This is it! The Big Kahuna of Mopar power, a street Hemi engine wearing the always popular 1969 Plymouth Road Runner wrapper. The ’69 Road Runner was Motor Trend’s 1969 Car of the Year, and for some, a Road Runner equipped this way, still is. Let’s take a closer look at this highly desirable Plymouth. It is located in Toms River, New Jersey and is available here on eBay with a current bid of $73,000, reserve not yet met.
The Road Runner story is an oft-told tale and has been covered many times before. That being the case, let’s examine some 1969 statistics courtesy of Muscle Cars Illustrated:
- Total Road Runner Production: 81,105 (excludes about 3K Canadian and export cars)
- 383 Engine Equipped: 78,906
- 440-6 Engine Equipped: 1,412
- 426 Hemi Engine Equipped: 787
- Coupe Body: 32,368
- Hardtop Body: 46,847
- Convertible Body: 1,890
Being a Hemi-equipped coupe makes this example one of only 356 built.
The seller claims, “All original driveline, numbers matching 426 Hemi,4 speed, 3:54 Dana“. And that’s what differentiates this car from many others that turn up from time to time, it has its original engine and not a warranty exchange or date correct replacement. Driven daily until 1974, this Road Runner was put in storage until 2020. This Road Runner was purchased from the original owner and has had few improvements including a new gas tank, fuel pump, plug wires, and brake components. The seller states that the original owner had the valve covers chromed as crinkle black would be the correct finish. The big 426 CI V8’s horsepower rating of 425 gross is usually considered an under-exaggeration and dyno tests of the time seem to bear that out. But that was one of the advantages of gross HP ratings, they had wiggle room that allowed manufacturers some leeway in what they reported. The seller adds that this Plymouth runs and drives but does not elaborate beyond that.
This Road Runner coupe is still dressed in its original Y3 yellow finish and it presents itself pretty well though it’s not necessarily the color that one might think you’d find adorning such a serious muscle car. But maybe that was the original thought, going for obscurity. There are some creases, scrapes, and minor dents, and it appears that there is some rust manifesting itself in the lower passenger side quarter, but it’s a solid and straight car. The seller suggests, “In my opinion, this car shouldn’t be restored but if the new owner chooses to do so, it would be very easy restoration..” That’s understandable considering this car’s originality and current condition.
The interior is 1969 Road Runner all the way. Some will refer to it as “taxicab inspired” but it is the basic Belvedere interior, the model on which the Road Runner was built – and that was the intention. Everything inside is basic and purposeful and still in pretty fair shape. The vinyl seat cover is split but that’s a minor matter, the rest looks as one would expect, including the rubber floor mat. This Road Runner is a stripper, other than the huge oomph under the hood, the AM radio is the only other option. There isn’t even a tachometer in sight.
The seller advises that he has the “Original Build sheet and Fender tag, order sheet, dealership invoice, interior tags, etc“. Those items would be nice to see but I imagine that they’re available for view if one inquires. The VIN provided is only a partial ID, but what’s there is correct. The seller further suggests, “A true time capsule that should be preserved and placed in a museum“. I’m torn on that one, I get his point but a museum limits this car’s accessibility. And driving it with regularity is probably not the best bet either. But carefully storing it and taking it out, as is, from time to time, car shows, etc. seems like the ticket. What’s your position on that matter?
That color definitely makes this car a sleeper! I saw a Dodge Charger police car in a similar color at a DMV office.
Saw a green Charger on “Mission: Impossible” over the past weekend …
http://www.imcdb.org/v178574.html
I would take this any day over a dolled-up, non-matching numbers, restored car. This car is the ultimate. I would drive it on every nice day.
I’d love it after riding in one for a couple high school years ’71-’73…
I’ve started shopping for something since inflation’s going to render money worthless, but I still don’t have 73,000 worthless dollars!
DONT TOUCH IT!!!!!!!! that car is perfect, as is. its only original, once. I would make it roadworthy, and THATS IT!!
My dad had a Duster that was very much like this color. On the Duster it was ok, on this, no. Otherwise I love it. Don’t restore!
Sleeper until it pulls alongside at the stop light. Can’t hide that rumble.
Droool…
I believe there is a Lou Constable video of this on YouTube with the original owner. It’s fantastic. Kind of a bummer to see this car getting flipped. Very cool Hemi Mopar with all of its battle scars intact.
Here is the video, it’s worth the watch to hear from the original owner. This should satisfy a potential buyer’s questions about it’s history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewq7Ihb2n-o
Not ever raced, even from a traffic lite? Come on.
