The 1974 Plymouth Road Runner may not be as desirable as some of the earlier models, but the cartoon car continued to hold on despite just about everything it stood for going south in the automotive market. By this time, muscle desirability was taking a back seat to smaller, more economical transportation becoming the new norm. This was the final year for the fuselage body styling, so if you’ve always wanted a second-generation B-Body to take on as a project, this one’s probably worth considering if you’re on a budget and have a good set of DIY skills.
The seller tells us he purchased the Plymouth from the original owner more than 25 years ago, but after doing some work, the car ended up parked 10 years later when the transmission began going out. However, before the TorqueFlite developed issues, a new 318 crate motor had been installed, which is said to have just 6,000 miles on it. The 318 was the entry-level engine for the Road Runner in ’74, and with the amount of time this one’s been idle, it wouldn’t be surprising if a future owner decides to yank the small block in favor of something more potent under the hood.
The best news outside is that this one seems pretty much complete, but from the photos provided, it’s kind of hard to tell just how much of a factor rust might play regarding the sheet metal. One area with some actual body damage is the driver’s side quarter, but hopefully, the other panels will be salvageable, We don’t get to view any pictures from the underside, although the deflated tire on the back has caused at least that corner to sink down close to the earth, so there’s a possibility that some platform work will be required as part of the restoration.
Inside, the seats will need recovering at a minimum, and likely repadding too depending on how far that foam has deteriorated. The instruments aren’t clearly visible, but the dash will for sure need replacing, though it’s good to see that this appears to be a factory A/C car. This 1974 Plymouth Road Runner is sitting in Pocatello, Idaho, and can be spotted here on eBay. So far, no one has placed the opening bid of $3,500, but there’s also the option to buy it now for $5,500. For the money, is this one decent project material?
Seller is mighty proud of that $1,500 car.
Sitting in dirt for 15 years? I hope it is a dry part of Idaho.
Compare this to the one featured here earlier, going for a price marginally higher at this point.
Not even the same league.
You’re going to spend a lot more money than you’ll get out of it esp. since it has a 318.