early 80s . That is a really nice GTX you have at your shop

[@keeff8195]

Love that 70`s music!

[@charger19691]

Nick always gets the “look” in his eye when going for a ride. It’s the look of being a real car guy.

[@firstname6208]

dayum, them old Plymouths bring back old memories. sold my hemi satellite to buy a wedding ring. (still got her too). I saw one go thru Barrett Jackson similar to mine for $210k ten years ago. just today a 66 mustang with a 289ho pulled up next to me at a stop light. the dude gave me a wicked smile and laid two stripes across the intersection. I almost bit my lip. kids today have no idea what they missed.

[@robertgrant4501]

The best way to enjoy lunch hour. Going for a ride in a GTX!

[@robertorhymes]

With the wheels from Cragar This plum crazy GTX is an old school superstar Time for a drive because Nick has to know which parts to revive I like to see cars like these survive. Sure grip is gonna be a trip with a brand new set of pedals Andrew can let rip The 440 naturally rebuilt by Nick means it'll be plenty quick Thanks Nick and boys in terms of Dodge colours Plum crazy purple is the only choice!

[@Paul1958R]

In the mid 70s I had a 1969 Plymouth Belvedere. Same body but 225 slant 6. Stolen in NYC and never recovered. God bless Paul (in MA)

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Paul. Stolen with a six cylinder? WOW. Mopar or no car.

[@jameshardin1100]

I had a 68 GTX. I switched gears from 3.23 to 3.55. It already had a modified torque converter. It helped. Mine had a factory tach, but I put in a aftermarket one. The factory tach was way off.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Back when I was a kid. I had a 66 442 ragtop and my friends and I would go under a train trestle and fill the opening with tire smoke! You reminded me when you did that little burnout under that bridge.

[@kalanirobb54]

No worries ! This incredible gtx will run perfect when nick is done! As fine a muscle car as I've ever seen! Passenger rear wheel is bent nick. Some 355 gears w/ suregrip ,tighten up the transmission and do the nick magnum motor , this car will be a beast it was made to be.

[@louiskats5116]

Giasou Nikola, Do you feel young again driving the GTX. You need a 1960 & 1970 wardrobe on hand so when you go for your test drives you dress up for the occasion. You look 10 years younger driving the GTX, put a smile on my face. That's what these classic muscle cars do to us, makes us look & feel younger. Great video again. Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

[@littlejpl]

That's a relief that I didn't miss the before and after 440 GTX build . I was waiting seamed like forever for the Aluminum/Cast Iron Hemi head power comparison and for some reason I wasn't surprised that the cast iron heads made more power. Still waiting for that 427 FE Ford motor power on the Dino output. Those exhaust manifolds must be pretty rare.

[@rickscott7438]

It doesn't get much more beautiful than this car. Love it !😎

[@rhythmstyx1945]

The 2 running lights in the front bumper are different colors. That would drive me nuts. Gorgeous car

[@NicksGarage]

It is on the list! Got to have good lights in every fixture.👍

[@craigpennington1251]

Hope that guy has a tornado proof garage to keep that beautiful GTX in. Myself, I love non powered all 4 drum brakes, No power steering, and manual trans. Great car.

[@banecox3119]

I bought a new 70 equipped the same as this one, but mine was white with black stripes and a dark green interior. The car had been on the lot for over a year because of the crack down of the insurance companies. They had 2 Super Birds on the lot at the same time that i bought it trying to almost give them away. If I had only known. Got married while I had the GTX and later traded it in on a Olds Toronado.

[@lynnsyddall420]

My uncle had a 1969. He was never was never out run!

[@charlesfielding3536]

Thanks for the ride-along, Nick. I have a 1:25th scale model of a '70 GTX (JoHan & resin) and your ride-along shows me how to properly detail the scale model I'm building. It's a great "self-isolation" project for me ! I've been building scale model cars since 1964 !