Even strait 6’s were raced from traffic lites lol.
Not good not to “open her up” on occasion to blow out the carbon.
Why would the gas tank have to be replaced with such mileage? – tho my ’70 falcon with 120k miles had a hole in its tank in 1981.
Yet, i know of a ’68 chevy with still good original gas tank & sender, outside all its life, driven in bad weather, & over 300k miles, tho the tank was undercoated. It thumbs its nose at ethanol gas too.
I wonder if the lower NET hp ratings were adopted earlier. say in ’71 or ’70, would insurance rates have been lower.
If the car sits for any period of time, the tank gets rusted.
Most people just replace instead of cleaning the original, which is a mistake.
Gas tanks are cheap and it is not with the time to try and restore one . Rust in a tank is sign to get a new one.
Nope,never been raced..Original owner John states he’s only had the speedo about 100mph once because he just wanted to see if it would do it..John was not a teenager when he bought itch was older and was not a racer..He is an engineer and wanted the top engine in his roadrunner..not for racing but to experience the top of the line Mopar..Don’t believe me? I’ll give you his number and he’ll tell it to you himself! I’m selling the car because its too tempting for me to go drag race it..It should be in a collection and preserved. my opinion.
Yep and a 50 grand profit is a good 401K start.
If you watch the video the original owner explains in detail why the gas tank needed replacement. A similar thing happened to me one night driving down the Harlem River Drive in N.Y.C. but the muffler on the ’73 Monte Carlo hit a sewer grate after a loop de loop road irregularity.
If you just have to have a Hemi, this would be the one. Only thing better would be a 67 Plymouth 2 door post with absolutely NO options
A second option (power steering) would have been nice given the weight of the engine. Other than that suggestion, this one is perfect as-is.
Unless my memory has eroded (very likely), I don’t believe you could get a HEMI with power steering. Strange.
Stephen:
If you have ever driven a Chrysler product built between…I guess 1960 and 1980 you would know that power steering was a mixed blessing. I have been driving for 50+ years and of all the various makes, Chrysler products had the lightest steering with absolutely no feeling or feedback. Oddly, I remember Chrysler cars and trucks having the tightest brakes. You barely had to look at the brake pedal to stop the car or pickup truck.
The only thing it probably needs is various rubber pieces and new brake lines.
Then just park it at local car shows, raise the hood and watch the love.
I can’t believe it wasn’t bought sooner . Those guys should have bought some lottery tickets that day . New caretakers not , but I can’t blame no one for wanting to make a buck .
Making a buck no but making a lot of bucks yes.
Why do people go gah gah over anything HEMI? I had a 69 CAMARO with a 427 425 hp. I loved to street race these HEMI cars absolutely none ever beat beat me. Later I made the same car into a SS/EA raced all sorts of HEMI cars I held the World Record HEMI cars could not run with me on the track either. I set and reset the class record 27 times
When you say ” none ever beat beat me” , does that mean you got beat but just not by a lot?
As for people liking HEMI’s, all I can say is not everyone likes to see ANOTHER big block 69 Camaro.
Apparently you have never encountered a Hemi in the same weight class as your camaro. The Hemi D A R T .
This car was made to do 1 thing well.go fast in a semi-straight line!
Just as God intended
Stephen:
If you have ever driven a Chrysler product built between…I guess 1960 and 1980 you would know that power steering was a mixed blessing. I have been driving for 50+ years and of all the various makes, Chrysler products had the lightest steering with absolutely no feeling or feedback. Oddly, I remember Chrysler cars and trucks having the tightest brakes. You barely had to look at the brake pedal to stop the car or pickup truck.
Howard:
I have been driving for 50+ years as well.
I had a 69 Cuda and a 70 Challenger years ago so I am familiar with Chrysler products.
Driving a 426 Hemi at low speed and particularly parking would be a chore. Sign me up for lack of feedback and no Armstrong Steering.
The truth is cars of this vintage drive like farm tractors compared to today’s vehicles. Having said that, I still like them and own them.
I would differ with you mr.Kerr,at least for the 70s stuff I had,or my mom,the steering was easy in all cars of the era,but mom’s 72 fury wasn’t vague or loose,or my 73 satellite, or 73 fury,enjoyed driving every one of them,now some of the ford,or even gm stuff I had was another story, my best luck has always been with Chrysler products, old or newer stuff.
Drive it like you stole it! Once it was well used you would still get your money back from someone who would restore it to pefect condition.
