Claiming that your car is a genuine 1-of-1 vehicle is a bold move. With a steady stream of classics emerging from barns and sheds, there is a risk that an identical car might pop out of the woodwork. However, that may not be the case with this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. The seller believes it is unique, courtesy of its paint and trim combination. It has a known ownership history and is a rock-solid survivor ready to find a new home. It is worth a close look because it will undoubtedly appeal to lovers of unmolested muscle cars.
Plymouth recognized that muscle car manufacturers were moving further from their roots as the 1960s unfolded, with prices pushing some beyond the reach of mere mortals. It addressed this perceived market gap by introducing the Road Runner in 1968 as an affordable high-performance model. It sought a point of difference as a marketing tool, recognizing that the iconic Road Runner from the Warner Brothers cartoons was known for its incredible speed. In a bold move, it paid the studio $10,000, which is equivalent to around $90,500 today, to use the cartoon character’s likeness on the car and its distinctive “beep beep” sound for the horn. The Road Runner struck a chord with buyers, with the sales total of 44,303 vehicles in 1968 exceeding the company’s projected figure by over 100%. This Plymouth is a survivor, although the seller admits it received a repaint in its original Sunfire Yellow in the 1990s. The work was completed to a high standard, and the car continues to present exceptionally well. The seller admits there are minor flaws and defects, but the paint retains an excellent shine. The first owner teamed the dazzling Yellow paint with a Dark Green vinyl top that is said to be original. There are no visible issues with the vinyl, and the trim and glass are excellent for a vehicle of this vintage. However, this Road Runner appears to have been pampered since Day One, which could be one of its greatest attributes. The apparent lack of exposure to adverse weather conditions and the first owner’s decision to hand it to the good folks at Ziebart has left it rock-solid and rust-free. The seller supplies several underside shots, and there are no signs of anything that might raise concerns.
Buyers could order their 1968 Road Runner with a 383ci V8 or the firebreathing 426ci Hemi powerplant. This classic’s first owner teamed the 383 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and a 3.21 Sure Grip rear end. This was the most popular choice among Road Runner buyers, with 8,480 Hardtops built to those specifications. There was no doubting the car’s muscle credentials because it could storm the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. This car is numbers-matching and has a known history. It has been part of the same family for over twenty-nine years and has had only two owners since it rolled off the lot. The seller believes the odometer reading of 7,200 miles is genuine, but it appears they have no verifying evidence. The Road Runner’s overall condition makes the claim plausible, but nothing beats a piece of paper to remove lingering doubts. They say it runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The interior provides the last piece of the puzzle, cementing the seller’s belief that this Road Runner is unique. Its first owner ordered it trimmed in two-tone Green vinyl. The seller believes this is the only 1968 Road Runner with this paint and trim combination and a vinyl top. Its authenticity was verified by Galen Govier, adding credibility to the claim. Of course, some factory documentation from this era was found wanting, and an identical example may be kicking around somewhere. The interior condition is impressive for an unrestored fifty-six-year-old classic. The vinyl shows no significant wear or distress, and the dash, pad, and carpet are excellent. The pedals show slightly more wear than expected from a vehicle with a four-figure odometer reading, but that could be a trick of the light. There are no aftermarket additions, and while it isn’t highly optioned, the factory AM radio should relieve boredom on long journeys.
It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion on this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. Its presentation is impressive for its age, and I admit I have never seen one with this paint and trim combination. However, with 44,303 of these classics rolling off the line in 1968, there could be an identical example lurking in the shadows. The seller listed this Plymouth here on eBay in New Baltimore, Michigan. It has attracted eighteen bids, pushing the price to $28,600. The No Reserve factor means it will find a new home in a few days. Are you tempted to make it yours?
I’ve seen two ’70 Cougars and one ’72 Cutlass Supreme with the light yellow and green combination. I think this is the first Mopar I’ve ever noticed with this paint and trim. Not sure about the one of one claim but seeing how unusual the colors are together, I would not be surprised.
I own a 70 Cougar XR7 with this color combination. Also a survivor with 66K miles
Great combo 727 Torq-flite, 3.23 ⚙️, and Big-Block 383ci. Made for an awesome hwy car.
