A Bargain? 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Clone

Clones versus originals. A subject much debated by car folks! This 1969 Plymouth Satellite has been converted with some Road Runner parts into a cosmetic clone of one, and it’s even been given some improvements over the original. This raises the question of which you would rather spend your money on! This particular clone was discovered by frequent Barn Finds contributor Curvette and is located in Austin, Texas. The car is listed for sale here on eBay, where bidding is up to just over $16,000, but hasn’t yet met the reserve. There’s a $25,000 buy-it-now price, so you know what your highest purchase price would be. Let’s look a little further and examine the merits of the clone vs. the original.

I could debate the choice of wheels here, but there’s no denying this is a nice driver as it sits. The seller tells us that it’s a good driver that receives a lot of attention, and I can believe it. There’s a list of the car highlights that includes:  a 440 V8 (from a 1969 Charger), the ubiquitous automatic transmission, a power convertible top which we’re told works great, new wheels and tires, and the original interior with bench seats, which I’d need to see pictures of before bidding. There’s no doubt the red paint is eye-catching, and it’s nice to see the excellent top. The only major change I’d make to the current spec is to add aftermarket modern air conditioning for those days when it’s too hot to put the top down. But let’s get to the clone versus original question. To begin, I’d like to point out that the seller listed the car as a Satellite (kudos) rather than a Road Runner, and has even put “440” emblems on the hood rather than what would be expected if it were a Road Runner (383 or 426, I believe?). So they aren’t trying to hide anything. I prefer the cosmetics of the Road Runner over the more subdued Satellite, so that’s another vote for cloning. And a look at the values of the two really closes the question for me.

The numbers 1-4 at the bottom of this chart represent a commonly used grading system for condition (Hagerty’s). You can see that you are paying between a 20% – 78% premium for a genuine Road Runner versus a comparable Satellite. The builder of this car has even addressed the power shortcomings of the Satellite, which is not reflected in the values. So, for the 360+ days a year that you aren’t showing your car, how could you justify the increased expense of purchasing a Road Runner? If you haven’t guessed, I absolutely come down on the clone side, with the caveat that you must not represent the car as being genuine.

Speaking of addressing power, I’d love to address this 440 with my right foot! I especially like the inclusion of the purple Road Runner horn! I was surprised to find they are available (presumably reproduction ones) for around $100.

So, what do you think? Does this clone (or other clones) have a place in your garage? Or do you require originality? Make your case in the comments below!