I certainly hope George will share in the profits with Bob, as the video makes it look like George was going to be the new “Caretaker” of the hemi.
What a find and not far from my house. I watch Lou all the time and missed this video. As mentioned by the flipper, DO NOT restore or change a thing on this car. Back in the day the original owner chromed the rocker covers. BIG DEAL. People did little or big things to personalize their cars. At least he didn’t tub the car and put stupid headers or Thrush mufflers on it, like my friends did in high school in the early 70s, or those God awful L60 15 Lee tires. STUPID. This car is at almost 90 large, worth that and more. So many fakes out there with perfect paint jobs and body fit, something not in Chrysler’s vocabulary, then and now. I have the money to buy this, but if the wife found out, I would be living in it. Whoever gets this car is my new hero. You can have a new useless Hemi Challenger, I will take this. I work at a Dodge dealer and believe me, these new Hemi engine are total garbage. So many problems. I believe in part it is due to garbage parts made in China and using 0W40 oil.
Have owned 7 Hemi cars since 2014 and have never taken one back to the dealer for any type of work. My Redeye Challenger is by far the fastest car that my butt has been in 65 years on this planet.First time to the track on drag radials was a 10:32 133mph time. Amazing car
My friend’s 2010 Chally hemi has had a LOT of recalls – even on the motor – not sure about 2014s. I think all the modern Chally’s still have the rusting issue in the rockers & rear qtrs with the foam inside that gets wet & doesn’t dry out – google that.
I sat in 1 on a lot & the dealer wanted me to take a test drive, but i said no becuase i just didn’t like how claustrophobic it & the modern camaro is, compared to the old ones – with the huge windshield pillars, smaller side windows, high beltline & not so useful back seat – if you want to carrry 3 adult friends.
So, if it’s because of garbage parts, the same could be said about the V6 in my 2013 Charger. Yet, for some reason, I’ve never had a single problem with the entire car. In fact, most trouble-free car I’ve ever owned.
I don’t think that any car can be considered “garbage” these days. The Charger has over 150K on it and still going smoothly. I would typically get rid of a car whenever it got over 100K, especially anything German.
Now, if you want to talk recalls, the Charger has had the most of those of any car I’ve owned. The most major engine related one was the alternator. I do like that Chrysler is very responsive when it comes to recall notification and servicing.
I love mine too! 47,000 miles in 6.5 years of ownership. With a few modifications I beat 90% of R/Ts with my V6.
This is the car that got me started as a car nut. It is the car I compare all others to because it was my first love. Well not actually mine, and not exactly this car, but close. In 1968, my uncle purchased a new Y3 yellow Roadrunner coupe. 383 V-8, 4 speed, beige bucket seats and console with tach and rally wheels. Actually a much prettier car than this one, but alas he traded it in 1970 for a new gold 442 Olds Cutlass (another fantastic car), and we never saw it again. I was 9 years old and we were cruising in it on a Houston highway one day. He said something that stuck with me to this day. “A true performance car son, is one that when you can first just read the front license plate of the oncoming car, you still have time to pass the slow car in front of you.” And he did! The 383 wasn’t as fast as this hemi, but it was still crazy quick in a straight line!
In case any of you are interested, Uncle Tony’s Garage just did a video showing what to look for to make sure the car is a real Hemi. He showed all the underneath components that are unique to the Hemi cars and that might save somebody hundreds of thousands of dollars when they go to buy one.
New hemi’s,”total garbage” I don’t think so,George Mattar,I had a 2014 charger r/t for almost 4 years,that I didn’t baby,but did use full synthetic, and it was very dependable, and economical for what it is, 14 second quarter mile, and 28 mpg highway!,so you have no idea what you’re talking about sir.
That’s right Kevin
I’ve had a 2010 Challenger R/T Classic since 14′.
I’ve driven it extremely hard and have cranked that motor many times, it has 75k on it now and It still spins the tires in 3rd gear and I’ve done nothing but routine maintenance
I would imagine most of the recalls were addressed before you got the car. I recall one about a timing chain …
http://www.challengerforumz.com/threads/timing-chain-chain-guide-failure-2010-dodge-challenger-r-t.128828/
& other problems
http://www.autobytel.com/dodge/challenger/2010/car-recalls/
I believe you can enter your vehicle’s specific VIN here …
http://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Sounds good TCOPPS,in fact I just picked up a 2014 300 awd v6,better mileage, cheaper insurance, and still have plenty left over from selling the charger to eventually find a classic that isn’t hard art,or simply ridiculously priced.
What are you looking for?