There’s absolutely no denying that this refurbished 1971 Plymouth Road Runner lives up to the stunning beauty the seller describes it as, and I can easily comprehend that he’s also likely correct in surmising that this one will not disappoint most Mopar fans who have been searching for a pristine second-generation beep-beep type B-Body. What I am a bit curious about are the original specs and some other details here, plus whether the price tag of $74,999 is reasonable for what we are seeing. It very well might be, and, thankfully, the owner has also added the option to make an offer if you find that number a bit high. This one can be found here on eBay in Temecula, California, and our thanks go out to Barn Finds reader Curvette for finding it and sending in the tip!
The seller doesn’t mention too many specifics about how this Plymouth began life, but he does confirm that it was born a real Road Runner, and isn’t a clone made from a Satellite or a tribute. There’s also no mention of a fender tag or build sheet being present, so it’s unknown if this one originally came with High Impact code FC7 paint from the factory, known as In Violet here or Plum Crazy over at Dodge. However, if the color was changed or any substantial bodywork was performed, it’s hard to tell, as this one presents exquisitely from just about every angle outside.
Filling the bay is a 383 V8, which was the size of the base engine for the Road Runner in ’71. It’s also not specified if this is still the original powerplant, but the seller reports that a mild cam has been installed, and the performance is described as healthy. Some really excellent news is that this big block is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, but it’s not clear whether this one came from the factory with a stick shift or was converted. In any event, the owner says the car runs and drives great, and I’m sure this Road Runner is a blast to get behind the wheel of.
Things inside look just as spiffy as outside, and there’s also that coveted pistol-grip shifter, my all-time favorite component for changing gears manually. It’s not that unusual to find buckets but no console in these cars, but as with the rest of the vehicle, the details of how the interior was originally equipped are uncertain. What seems obvious, regardless of its past, is that this is one gorgeous 1971 Plymouth Road Runner in a very desirable color, and I’d love to see it spend most of its downtime in the safety of my garage. How about you?
If this were a 68-70, he may fetch roughly 3/4 of this price, but not for this body style. This is only for someone who rode to school in or has some sort of fond memories about the same car, which is a needle in a haystack.
Cool shifter handle. Open for offers.
Beautiful car, personally, I never liked the body style.
I was a high school student working summer of 71 at the Windsor assembly plant building these cars. The highlight of my term was driving these cars off the end of the assembly plant to the back 40 parking area. The stick shift was a blast to drive.
You were a lucky young man. To drive these cool rides! 😃🐻🇺🇸
Love it. Also, it seems every car I click on and read about, the tip came from Curvette. With that said, just 2 things.
1. Curvette has great taste and a good eye
2. Have you ever offered him a job as a writer for the page?
Just sayin
Nice car. It’s overpriced, as mentioned above the 1971’s don’t have the same following as the 68-70’s, yet it’s priced higher than most of those. The best thing about it is the 4spd and color, but the rear wing needs to go. Alas, no mention if its matching numbers or purple is the original color, both of which would be expected first the asking price.
Steve R
For $75 large, I would expect to see a 440 under the hood. Not that the 383 isn’t a great motor, but for $75k, I would expect originality, bigger power plant and more options.
Prior comments are aligned with my thoughts. This is not the high-demand year for the Road Runner. It is one of the nicest 71s I have seen, in a great color and the 4 speed pistol grip is a big plus, but those factors do not make it worth the same as a 68-70. Also agree on the T-spoiler – if it is documented original, I could tolerate it. If it is not, I’d get rid of it. Lack of A/C would be a problem for us in the SE US.
I am not a big Mopar guy (although I do have two Dodge trucks) but I would think the value is about 1/2 to 60% of the asking price.
Beautiful car, but for that price you’re paying for a really well restored original car that has all the original equipment, but that price is still high. I don’t see any VIN number, build sheet or fender tag information listed to verify it is what it is and came with what when it was manufactured. That’s way too much for a car that could’ve been possibly built on a base model Plymouth Satellite. It does have a lot of eye candy but as others mentioned, it’s overpriced.
Philbo427, I agree completely! That being said, THIS IS my favorite body style Road Runner. The 383/4 speed combo is nice. But I guess I’m getting old as the color and the decals are not my cup of tea. Not that I’m a big “it has to be original” fan. But he is asking original money here.
If I were to go through all the work of an engine swap it would have been a 440 not a 383.
I had one, it was really fun to drive. Shift out of 2nd gear at 95mph, 3rd at 115mph and fastest I ever went was 135-140. I can tell you the white dash lines aren’t solid at 135, but they are clicking by fast.
Must have had 2.92 gears!
First new car was a 71 Runner. 383 4spd. Walnut in color. No stripe over the top. Seriously loved that car. Had a console. 80k seems a bit high.
$80K Not realistic. But I unlike others here love the body style. I had a orange one black vinyl top air grabber and 4 speed with no console like this one. I went from a ’69 Super Bee to this, believe me they grow on a guy fast!
IN VIOLET! What is wrong with these sellers? Do they not know what they have?
As I’ve stated before, So Cal folks regularly ask a premium for vintage, muscle, and exotics. As always the market will determine the value. Not my favorite body style but a nice car.
I’ve never liked the tape stripe on the roof down the sides. No vinyl is far better. Otherwise nice car.