- Seller: Johnny H (Contact)
- Location: Pace, Florida
- Mileage: 78,000 Shown
- Chassis #: RM23H9G234391
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 383 4BBL V8
- Transmission: Torqueflite 727 Automatic
If this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner looks familiar, that’s probably because we featured it about 3 years ago. The seller inherited the car from their late father, who had purchased the car new, and they weren’t sure what to do with it. Having been parked since 1987, it was in a sad state, so over the past three years, they have fully restored the car to its former glory, with a few upgrades, as a tribute to their father. Unfortunately, there’s no one in the family interested in inheriting the car one day. Since the seller accomplished their goal of restoring their father’s car, they’ve decided to find a new home for it. It’s listed here as a Barn Finds Auction and is located in Pace, Florida.
The seller’s father purchased this car new in 1969, so they’ve known the car from day one. When they started the restoration, their goal was to return it to the condition they remembered it being in when they were a teenager, but with a few upgrades. The body was sanded, all surface rust removed, and two dents the car acquired in the ’70s were repaired. The body was then primed and sealed to ensure it stays rust-free. It was then treated to a coat of single-stage acrylic enamel paint in its original A4 paint code (Silver Poly) and the correct Organisol black hood stripes. New bumpers front and rear, with new hardware from AMD, and a new windshield were installed once the paint work was completed.
The interior was also treated to a full restoration. After removing the original components, the floors were cleaned, painted, and treated to a layer of sound-deadening material. New carpets were then installed, along with Legendary Auto Interiors’ front and rear upholstery kit. They also installed a new headliner, but it still needs some adjusting to look its best. While the dash was apart for restoration, the underdash A/C components were restored with a new evaporator, core, and seal kit. They also installed a new Dakota Digital RTX instrument cluster with GPS, and an AAR AM/FM/Bluetooth radio was mounted, plus new speakers were installed. This is now a very comfortable place to be!
Mechanically, the seller went through everything. The engine has about a hundred miles on it since it was fully rebuilt and runs beautifully. They did a few upgrades to this 383, but the seller wanted to keep the performance similar to how it was when it was new, so most of the upgrades are for durability and ease of use rather than performance. They’ve provided an extensive list of the work that was performed to the drivetrain, which you can view below.
Engine
Bored +.030
Crankshaft polished
Clevite P series STD main bearings
MAHLE / CLEVITE CB527P Standard rod bearings
Thrust bearing clearance of .002
Crankshaft endplay .004
ARP crankshaft main bolts. Torqued to 110 ft lbs
Rear main seal: Fast Fish One Piece
Rear main seal cap torque 30 ft-lbs
Six-quart Hemi oil pan holds- new
New ARP oil pan bolts
New oil pickup
Summit Windage tray
New Melling Oil Pump standard pressure with 440 Source adjustable pressure nut.
Diamond Forged pistons 4.280 with flat top and valve reliefs. 1.916 compression height
Total Seal 1/16, 1/16, 3/16 moly rings. .020 1st ring gap. .022 second ring gap
New 440 Source standard cast steel rods
Rod Bolts torqued to 75 ft lbs
Piston to deck .0035
Mancini Mr Gasket Head Gasket steel shim .018 flattened, opening 4.40
Remflex Exhaust Gasket (RFL-6002)
New ARP/440 Source head bolts (torqued to 75 ftlbs)
New Melling intake 2.08, exhaust 1.74 valves, and lapping
Comp Cam Model 21-224-4, .491/.491 lift Duration @50 230/236
Comp Cam Timing Dbl Roller chain (no advance on cam)
Comp Cam Lifters
Comp Cam push rods (hardened)
Comp Cam springs (911)
440 Source Harmonic Balancer
Mopar Performance aluminum water pump housing and pump
Mopar Performance mini hi-torque starter
New 440 Source Pulley bolts
440 Source 12 pt head bolts
New stock engine mounts
New Power Steering pump
Firecore distributor TTL ADV 34 degrees
FBO Rev Limiter Digital Ignition+
Transmission
B&M Shift kit (still have all original parts for reverting)
Aluminum pan with extra 2-quart capacity
Hughes Performance 24-25 Heavy Duty Torque Converter (2500 stall)
New shift selector seal
New input shaft seal
New output shaft seal
SSI rated Summit Flex Plate with ARP bolts
The car has also been treated to a new TTI 2.5″ exhaust system with Dynamax performance mufflers. The brakes were fully gone through, with new lines, wheel and master cylinders, drums, and proportioning valve. The front wheel bearings have been redone as well. They also went through the entire fuel system with a new tank, sending unit, lines, and pump. The seller also notes that they went through the HVAC with a new evaporator, heater core, water control valve, H-pipe, box gaskets and seals, compressor pressure valve, clutch bearing, condenser, dryer, and several lines. The A/C is said to blow cold and is holding a charge.
