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1 Of 179: 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible

Road Runners were plentiful in the late 1960s and early 1970s – except the convertible. It was only offered for two years, 1969 and 1970. And if it was a 1970 edition with a 383 V8 with a 4-speed, there were only 179 made. Supposedly the drivetrain with the seller’s car is original, so it would be a rare find indeed. Located in Arcade, New York, this Road Runner is sitting at $18,800 here on eBay. It’s going to need a lot of work and, if accurate, the mileage is only 46,000.

The first generation of the successful Plymouth Road Runner (Beep! Beep!) ran from 1968 and 1970 and saw production exceed 167,000 units. For the first year, the car was only offered as a 2-door coupe or hardtop. The line-up was expanded for the next two years to include a convertible, which in 1970 included just 824 ragtops in total. The Hemi convertible would see just three copies. While the seller says the car comes with its original engine and transmission, we don’t know if they’re actually in the car, based on the way the Road Runner is sitting up front, even with flat tires. Thanks, Beep2Beep, for production information.

If you’re looking for history on this car, it will be limited. The seller says it was used mainly for car shows, but surely that hasn’t happened in years. We’re told it was “made for a Rolling Stones show” which opens up a wide door for an interesting tale, but alas there is none. The photos provided are not particularly good (I’m being kind), but they seem to show a car with a fairly decent body. At least there are no obvious dents or rust. But since we’re told there is some, it must be in places not shown.

The interior is another mystery. The bucket seats and carpeting are shot as is the convertible top and the dash is going to need refurbishing. But that’s all we get glimpses of. We’re told the car has a console and comes with power steering and top. A Tach Tok set of gauges is part of the car, but again no photo. But the car comes with its build sheet and “all paperwork and tags.”

Power-wise, the 383 should be the Hi-Perf version that was good for 335 hp. There is no indication if it runs or has run anytime during the seller’s period of ownership (about a year). The rear end would be a Dana 60 with Posi-traction which sounds correct for the motor/tranny combination. The seller says that all parts for the car are included, but we will have to assume that what’s not on the car will come in a box or three. If this Road Runner convertible were in prime condition, it could approach six figures in value. Hagerty rates the hardtop versions at $24,000 in fair condition.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo angliagt Member

    Seems that everyone with a 1970 Roadrunner has
    it up for sale.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar photo Steve Bush Member

    Again; maybe I just don’t get the Mopar thing. While this 1970 Roadrunner looks reasonably complete and solid; it’s going to take a big investment in time and money to restore and make road worthy. Yet despite the owner providing little in the way of description or pics, its bid up to $18,800 with just under two days to go in the auction. At least its a convertible. Good luck to everyone involved.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar photo Stephen Miklos

    As I look at the pictures fender tag is RM27N0C or G not sure. Anyway its Hi-Po 383 but again people going crazy for this runner. Even if it’s goes for… lets say $22,000.. it’s going take another $20,000 to get it going. God’s know how the frame area is. To be it’s a major work. Good luck to the new owner.😄🇺🇲

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo Phil D

      Without looking at the picture of the VIN tag I can say with relative certainty that what you’re seeing is a “G”. They built Plymouth and Dodge B-bodies, including Road Runners at plant “G” (St. Louis) in 1970, but not at plant “C” (Jefferson Avenue, Detroit), which assembled Chrysler and Imperial C-bodies.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Mike

    Looking beyond the usual Mopar haters, I would like to believe that most of us partake in this sport for the satisfaction of building something ourselves rather than the return on investment. Less the examples of extreme market fluctuations that have favored certain vehicles (like my 71 Bronco) I would wager that if you were to add up all of the time, effort and money spent on our hobby cars few would break even. That said, even at 20k I am not sure how this car is viewed as a loser. Hagerty puts an “excellent” evaluation at 65k so even with the above math of putting 20 into it (which seems conservative to me) this is a car that you could conceivably make really nice, the way you want it and have it be worth what you put into it. Is 20k expensive to me? Yes but really, what can you get for 20k now, even 40-50k these days, a toyata highlander? Exciting!
    Let’s keep the criticism where it is deserved (horrible pictures and vague verbage) and stop complaining about the cost of entry because let’s be real- if it were you selling it, you would want to squeeze out every dime that you could on the sale.
    Happy Motoring!

    Like 11
    • Avatar photo Desert Rat

      Not me I always like to buy high and sell low, or it sure seems to turn out that way…

      Like 5
    • Avatar photo Tracy Messer

      Well said!!

      Like 1
  5. Avatar photo CharlesMann

    Sold for $22,300
    Spend another $40,000 on repairs.
    OR buy one that is ready to roll.

    Stay safe, see you all in Spring :-)

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo DON

      IF you can find one – this isnt a fox body Mustang , its a 50 year old car , a one year body style and a ragtop top to boot. I hope it gets restored !

      Like 1
  6. Avatar photo Steve Clinton

    Sold for $22,300. Some people have too much disposable income!

    Like 1
  7. Avatar photo Steve Clinton

    Two rolls of duct tape and that convertible top will be good as new!

    Like 5
  8. Avatar photo Tbone

    At the bottom of the 4th picture the A pillar looks like it was slammed in, it looks like it is buckled up pretty good. With the lack of a picture of the left side It makes me wonder if it is a leftover from a Roadkill episode.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar photo Maverick

    Good catch t bone. Definently wrecked at one point.

    Like 0

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