Although the muscle car market was shrinking dramatically by 1971, buyers could still hand over their cash for vehicles deserving that label. This Plymouth Road Runner hails from that year, and while it isn’t the most potent version offered, it still offers very respectable performance. Adding to its appeal are the facts that it is a dry climate survivor with 42,000 original miles on the clock. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Jamestown, New York. You could drive off into the sunset once you have handed the seller $39,975.
It was all change at Plymouth for the 1971 model year. The company abandoned its Coke-Bottle styling for the Road Runner, adopting the “fuselage” look that provided improved aerodynamics. The restyle gave these cars a more muscular presence, but it didn’t help flagging sales. From a record high of around 81,125 cars in 1969, the tally dropped to approximately 14,000 in 1971. This car is an absolute gem that the first owner ordered in Code B5 True Blue. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration or repair history, suggesting that this could be a genuine survivor that spent most of its life in California. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the dry climate has protected its steel effectively. The seller supplies several underside shots that reveal no evidence of rust or any other problems. The graphics are in good condition, and there are no glass or trim shortcomings. I’m not sold on the recently fitted new wheels, and I would probably inquire whether the originals are available if I planned on parking this classic in my garage.
The 383ci V8 remained the entry-level powerplant for Road Runner buyers in 1971, and it is this engine that we find hiding under this classic’s hood. It inhales deeply through its Air Grabber intake system to send 300hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque to a Sure Grip rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. Throw in power assistance for the steering and brakes and this is a pretty tasty package. The ¼-mile journey should take 15.6 seconds as this Plymouth winds its way to 125mph. The seller indicates that the car’s wheels and tires are new, as are the mufflers. They don’t mention confirming documentation for their claimed odometer reading of 42,000 original miles. The vehicle’s overall condition makes the claim plausible but doesn’t represent rock-solid evidence. This Road Runner is in excellent mechanical health, raising the possibility that the buyer could fly in and drive it home.
This Road Runner’s interior is as impressive as its exterior, trimmed in a sea of Blue vinyl. I can’t spot many areas deserving criticism, although there are a few carpet stains. I am torn as to whether the dashpad has split, with the photo quality too poor to make a definite call. However, if it is unrestored, it demonstrates that this classic has been treated respectfully since Day One. The under-dash CD player, gauge, and wheel wrap are the only visible additions. The first owner didn’t load it with options, although the Rally gauges, factory tachometer, and the beautiful pistol grip shifter are all purposeful.
Vehicle manufacturers knew that there was some pain awaiting enthusiasts when they released this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner. The motoring world was about to plunge into The Malaise Era, a time when cars that once offered impressive performance could do little but transform fuel into noise. If we leave the wheels out of the equation, this car is a genuine survivor that will help its new owner to relive the glory days when muscle cars ruled the roads. If you find that idea mighty tempting, I will understand if you choose to pursue it further.
Perfection
I like this, except for the wing.
I’m not buying that it’s unrestored and original, it’s too convenient of a selling point made to line the sellers pocket that often doesn’t require a shred of proof. The thing about California is that the weather is so mild that cars weren’t put away for the winter, you drove them year round, due to that few ever reached a point after several years that they were still ultra low mileage cream puffs that would go directly to a collector to lead a pampered life.
It’s up to the seller to provide documentation and the trim tag to prove its pedigree. The modifications to the car such as wheels, mufflers and distributor, as well as those mentioned in the write up, none of those are day two, all are modern, done after a “stock and original” car would be outpacing the value of a modified car, no matter how minor the modifications are.
Steve R
Not a fan of the wing either. But it’s nice to see a Mopar with a fair asking price.
I dig this rod man
Beautiful example of a 71.
Anyone asking classic car money and claiming that the car is original for a muscle car era Mopar owes it to prospective buyers to include a picture of the fender tag. If the car is as they say it is, then having it is a huge plus for their listing. If it’s not there, it makes one wonder what it is about the car that they don’t want you to know.
This car has been for sale for a while on Craigslist. It looks like a great value! I would love to see the fender tag! If this is built to factory specs, it would be a great car to buy at the asking price!
As nice a car as this one is, I can’t get into the fuselage look over the coke bottle look. Especially today on Barn Finds, with the comparison of this car and the GTX listed. The 71 just looks bloated compared to the 68. The added aspect of the fuselage body providing “improved aerodynamics”, didn’t really mean much to us street racers of the time.
Very nice car. Without documentation, I’d assume mileage on anything this old is questionable. Dealers used to spin them all day.
The under hood data plate is missing. That is a big no go.
I want this car SO bad. This is exactly my favorite car ever. Unfortunately I’m not in a appition to buy it… So sad. Beautiful color, and my favorite year.
Ugly wing again, plus has anyone ever tried to sit in those seats? Hard as a rock, slippery in corners, cold in the winter, burning hot in the summer. That is why so many had seat covers back in the day, esp those awful tacky sheep skins.
Even worse, seat covers made today are colorless, junk material & fit like they were made by a 12 yr old.
I owned a 71 Satellite, used to drive it between Boston and Pittsburgh, where I was in school. Trips were ten hours at best with 55mph speed limit, 11-12 with my girlfriend (more stops). Seats were comfortable, the car ran well, wish I still had it.
This one definitely needs to lose the wing. I never saw a wing on one of these until the mid 2000’s. I do remember seeing a picture of a wing in the 80’s in a factory brochure and it was body color. Makes me think someone added this one after it left the showroom. I guess a fender tag would answer the question.
Others please correct me, I do not remember electronic ignition being available until 1973 on B-bodies (72 on A-bodies). I converted most of my cars over when one could get a distributor, box and wiring for $20 at the junkyard. If not optional, this would be another strike against originality.
And it has a Posy whatever the hell that is.
Limited slip I understand, Posy I do not.