According to the seller, the car still retains its factory undercoating, which seems to have done its job and preserved the undercarriage. No significant rust was found during the restoration, including on the floors, trunk, or underside. Touch-up undercoating was applied as needed to ensure a uniform look and to protect it from rust. The seller also notes that the vinyl top needs some regluing, as there are a few trapped air bubbles starting to show.
It really is amazing to see this Road Runner all fixed up, especially given the seller’s history with it. Parting ways with it is bound to be a challenge, but the seller wants to see their father’s car go to someone who will enjoy it and preserve it for future generations. If you’d love to be its next owner, be sure to bid. And if you have any questions about the car, its history, or the restoration, please leave them in the comment section.
Vintage Photos
Prior To Restoration
Restoration Photos
Current Photos
Bid On This Auction
Spartan17 bid $39,999.00 2025-09-12 08:49:08
Erling Lee bid $30,000.00 2025-09-10 11:15:55
Absolutely stunning. I really like the digital dash. It’s hard to tell the difference. Any guesses as to what it will bring? I would have like a stick but in keeping with its reputation as a gentleman’s muscle car the automatic is fine. PS. Anyone else notice how thin people were back in the sixties and seventies? That one photo of the seller’s family says it all. Sad what we’ve come to.
Not sure about what it will bring. It is a very unique car in so many ways from its history to the equipment. How many have you ever seen with rear window defroster?
I can tell you that even though it’s automatic, it shifts very solid and positive.
I have noticed how it seems smaller inside now compared to my teen years. Oh, maybe it’s me…130lbs versus 200lbs, haha.
That’s my sister, mother, and dad L-R in the Smokey Mtns.
Car is fantastic looking sure wish I had one. And no disrespect but your mom is very attractive. She looks like s girl I once knew. I love the crease in your dad‘s pants. Brings back lots of memories. Good luck with the car.
Nice!! My dad traded his 4 door 57′ Chevy in for a 69 ROADRUNNER right before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Said it was his favorite car of all time. We have always talked about getting one we both could enjoy and work on together. This would be perfect! Very nice ride! Semper Fi!
The restoration is a wonderful tribute to your family and you did a beautiful job. I love the family photo, it really brings the history to life. My garage is full, but I am sure you will finds a willing buyer that will cherish the restoration and history. Your Mom was as hot as the car!!
Thanks. So many memories. Yes, my mom was a beautiful lady. She passed in 2022.
I’m shocked no one in your family wants to keep the car. I really hope this car brings all the money, but that money will never replace the memories.
The memories are forever and I’m not getting any younger. My kids and grandkids are not car enthusiasts nor do they have any mechanical knacks. We all lived across the country so I had no opportunities to teach it or instill those. Unlike, me who was raised on cars!
Did you do the restoration? Looks like no expense spared on the engine.
Such a beautiful tribute to dad. I cannot imagine all the work it took and then watching it drive away for the last time.
Those were some fine rides back in the day and this one looks like it just stepped into a new decade straight from the past. Really nice.
Wish I could afford to bid but I know it will take a pocketful of coin to buy it and no doubt it will be worth the price.
Thank you all for the compliments and comments. I did ALL the work on this cars restoration except for the machine shop work on the engine. Yes, I did try to use the best components everywhere possible. I do have a lot of experience working on the car too from my teen’s and early 20’s. We were a mopar family. I did the maintenance on my Dad’s car here and my 1971 Road Runner and 71,74 Dusters. Of course my Dad taught me from an early age.
I actually raced my Dad many times!
Impressed with your full compliment of skills. You did a really nice job with this icon. Absolutely love everything about the build, especialy the engine refresh and the color combo. FYI, Haggerty has this year and engine combo at $60,000 in #2 Excellent condition ($82,500 #1 Concours).
Good luck with the auction
Boy is that car beautiful! You did some very fine work on this vehicle! It brings back lots of memories since my Father owned the almost twin when I was growing up except it had a manual and was gold in color. It was the only vehicle my father ever purchased that was for fun and he was very proud of that car and he drove it in the summers only. I loved the car as much as he did. I also think your actions in restoring your Father’s car are truest feelings of how much he meant to, my most sincere congratulations to a job very well done! I hope the car goes to somebody who understands what this car means!
Thanks
You did a beautiful job! The few changes are a great touch without taking away from the classic car. I had a 69 convertible, had to put timing gear and chain on, I bought for $300. Kept, drove and restored it for 20+ years. Loved that car but sold it to pay some medical bills. Also had a 68 and always wanted a 70. Mopar born and raised. Im going to what this closely. Would love to get this car, if I can afford it. Would be my last vehicle purchase and would be left to my son. Good luck.
No doubt with this one. Just the vinyl roof and an A/C leak need attention. This Road Runner will easily go for north of 50K!