The tailpipes are not factory, with that few miles it should not have needed a new exhaust system yet. Just my opinion.
Why would anyone believe any claim of 7,200 original miles on a 56 year old car without documentation. The paint on the engine seems too perfect, especially the crossover on the intake, where you’d expect discoloration from heat cycling. It’s comes across as a nice restoration. The seller hedging in his description should be a red flag.
Steve R
If it looks to good to be true….
I’ve seen exhaust pipes rust away sitting in humid garages, just my opinion
My wife’s aunt used to drive her full size ’76 LTD 1 mile to work and 1 mile home every day she had a new exhaust system installed once a year.
Those mild steel exhaust systems died early and ugly when they weren’t dried out from combustion gasses. We’re spoiled by current stainless steel which wasn’t in general use and for sure not on OTC replacement parts.
If spare IS original, the wear on it says mileage much higher than claimed.
And seriously out of alignment, too. That and the stretch marks on the front seat cushion….
I bought a new ’68 RR while in the Army. Yes, this exhaust is not original and the engine should have some discoloration. I don’t recall a pillerless hardtop in 1968, but now I’m old. Could this be one of the many clones?
Dan, my memory is the same as yours, but I checked Hemmings and according to them a hardtop was offered sometime during the 68 model year. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1968-plymouth-road-runner
Chrysler paid 50 thousand to use the Road Runner likeness and sound to Warner Bros. In later part of 68 production you could get hardtop-no pillar or
a coupe- pillars. I would say at some point the speedometer cable has been unhooked on this. The redline tire in the trunk would be correct to the car as they came with a red line tire a F70-14. That spare has severe cupping on it. The engine compartment has obviously been detailed probably when repainted, if the car was repainted in the 90’s it has been detailed since then looks to fresh. It is a nice car but I think the owner is thinking it’s worth more than it is.
Dan Baker, in 1968 Chrysler made 29,240 Road Runner coupes and 15,359 Road Runner hardtops. The VIN will tell you if it’s real or not.
Steve R
Thanks Steve. I don’t recall ever seeing a “68 Hardtop.
1 of 1? probably not. Yellow and green was fairly common back then on all Chrysler models. Yeah it’s been restored and some of it needs to be corrected. Correct tail pipes and chrome tips if it’s coded for them. Do something with those loose seat covers. The washer tank looks busted and get that worn out tire out of the trunk. No doubt it has more mileage than advertised. The odometer on these cars is very easy to remove and reset the number wheels.
I have a 41,000 mile ’68 Hemi rr that we’ve grown old together.
In 1968 383 Roadrunner engines were red.
Jerry, I hope you were kidding.
361-383-413/426(street) and 440s were turquoise 1962 through 1968. 1969 they started using Hemi orange on big block hp engines. No red at least in the USA.
Let me say this…..this car doesn’t rock my world even a little bit….all the previous comments are spot on….I definitely don’t believe the mileage, engine has been well detailed….that color combo is awful, wouldn’t want it on my muscle machine…..no wonder there’s zero reserve…..
My brother had a yellow ’68. Sweet ride and fast. Seems odd that this one has such low miles.
Either way it’s a beautiful car. Personally I’m not into the numbers matching view that has taken this industry by storm. Just one observation, the 68 and 69 had distinct exhaust tips. This does not.(I’ve owned 5 in my growing up years.)
It’s over hyped by the know it all RR owner but the one of one might be pretty close being a mid-year option for a hardtop. Bid is up and not sure where it would go. More tell tell pictures would have been great but you guys catch what’s been showed. Funny it’s running what looks to be Ford 14×7 wheels and not the factory 14x 5 1/2…..29 years ago takes to about 1995…..nice car though.
One of one? Maybe. Maybe not. A lot of enthusiasts never looked beyond the cool cars. Yellow/cream and green was quite common in the late sixties and early seventies. These colors were part of pop culture and seemingly everywhere. Does it make it unique? Yes. Will you want it for your own? Not necessarily. It all comes around to buy it if you like it or keep moving on.