[@lightspeedmonk7108]

Nice car thanks for the Monday morning post 👍🏿

[@Glideslopes]

"Beautiful man, just beautiful." Gotta love this guy. 😎

[@generalsixty2133]

A good stall converter will wake her right up. She's a beauty!

[@kenshamrock7395]

Nick, I bought a 1968 GTX new and they had a hell of a great transmission. I know because I accidentally knocked it in reverse going about 35 MPH. Never had a problem with the transmission after that. Don't know how fast it would run but I do know it with hit 140 MPH. Love your channel.

[@rontownsend8235]

I had one just like that, same interior, exterior was red. Speedometer was a 140 mph, very unusual in those days. The only thing it couldn't leave was a gas pump. I can attest to the originality of this car by appearance of it all.

[@raymondpauze8801]

My father had one new, B5 440 4 speed Super Track Pack(4.10 Dana, power front disc brakes and power steering, body colored wheels and hubcaps) he kept it till 1983(6 months before I got my drivers license !! Still looking dor it, went to northern Quebec

[@alvarsdzenis4739]

as the old saying goes: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

[@Buzbikebklyn1]

Route 440. That's poetics! If I could sing the song of my people, it would be to the roar of the 440. I could never "empty" that "6 pack". When it grew to 472" and then 510, it's music drew our attention. I broke many driver's side motor mount... Un till I made one from layers of 1/4" thick steel. They stopped breaking after that. My Dad had this thing with the .44 Magnum, so I used old .44 shell casings and turned them into the 6 pack air cleaner bolts. Ever see a 440 6 pack with air-conditioning? It took me a week to make the brackets for it. My Dad had to have A/C . What ya going to do? Ever see a 6 pack in a 72' Imperial? He knocked em cold with black n gold. His shifter was made from a damaged .44 Magnum that blew up at the range... It still has purpose. You know how I end these.. The way of the muscle car will never die. T.

[@cashus68]

When i was 16 i drove a 67 rx7 cougar three speed with ss craigars and black vynil l top, god i miss my car it was sky baby blue , Nick is very =nice man :)

[@keeff8195]

always learn something new on Nick`s Garage.

[@mattmcp4698]

Sure grip is just another name for posi traction beautiful car nick don’t blame u for taking it for a ride sure is a beautiful car

[@josephf593]

Gotta love under the bridge part, All muscle cars bring out the kid in you!! Beautiful GTX , I'm surprised how well the factory mufflers sound, I don't think I would touch them.

[@GearheadExplorer85]

I like the sound of the factory mufflers too.

[@erneststorch9844]

Nick, I agree with you there's no better to evaluate a car by tacking a test drive. Some problems can't be found any other way. I think you should upgrade to the disc brakes in the front. My last car a 09 Chevrolet Cobalt had disc brakes but I upgraded to drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads. What a difference . Stoped quicker and much better brake feel . By far the greatest improvement on a car . I did it in 2017 my only regret I should have done it sooner. When someone pulls out in front of him he will really appreciate it and think you.

[@olympia67]

In Violet, Vitamin C Orange, Moulin Rouge... Just love these old Plymouth colors. 💜🧡💖. And this car is so beautiful. 😘 Thanks guys! 🤗

[@dsshowerpan]

That music reminds me of hairy people boning on an old VHS tape you had to steal from an older brother in 1984.

[@1575murray]

That is a one of a kind car especially in that color. I would say that power disc brakes are a must especially with that heavy RB 440 in front.

[@deancoleman8969]

Nice paint job. Fantastic car. Nick on a project that requires forward-thinking solutions, that is like a vicious dog on a bone. I am always impressed with your determination and diligence when confronted with challenges.

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Its been 41 years ago that I had my last ride in my dad's '68 Dodge Coronet 318. I hope to change that in the next 5 years as I hope to acquire a '68 Dodge Charger. Hoping for a factory 383 car but won't pass over a 318 as long as its a '68 Charger!

