The seller indicates that this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner underwent a comprehensive restoration last year. However, carefully examining the supplied images confirms there are still a few minor tasks awaiting its new owner in their quest for perfection. It makes a bold visual statement, and its appeal is heightened by its numbers-matching drivetrain combination.
Personal taste is subjective, but I find it a relief that not every enthusiast is a fan of the “fuselage” styling adopted by Chrysler across various models in 1971. I don’t feel it is quite as elegant as the vehicles that came before, but it is this variety of opinions that makes the classic scene so fascinating. The seller indicates this 1971 Road Runner underwent what they term a comprehensive restoration in 2023, with its exterior receiving a fresh coat of the car’s original Formal Black paint. It shines nicely, with the seller stating that a close inspection will reveal minor imperfections. However, they also describe it as show-quality, suggesting that they are nothing to cause concern. The panels are laser-straight, and the stripes are crisp. The only thing I would change is the wheels. The existing Centerlines are period-correct, but I can’t help but think that this gem would look far better with a set of Chrysler’s Rallye wheels.
Plymouth produced 14,218 examples of the 1971 Road Runner, with buyers offered a choice of four engines. The 383ci V8 proved the most popular, with 11,682 people teaming that powerplant with a four-speed manual transmission. This is not only one of those cars, but the seller confirms that it is numbers-matching. The 383 should produce 300hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile in 15.6 seconds. It appears that the only changes or upgrades performed on this classic are the addition of an 800 cfm Holley carburetor and an aluminum radiator. Part of the restoration appears to have included a rebuild of the V8 and four-speed, allowing both to perform at their best. The Road Runner is said to be mechanically sound, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
This Road Runner demonstrates why it is important to consider every aspect of a listing before committing the cash to a classic purchase. The seller states that it features an OEM console, which obviously isn’t the case. The carpet looks relatively new, while the dash and pad are excellent. However, there is a split on the driver’s seat and damage to the back seat requiring attention. It might be repairable, although budgeting for seatcover replacement would be wise. The buyer could fit slipcovers as a short-term solution, but a classic of this caliber deserves better if the interior presentation is to match the exterior.
The seller listed this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. They set their BIN at $39,500 OBO, which appears realistic compared to recent successful sales. Its needs appear minor and could be addressed at the new owner’s leisure. The only concern for me is the few inconsistencies in the listing description, which might prompt some potential buyers to negotiate an in-person inspection. There is plenty of time remaining in this auction, so would that be your plan of attack?
Like you said, ADAM-it’d look better with the Rallye wheels. For the day maybe those (now goofy looking) Centerline’s were all the rage but the car looks unbalanced with them on.
Nice looking Plymouth; this body style was a favorite of our neighborhood.
I’m betting a year driving a black car living in Florida with no A/C changed there minds! I’m thinking vintage air would solve this problem but can’t imagine spending the time & money just to send it on its way. Nice looking car
or you could get the a/c parts that he never installed they are probably with the heater box and maybe hook them both up
The quality of the work leaves a lot to be desired for a nearly $40,000 car. The description is vague and full of contradictions. The other cars the seller currently has listed on eBay aren’t much better. Potential buyers would be wise to see this car in person and bring along a objective friend.
Nothing wrong with Centerlines, or any other aftermarket mags as long as the fit with the theme of the build. They would look better if other late-70’s through mid-80’s speed equipment was present on the car. As always, unless the car equipped from the factory, ditch the rear spoiler/wing.
Steve R
Agree w the wing delete Steve.
Solid write up again from Clarkey🖊
The 383 and that long pistol grip is going to equal a thrilling ride 🏁
Someone did some weird work on this car. The heater hoses are missing but the fan is there (could one still get a heat-delete car in 1971?). The panel above the glove box has AC vents, I seem to remember the hood pins had a mount point in the front fenders, forward and outside of where they are on this car. Also, the driver’s side window glass is from an air conditioned car. Maybe some of these differences are due to it being an early 1971 model, but my guess is that some of the changes were also done with whatever parts were available rather than hewing to factory spec. I love this body style and owned one in the 80’s. Mine originally had a 225, 3-speed. Manual steering that in the city was a bear, I can only imagine trying to get this one into a parking space with a 383 on top of that manual steering box.
First new car was a 71 Runner. 383 4 spd.Walnut in color with white interior. Absolutely great car. I put Appliance slots on the rear with G60 14 rubber. Had to go for wife number 1 to have a car pool car.
A very lightly contented car! While it’s not possible to read the fender tag on the underhood photo in this article, you can plainly see that the option codes end below the screws, which was rather rare even on Valiants.
‘Restored’? Abuse of the English language. ‘New paint’, sure.
I had a new Blue 71 Roadfrunner with white interior with the same drivetrain configuration. After a while I realized I had made a huge mistake in ordering this car with manual steering and if I remember after 53 years manual brakes. But it was fast for $3200. Dealer in Monmouth Illinois wanted me to add a Hemi for an extra $350 which at the time I didn’t believe I could afford and probably couldn’t. I was the first customer to buy the new model roadrunner from that dealer.
Dragontailjunkie..Hemi 426 option was surely more than $350.. was he planning on covering the rest or something 🤔?
Stan: I have no idea I just remember $350 was a lot of money back then to spend for a larger engine and trying to keep the monthly payments low.Seems like nothing now but back then an electric bill and gas bill.
Definitely cobbled together a bit. I would still love to have it, but not for that price.
I hope the seller notices there is NOT one born every minute.
At $40k, who’s buying these cars ? Yeah sure Roadrunners are a very desirable Mopar but this is probably not a daily drive. Looks like it needs some work and probably some parts. Now that I says that who’s buying any of car for $40k in this economy?