Really beautiful restoration job. The only thing I would have done is kept it bone stock, but that’s just me. Still a beautiful looking Road Runner. I had a beautiful 69′ Charger R/T back in the 90’s. Still really miss it at times. Sad no one in your family wants it considering it was your dad’s car but I read your reasons why. Unfortunately it seems most of the younger generation is more into their iPhones and other things than cars these days. I hope whoever may buy it takes great care of it. Your dad had great taste in cars and women. Your mom sure was a looker lol.
Very nice! You really done a good job fixing her up. Only one question..with all the work done, why not the vinyl top and what’s under it? Air bubbles underneath the top are probably rust issues which is common on cars with vinyl top. I miss the 69 R.R. that I owned back in 1970!
There is no rust under the vinyl top. As it shows in the pictures, I have the roof in excellent condition. I used a 3M spray adhesive that is not the best choice and I learned that I should have roughed the surface which was a new sealer with a 220 grit so there would be better adhesion vs. a smooth sealer.
Just enough cam to give it”The Sound!”
That was my intent. No issues with factory stock cam which I still have but wanted just enough for “the sound” and a little increased torque while keeping it street friendly. It will smoke the tires!
Amazing car and good luck with the sale 👊🏽
Nice RR I had a 69 the same color with buckets console and a 4-Speed. wish I still had it. Nice cruiser
Great story. Great car. Not a Roadrunner/Mopar expert. What are the experts thoughts on car and changes made as far as affecting collectability and future value?
Grady,
I’ve tried to keep the changes minimal but to improve reliability and performance. Obviously, there are those that believe any changes at all are not acceptable.
I know when I own several new mopars in the 70’s, I made modifications then for the same reasons so who’s to say what is completely original? Like it rolled off the factory floor. My updates are very modest.
I still have a lot of the original parts though; starter, alternator, distributor, etc.
You may run into one of those ‘rich’ collectors who are nuts about all original, numbers matching who wouldn’t give it a look. However, what you have done and the overall documentation of the rebuild should find you a Mopar person who should love that car. I know you want good money for all your efforts and that’s where you need to be firm. All sales obviously have negotiation room and some crook may use the ‘not all original’ to get the price down knowing it’s a great car. I hope you have a general price in mind and stick close to it but unfortunately I guess you know you will not recoup all that you put into it. Keep me posted. Glad to help anytime. Retired so have lots of time. Steve Woods
Thanks Steve. Yes it’s rare that you recover what you’ve invested into a restoration project if done right. I do believe the documented history and my personal history of the car helps with that value. That’s what really makes it rare.
Thanks Steve. Yes it’s rare that you recover what you’ve invested into a restoration project if done right. I do believe the documented history and my personal history of the car helps with that value. That’s what really makes it rare.
FYI, if I forgot to mention, it is all numbers matching. One picture of the engine block shows the matching VIN on the block.
All,
I’ve gotten a question about picking up the car if you purchase it and driving it on a long road trip.
I can only answer this way. I have only driven the car locally probably a total of 300 miles with about 120 of those miles after the new engine build. I see no reason why it couldn’t be driven on a long drive, however, it has not been on a long trip and is a 56 year old car. I’m confident with all it’s had done to it that it’s in good condition but I had planned on 4-500 local miles before a road trip. It would be your call though.
FYI, I had the car hauled on a wrecker before restoration from TN to Florida for $1500.
Oh WOW.
Impressive
Johnny, What the heck is up with the bidding? Im shocked it hasn’t taken off. These folks need to do a little research and see the real value of these cars!
Steve
Steve,
Not sure but hoping it’s going to pick up here in the last hours. There’s a lot of ground to cover to get past the reserve!
John, when was the last time your mom and dad drove in the car? The story and the photos really touched me. It’s not just a car, it’s part of your family.
My dad drove it until he parked it around 1987. My mother had a car of her own but probably rode in it occasionally in the early 80’s. My dad drove it only occasionally after he bought a pickup truck in the early 80’s.
My Dad passed in 2017 and my mother in 2022. Neither ever saw it restored.
My Dad the day we dug the car out of the shed in 2015.
That would have really nice to have your parents do one last pic with the car, before retiring it.
Do you have the original dash cluster?
No, it was sold after installing the Dakota Digital cluster.
Thank you. That takes me out of the bidding.
Tim -aren’t the clusters relatively common and used across a number of b-bodies?
Super nice ride, lm afraid not going to get to reserve. Best of luck
Have a blessed day
Is it ok to ask for reserve at this point. Curious how far off we are.
I’m honestly struggling. The car is beautiful. It is unique. It has great history and provenance. It’s uniquely optioned. Lots to love here.
It does need some additional work (AC, vinyl top, headliner, etc.). It is a column shifted automatic with a bench seat.
I suppose it’s all in what you prioritize and value. I would have a hard time parting with it for any amount.
The last bid was very very close. FYI, the Dakota cluster was $2000. The Dakota replaced the amp meter with a real oil pressure reading provides a voltage reading. No idiot lights. It’s programmable to via Bluetooth. I screwed with adjusting the original cluster until I was sick of it. The a/c leak has been located and I hope to repair this weekend.
FYI, the B&M shift kit allows for holding in a gear and/or downshifting manually at all rpm’s. It can also just be left in drive and its shifts automatically and quickly. Kickdown works as normal. As I said before, all original valve body parts are in the kit with instructions if someone wants to revert back to Version I or original valve body setup.
I had one in my 67 Coronet R/T, along with a 2500 stall converter. Mild on the street, very efficient on the strip!
What is RNM?
Reserve Not Met
last bid 49,500
i would dammed if my dad bought this car new then i inherited it restored to it new i would turn around and dumped because none of my family wanted it. i would drive and enjoy it till i was on my death bed and let them deal with it or i would leave to 1 of my friends. i feel his dad would be dissappointed with him.
You obviously don’t know my father or family. I honored him by bringing it back to life. Enough said.
Hi Johnnydh, I put in a bid on your 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. I’m a previous owner of both a 1969 and 1970 Road Runner. I like everything you’ve done with this car. I have a couple of questions, have you tried to tidy up the headliner? The Road Runners I had were original and both had red engines, did this come with a blue engine? The 1968, first year Road Runners had blue engines, I guess maybe they carried over to early 1969 too. I am glad you kept the cam shaft. Road Runners had their own cam shaft, they were different from the standard 383 and the 383 magnum. The cam shaft you installed sounds real good too, good job. Thanks
The turquoise engine can be correct for a ’69. Some Road Runner/Super Commando 383s were turquoise, while the majority were orange. Only in 1970 were they all orange. For ’71 a running change was made late in the model year from orange to Corporate Blue with an orange air cleaner assembly.
The engine came in the turquoise color. I was there when he picked it up new in early 69. It’s always been that color. Orange came in later in 69 and forward.
Mopar blue came on many small blocks later as I had a 74 Duster 360 in Blue.
I’ve tried stretching the headliner more than once. I get frustrated and say the heck with it :)
I have a 1969 Road Runner non a/c car and engine is orange I have had it since 1974. The road runners that had a/c I thought had their engines painted turquoise.
First off, in 1969, all A/C equipped Road Runners had Turquoise engines and were 330-horsepower. All non-A/C equipped Road Runners had the engines painted Street Hemi Orange and were 335-horsepower. So, there is your answer. It has NOTHING to do with “when” it was built.
Secondly, this car has a ton of questionable things going on with it and deserves a very close inspection. The paint is very amateur, at best, with evidence of orange peel, mismatched panels, and tiger striping…Silver is very unforgiving if not done professionally. There is also poorly applied and finished Bondo in the lower rear glass corner area that is very visible in the pictures. Additionally, that bubbling under the vinyl top is rust. It is rust and will require a massively expensive amount of work to fix it properly.
Look, this is a car with good documentation and a good place to start but, unfortunately, a lot of this work, especially the body and paint, will need to be redone if someone truly wants a nice car.
Furthermore, replacing the dash cluster was a huge mistake, like it or not…and, especially, not hanging on to the original. A column-shifted automatic is the least desirable configuration for a Road Runner so, that is gonna hurt it, as well.
I don’t believe that this auction had any real bids at anywhere close to the $50K mark.
I agree with what you are saying. I in particular noticed the dutchman panel repair under the rear glass. The owner has spent a good amount on the engine, but the body and paint need some attention. If the roof is not addressed there will be some serious issues.
There is no rust under the roof. There are plenty of photos showing the roof prior to vinyl application. The car has been parked in the shop during the entire restoration and never even driven in the rain. Top was applied about 1 year ago.
The instrument cluster is a personal preference and if someone wants to revert back, go buy one for $250.
Thanks for your professional opinion on the paint job. If someone wants perfection, go spend $75-85,000.
I don’t know, it says last bid $49,500….
You got to admire Plymouth marketing , they were able to sell a ton of what amounts to a Belvidere taxi cab . Merely by changing the name .
A taxi cab that hauled ass.
Has the car been appraised?
Has it been graded?
Experience level of restorer?
I’m interested but pictures are not of highest quality. Thank you!
I worked on cars my entire life but this is the first restoration and it was my father’s car purchased new when I was 14.
No to paid appraisal. No to grading.
All photos were taken by my iPhone and Nikon Z8 camera.
This has been a personal project for me not a financial project. One of love of my father.
Yes, it’s available to view in person by appointment.
How many vehicles have you painted?
Is the car available to view in person?