1-of-34: 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

Some cars make a stunning visual statement but lack the substance to match their good looks. That is not the case with this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible. With the company only producing 834 Road Runner Convertibles during that model year, it is already a rare and desirable beast. The fact it is 1-of-34 featuring the legendary 440ci Six-Pack increases its desirability and gives it the muscle to match its looks. It needs a new home, so the seller has listed it here on eBay in Epping, New Hampshire. Bidding sits at $90,100, which is short of the reserve. They also offer a BIN option of $135,000.

There’s a lot to absorb with this Road Runner, especially for those considering it as a potential investment. The company only produced 834 Convertibles in 1970, and this one raises the rarity stakes as the only known example featuring this drivetrain combination combined with Code K5 Dark Burnt Orange paint. The seller admits it received a previous repaint in its original shade and that potential buyers should consider it a driver-grade classic rather than a pristine vehicle. The paint sports the occasional mark and defect, but it retains an excellent depth of color and shine. There’s little doubt that it would turn heads anywhere, and its cause is aided by a White soft-top free from rips or other problems. The panels are laser straight, but the lack of rust helps this car’s cause. The exterior is clean, while the underside shots reveal floors and rails wearing nothing but Black undercoat. The application of the undercoat leaves something to be desired, but there are no signs of steel penetration. The chrome and glass are impressive for a vehicle of this vintage, while the original wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The decals on either side of the Air Grabber hood indicate there is more to this classic than mere good looks.

While 621 buyers ordered their 1970 Road Runner Convertible with a 383ci V8 under the hood, only 34 splashed the extra cash for the legendary 440ci Six-Pack. Of those, a mere 14 backed that monster motor with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. This Convertible is one of those cars, and with that 440 punching out 390hp, there’s no doubt it offered a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. If the driver pointed it at a ¼ mile, the journey would be a pleasant memory in 14.3 seconds. If they were willing to keep the pedal to the metal, the needle would eventually nudge 134mph. The first thing to note from the supplied photos is that the seller replaced the original radiator with a new aluminum unit. They retain the factory radiator, including it and any other removed parts in the sale. Otherwise, this Plymouth is a numbers-matching classic that recently emerged after thirty-six years in hibernation. The seller rebuilt the carburetors and replaced the fuel lines, brake lines, tires, and shocks. They don’t specifically state how the car runs or drives, although they supply this YouTube video. It provides a good walk-around and lets us hear that fantastic motor running. It sounds as sweet as a nut, with no smoke or odd noises.

I always look at classics of this vintage and marvel at the bravery of original owners who ordered them with interiors trimmed in White vinyl. That material is hard to keep clean and free from stains, but age and UV exposure can see it develop a yellow tinge. That fate hasn’t befallen this Road Runner, with its original trim presenting well. It looks like there might be some wrinkles at the bottom of the driver’s door trim, but I think the new owner could stretch it back into shape. The carpet looks good, while the dash and pad are excellent. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury equipment, although it features a factory AM radio and a Rally gauge cluster with the ultra-cool Tic-Toc-Tach.

Regarding the question of rarity, this 1970 Road Runner Convertible holds all the cards. Its drivetrain combination confirms it as 1-of-14, but the paint shade seals the deal by making this classic unique. The low production total of ’70 Road Runner Convertibles means they rarely come to market, but those that do consistently command six-figure prices. Values have recently climbed at a lower rate than the market average, but the fact they continue climbing suggests that this could be a solid long-term investment prospect. Hmm, an investment that can pin you in the seat if you slam the pedal to the metal. I can’t think of a negative to that scenario. Can you?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. RoughDiamond

    Stunning rare Roadrunner. Imagine if this monster left the factory with a Pistol Grip four-speed.

    Like 15
    • Big Bear 🇺🇸

      Then you could not have your girl next to you while driving!! 😁

      Like 5
      • Big Block 4-Speed

        Why not? My girl works the stick in my ride all of the time?

        Like 3
    • stanley j kwiecinski

      probably been wrapped around a pole in 1970.

      Like 1
  2. Melton Mooney

    Cool rare car, but the convertible top completely undermines the hyper-masculine vibe of the 68-70 b-bodies.

    Like 10
  3. SirRaoulDuke

    A true blue chipper there.

    Like 3
  4. Chris

    Awesome Car I need it but cant afford it

    Like 2
  5. Larry Ritzenthaler

    Does not look like the factory radio

    Like 0
  6. Jay McCarthy

    Great looking car, I think I need to win the lottery first

    Like 0
  7. PRA4SNW

    I will have to keep an eye out for this one at the Elm Street Car Show in Manchester this weekend.

    Like 0
  8. George Mattar

    I owned a 70 FE5 hardtop in high school 50 years ago. The reason Plymouth sold so few convertibles is because they are heavy and ugly on B bodies. A rare car for sure and from the inspection sticker it came from Pennsylvania. Asking $135,000, fine, but ditch that Atlas upper radiator hose.

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds