Is it too late? Is some sort of salvation possible for this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner? The short answer is always yes, it just depends on how deep one’s pockets are. The VIN tells the truth, this fuselage-bodied Mopar hailed from Windsor, Ontario with a 440 CI, six-barrel carburetor equipped engine. It’s looking pretty shaky but let’s check it out anyway. St. Louis, Missouri is this Road Runner’s home and it is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,100, with 38 bids tendered so far.
Let’s cut to the chase, the seller states, “The 440/727 Engine and trans are long gone“. That figures. It is also claimed that this is one of a hundred and nine so equipped and produced in ’71. Regardless, it’s now a “youstabee”. I can’t attest to the legitimacy of the 109 number though Hemmings claims only 246 Road Runners were assembled with the all carbed up 385 gross HP 440 motor. And ’71 would be the end of the line as the option wasn’t offered in ’72.
The body of this old bird is rusty. It’s not just surface rust, it has the typical kind of Mopar body devouring rust that has invaded the quarters, fender legs, and structural components underneath. The seller adds, “As cool as it is, it needs a lot of metalwork,1/4 panels, floors, and some frame rail work/patch/replacement, in front and rear on the driver’s side, and in the rear on the passenger side(SEE PICS). Along with needing trunk floor, interior floor pans have been patched long ago with factory floors“. Honestly, in the shape that it’s in, it’s not that cool. And the “needs a lot of metalwork” is the understatement of the day. It is stated that this Plymouth was originally finished in B5 Blue but there’s more B Brown rust now than there is blue. BTW, the Keystone classic wheels are not included in the sale.
The interior looks about as one would expect. It’s a less desirable bench seat/column shift arrangement that seems incongruous in a car with such performance intentions but it’s a common configuration found in late ’60s/early ’70s Plymouths and Dodges. The upholstery, steering wheel, and dash pad are done – it’s hard to make out much around the instrument panel. The replaced floors sure show a lot of surface rust and there is obviously still an issue with water intrusion. Also, note the bottom of the passenger side door jamb, it’s rotted through.
The seller opines, “Real Deal here 1971 440+6 Road Runner, they are not making them anymore“. Well, that’s true but the thing that “makes” this car would be the 440+6 get-up, and without it, it’s just a rusty Road Runner. That said, the seller’s full disclosure is appreciated, he’s laid it all out so at least the venturesome can see what they’re in for if they decide to bid. So, what’s your thought, is there any special value here due to what this car once was?
Looks like this photo was taken about 1976 with those Keystone Klassics, but they do not go with the car. That’s a deal breaker for me. You gotta be one determined person to restore this parts car. Looks like it was sitting next to the Titantic.
LS it, Clear coat the rust, Call it a day.
It kills me when someone yanks the engine/transmission out of a rare and (once) valuable car.
Oh and nice job, Jim. Appreciate the humor.
That engine was probably blown by the Bicentennial. Worth nothing in those days, esp with the ongoing gas crisis. Probably got a 383 or 318 for a while, and was eventually yanked and the body rotted in a field somewhere. Remember, these cars were not loved by 1980 and many met their maker in the crusher. By the early 80s, 4 poppers were all the rage. People talked of gas mileage, not quarter mile times.
Sad but true. My Dad tells me stories about how people just about gave away muscle cars in those days.
Rare and valuable car that will be restored. It will be worth over a 100k in a few years if the restoration is done properly.
Please explain how no original motor breaks 100k
Is 50000 converted to bit coin in trunk?
I hope it gets restored
No one gives a flip about ‘numbers matching’ cars from 75 years ago, that’s why!
Those keystones are like lipstick on a pig. They can make any car look cool even for a short time.
I was actually going to say the best thing about the car at this point is those Keystones. Sounds like the seller knows that too!
Looks like a VIN donation
Rasputin,
Sad, but true. My ’66 Fairlane GT 390 went for $300 in the mid 1970’s. Even at that, I thought it would never sell.
This thing went for over 11K? Damn! Upside down already, and it needs wheels and tires!, amongst a truckload or two of other things.
Has the Mopar world gone that crazy?
Depends on one’s perspective. Looking towards the future OR… in retrospect. One can always safely stay with what thet’re comfortable with. Ever watch “Trailer Park Boys”?
One of 82 440-6 auto cars built, and I’d still cut a hole in the floor and put a pistol grip through it.
It’s sad to think that so many of these looked just like this by the late ’70’s when I was in High School.
Primer, Rust, and Bondo – life in the Northeast.
SOLD for $11,200.