In the late 1960s, the Plymouth Road Runner was one of the best-selling mid-size muscle cars. But all that changed in the early 1970s as rising insurance costs and shrinking horsepower changed the landscape. This 1972 Road Runner was one of those built in one of the car’s softest sales years. With a 400 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual, it was one of only 906 cranked out that model year. Needing cosmetic attention but running well, this Mopar Beep-Beep-Mobile is available here on eBay where bids of $15,900 have yet to crack the seller’s reserve. It can be found in Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
The Road Runner debuted in 1968 as a budget-minded muscle car, much like how the Pontiac GTO started out four years earlier. With a marketing association with the Warner Brothers cartoon character of the same name (and a nifty Beep-Beep horn), sales grew from 44,000 units in 1968 to 81,000 in 1969, its peak year. But even with a redesign in 1971, sales were below 7,000 units in 1972 when the seller’s automobile was made. 13% of those cars were produced with the 400 V8 and a 4-speed like the vehicle here.
This Plymouth began life with G7 green paint, had it changed later to red, and finally primer grey as a restoration attempt appears to have begun. It has the all-important N96 Air Grabber hood which we’re told is functional. The car was dormant for 25 years from the 1980s to the 2010s and was easily revived from its slumber. The majority of the standard and optional equipment is said to work as it should.
The body isn’t without some rust to be attended to, such as the rear quarter panels and inner fenders. And the interior is okay though the front seats will need to be redone. The newer carpeting was improperly cut when it was installed, so another replacement will have to be sourced and laid in. Since the Road Runner runs well, this could be a car you could drive while you get around to finishing off a restoration. Newer mechanical upgrades include 4-wheel disc brakes, the fuel tank, and refreshed portions of the braking system. This Plymouth isn’t numbers-matching, but the engine is correct for the vintage of the car.
Am I seeing things or is there a chunk missing from the intake manifold?
It sure looks that way, doesn’t it? Although the intake is raised, using a valley pan, it sure looks like the front corner is broke off.
That’s the complete intake runner. You can see the bolt that holds it and the runner next to it. Nice car. The black lowered one being used in a TV commercial really makes for a good looking car.
I don’t see a hole. I see a mouth that eats sockets every time you work on the engine.
No chunk missing. Its odd looking but it almost looks like a Torker type of intake and it has a valley pan below it to seal up the engine. That setup allows air to cool the runners. Take a look at a Edlebrock Performer or Torker intake and you will see what I mean. On that note, the pic isnt good enough for me to see what intake is on it. Remember that the top half of the engine was painted red so its hiding the most likely aluminum aftermarket intake. :)
I would love to have this car. I have never have seen one. The overall body looks great and doesn’t look like too bad of a project.
… And a lot of corrosion on driver side valve cover?
I remember driving black on black 72 RR 400-4 pistol grip 4speed back in the late 70’s. But with out the N96 hood . It was quick and fun to drive. This one can be fun also. Top dollar to me is $20,500 for all the work that is needed. I would get the body work and paint it GF7 Green . It’s a nice looking color and came from the factory that way. Fix up the interior and get the air filter set for the hood. And you may double your price! 😄 It’s worth fixing. Good luck to the next owner..☘️..🐻🇺🇸
That parts store universal fit upper rad hose doesn’t look like it can flow much water through it.
Guess you shouldn’t buy it then. :(
The story about the block being 25 build numbers off from the vin is pretty interesting. Hard to believe it would be a coincidence.
I like this car. Stylistically unique, and almost all the right equipment. Just missing the air cleaner.
Auction ended at $18,400. Reserve Not Met.