[@rtd250]

Lol we all do the under bridge/ tunnel noise thing... Good job guys! 👌🔥🔥

[@marvicbartolome9556]

Hows about another round the block again and again and again. I bet you wont get tired of your job. You'r just proud of what you and your mechanic do for your company. Bringing back beautiful classic muscles car on the road.

[@crazycanuck2578]

That car is in very good hands, it'll turn out to be better than new with Uncle Nicks Magic Touch. These old Plymouths and Dodges sure had beautiful interiors. You sure know that you own a beautiful car when Uncle Nick just wants to keep driving it, that should make the owner of this car very proud as Nick doesn't drive most of the other cars that come in like he's driving this one, and I'm glad that he's taking all of us on that ride, that's about as close to ever being in one of these cars that any of us will ever get, Thanks for the ride Uncle Nick. You are now everyone's favorite uncle, lol

[@BlowmeRoger]

That is magic looking, just perfect.

[@marcushume2240]

Nick that GTX is a diamond in the ruff. Love the way she handles and very nicely kept. Beautiful car and interior is amazing. This old girl purs like a kitten. Roars like tiger and smokes when she wants too. Nothing wrong with that baby. A little TLC and she'll be ready rock and roll. Looking forward when she's all done. Anything is possible at Nicks Garage where all dreams come true. Canada's #1 muscle car shop. Long live Mopar Muscle and cheers to you and your amazing TEAM!

[@blinkie1523]

Wow just simply wow Nick, you looked the part cruising along the highway in that beautiful GTX sounds real nice and quite with that v8 rumble, looks the part to I must say! Thanks for sharing this one mate and hey once you work your magic it will be perrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect if not better. Made my day and its just starting over here in New Zealand.

[@Kenjh71]

Drums have very good stopping power, the weakness is that they dissipate less heat than discs. For cruising, more than enough. For lots of repeated braking, can be risk of overheating.

[@franklindreidsr518]

Thank you for making noises under the bridge.

[@matthewbrown2037]

It's hard to believe someone would order a GTX new, opt for the 440ci lump, with an auto box, but wouldn't pay up for front disc brakes! And not only drums all round, but non-assisted drums at that. You would have thought, that if someone opted for the bigger engines, the 383, 440 or the Hemi, Chrysler would have at least specified front discs as standard, especially when you consider these cars were aimed heavily towards college kids! These days, can you imagine anyone coming straight from a modern muscle car, like a Hellcat, into this. The first time they hit the brakes must be a terrifying experience! Still a fantastic piece of machinery though. Great engine, great colour and a great sound. Who cares if it doesn't stop!

[@frankmoore159]

That car does get my love one of the best ever

[@philipmazzuca2269]

What a beautiful car and piece of history 🏁

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

It's been my experience that a quarter tank in a 440 isn't much...Lol.

[@cindysmart9854]

Mike smart Tulsa Oklahoma it's good to see a good old Oklahoma car in your shop we got a lot of beautiful mopars here in Tulsa let me tell you only thing that car needs is just your gentle touch have a great day sir you and your family will be in my prayers

[@montyholland3357]

That gtx is a beautiful car. Had a chance at one but had to pass on it. Couldn't afford to restore it

[@johndoe-ly8jt]

Ya I hate that mopars cost so much to restore. You can restore a Chevy Camaro or chevelle for a quarter of the price of a mopar. However I’d rather have any mopar over a chevelle or camaro, you just don’t see the old mopars anymore.

[@johndoe-ly8jt]

The Truth about Africa hurts yeah? Go look the price up to restore an old super bird or old barracuda. You looking at big big money. Like 250,000$-500,000$. To restore an old 69 camaro your looking at 60-90,000 for a nice nice numbers matching Camaro or chevelle.

[@johnnyappleseed6415]

Gettin' the funk out... Love it!

[@snipersteve378]

I just met the previous owner of this beautiful GTX today told me the whole story behind this beautiful Mopar

[@franklindreidsr518]

Good morning. Yes it's a beautiful car.

[@keeff8195]

I hope we get to see you working on those modifications Nick.

[@joemasseysr.7158]

Had one that was petty blue, if my dad hadn't suddenly passed away. Would still have it.

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

What's not to love about this guy unbelievable

[@littlejpl]

The ONLY! other thing missing in this car and not that I don't love the 440 engine because it is a fantastic engine is a 426 HEMI, Darn lol. I would NEVER! Change out the motor because this car has all origional matching numbers for the drive train. The 426 HEMI just happens to be the most nostalgic engine EVER! Designed period. My favorite MOPAR the GTX, My favorite Year of the GTX MOPAR 1970, my favorite color of MOPAR that they ever came out with PLUM PURPLE, WOW! what a beautiful car this is and we all can tell Nick is LOVING this car as well because he can't stop driving it, showing it off to all of us out here drooling over it. lol lol

[@Tahoebronco]

Glad to see your back Nick! Great video!

[@williamcummings9943]

you are a awesome mopar guy nick my brother is one of the lucky ones who still has his a12 superbee

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Stunning car. I was 13 when it was produced. Love the Cragar SS rims. They were VERY popular back in the day. My favorite wheel of all time. Nick gets to drive some amazing cars. Greetings from York Pa. Stay safe, God Bless.

[@jamesrodney9542]

My very first car, with pistol grip 4-speed and air-grabber😎

[@amascia8327]

Thanks for the ride! 🌲🌲🌲 Great work Nicks Video guy!🌲🌲🌲

[@chuckfults9256]

it even has the Cragar 5 Spoke Rims BOOM!

[@MiHiHemi]

I think I’d also consider retrofitting the hi-beam switch from the floor button to a column lever. Wouldn’t want to take my foot off the gas every time I needed to hit the floor dimmer.

[@kalanirobb54]

Agreed

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Had a 73 Dodge Dart Sport with a built 318/auto. Biggest surprise is when , in a Montreal winter, I stepped on the floor switch to get hi-beam and sparks and shorting sparks all over. Lost all lights because in its infinite wisdom Chrysler ran Main power for lights THROUGH that stupid switch. Was an easy change out.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

@David Mc . Good point. Will consider it if client wants this done.

[@nickpanaritis4122]

MiH. Good point. Will ask client if he wants this done.

[@reginaldfitzpatrick8681]

I was expecting him to say "Im just gonna take it home for a few days and make sure it doesn't have any rattles or squeaks"

[@Roadsurfergo]

Tulsa has some of nicest Mopars that you will ever see .

[@dannyr.8326]

You guys are the best. This is the stuff that really matters. Keep it coming please.

[@Oscarphone]

For the record Nick, the dash clock/tach combo back the day was referred to by us guys as a "tic too tach".

[@nickpanaritis4122]

Steve. The more I work with B bodies, the more I learn. Thanks.

[@scuffmacgillicutty7509]

I hope Andrew isn't camera-shy because we ALL deserve to meet him here at Nick's garage. A Great car, a great story to go with it, and the brains to get it done at the right place by the right guys. Can't wait to see the mod's needed for this unique ride.

[@pontiacgrandprix733]

That’s a beautiful car, w the tweeking of the engine, posi rear, I’d add disc brakes in front to avoid brake fade and due to the owner having 1 leg probably safer, I’d add the right side mirror and Tachometer also

[@jasonwilliams3967]

Nick, you should try to upsell him on an Air Grabber hood

[@kevinshiley9061]

Make the front parking lights match, please, Nick!!

[@NicksGarage]

It's on the list!👍

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

I've said it before and I'll say it again and I've always said it.....there is nothing like a Mopar starter to make it sound like it's going to completely blow up before it even starts.... LOL

[@bullast2046]

Nick, I appreciate that you never utter “try”... it’s alway, “I will do xyz”... like Yoda.. “do or do not, there is no try” you’re the Mopar Yoda

[@kalanirobb54]

The wicked dana 60 4 speed six pack and hemi cars had the Detroit locker ,a ratcheting locking diff no clutches.