I sometimes wonder whether we will ever see another automotive decade like the 1960s. It was an era that saw the emergence of muscle and pony cars, the rise of the personal luxury car, and delivered the iconic C3 Corvette to a world that warmly embraced a true American sports car. It is against this backdrop that Plymouth launched the Road Runner. The 1969 model offered stunning performance in even its most basic guise, but this car’s previous owner upped the ante by slotting the fire-breathing 426ci Hemi under the hood. The rest of the car has undergone a meticulous restoration, presenting to a stunning standard. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Road Runner listed here on eBay in Celeste, Texas. The seller set a BIN of $68,500 with the option to make an offer.
Plymouth introduced the Road Runner badge in 1968 as its affordable entry into the muscle car sector. These cars were selling in impressive numbers during the first year, but the badge hit its stride when our feature car rolled off the line in 1969. The seller confirms that this Plymouth underwent a cosmetic restoration in its original Seafoam Turquoise with a Black vinyl top at some point, and the car’s overall presentation suggests that it hasn’t seen much action since. The seller supplies an excellent range of images, and the close-up shots reveal a couple of minor paint chips that don’t detract from the car’s appearance. The panels are laser-straight, and the underside is as solid as the day this Plymouth left the lot. There is no evidence of significant surface corrosion, and nothing suggesting the presence of penetrating rust. The glass and trim are exceptional, and the Road Runner sits on a set of sparkling Magnum 500 wheels. However, it is the Air Grabber hood that suggests that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.
The seller confirms that this Road Runner’s first owner ordered the car with the entry-level 383ci V8 under the hood. That motor delivered 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque, providing performance worthy of its muscle car status. However, it is virtually impossible to find an enthusiast who will openly state that they wish their car had less power. With that thought in mind, this Road Runner is now equipped with a 426ci Hemi of 1966 vintage, a four-speed manual transmission, a Dana 60 rear end, and power steering. The Hemi is a beast of an engine with a deserved reputation for providing exhilarating performance. That means that with 425hp and 490 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal, it shouldn’t cause the new owner much embarrassment when the rubber meets the road. This car’s engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The Plymouth runs and drives perfectly, and is ready for some summer cruising with the new owner behind the wheel.
It isn’t surprising to open this Road Runner’s doors to discover a spotless interior. It appears to have received as much TLC as the rest of the vehicle, presenting in as-new condition. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are perfect, as are the carpet, dash, pad, and headliner. There is no crumbling or broken plastic, and no evidence of aftermarket additions. Everything inside this classic is period-correct, from the gauge cluster and tachometer to the AM radio/8-track player. The seller confirms that everything works as it should, with no functional issues or shortcomings.
Modified classics tend to be worth what someone is willing to pay, which is undoubtedly the case with this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. It represents the ultimate version of the badge for that year, and while 84,420 Road Runners rolled off the line in 1969, the cost of the Hemi option meant that only 787 buyers paid the premium required for that motor across all body styles. This Plymouth’s listing hasn’t generated the level of interest that I would typically expect, but it only takes one person to spot it for an ownership change to occur. Do you think that will happen?
Wow 383 upgrade all the way to Hemi.
Did base 383 cars come w Dana 60 ?
No Dana’s for factory 383 cars.
Steve R
Absolutely gorgeous vehicle! It’s unfortunate the jack’s appearance does not match the rest of the vehicle.
Wow, downtown Celeste Texas is really jumping! A wide spot in the road, that is good for an interesting backdrop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3LGAQSPBss
This is a fine example of a car you couldn’t build for anywhere near the asking price. They were a handful BITD and I don’t doubt that this car is as well if taken to the edges of the power available. Unfortunately, you have to really want the vintage vibe or there are a lot of modern supercars available for that price range. I’d love to go for a ride in it, lots of room where it lives to open it up.
Incredibly nice ride. To think it’s now mated with a monster motor rated at 425HP@5000RPM-mechanically, no electronic fudging! IIRC, these were rated at 455+HP when they hit 6000RPM. No small wonder that the little brother to the Elephant HEMI is still alive.
One beautiful car, an outstanding illustration of its time.
i bought a new RR 383 4-speed in1968 $2900.00 wish I kept that one.
Sold! Love this car but would be happy with its original 383 if it still had the four-speed. I don’t need a street Hemi and I’ve heard they can be difficult to live with.
Didn’t see a picture of the jack in the listing, A.G…
Q5 Seafoam Turquoise Metallic, Redline tires and correct wheels. Reminds me of one of my first Hot Wheels.
I had the opportunity to drive one back when I was in college. A friend’s father had a barn full of Mopars, all of them hot rods. Driving the one I got into was a thrill, but it was beastly to manage. Took all my left leg had to depress the clutch pedal, and wrestle with the manual steering. I sure wish I could drive it again!
Gorgeous Roadrunner, way out of my range but price seems reasonable. Gone now.
Auction ended with no takers.
I’m shocked it didn’t sell ! This car for 69k is well worth it. The car is done right and deserves the price. Any more the hemi is not so tuff to deal with, in the day when they were daily drivers you changed plugs at 5,000 miles. They did tend to run a bid rich. But with fresh plugs any weekend was a good weekend with a hemi road runner.
Very nice Roadrunner but as another commenter said, I’d be totally happy with the 383 as opposed to the Hemi. I don’t know if they just over waxed it or what but the black stripes on the hood should be matte black not gloss black.
I bought a new ’68, 383, 4 so. while stationed in Germany, preparing to rotate back to the land of round door knobs. Picked it up in Detroit and drove it to Ft. Campbell, KY. Same color as this ’69 and the flat black hood. I added chrome reverse wheels and that was it. A young family and no extra cash. Loved the car and it’s muscle car stance.
I remember back in 1997 working at an Albertsons grocery store there was an older gentleman who also worked there back in the deli. He had an identical car to this color and all. Parked it every day just in the main parking lot. I guess back then the car was only what 28 years old and worth hardly anything. I can’t believe how much has changed in 30ish years. lol I wouldn’t think he would do that present day.
Beautiful Beeper. Built for the sole purpose of scaring the neighbors and the competition. As turquoise evolved it became aquamarine and never quite caught on. Nice combo despite the glossy stripes. Hemi being about a $1000 it’s no wonder they were so scares. I like it. Especially the cue ball shifter.
My older cousin bought a new 1969 Super Bee. I was 14 at the time. He was showing it off to me when I asked why it didn’t have sporty bucket seats. He told me the bench seat was for the girls. Took a year or so before I really understood what he was talking about.
Very nice would be happy with the 383
The actual hp/torque figures for the 426 Hemi were more like 480hp/510ft lb of torque…One of the most underrated engines produced during the muscle car era
Looks like it didn’t sell. Were that a factory Hemi that car would be 6 figures. But when someone else upgraded with factory parts that’s a no no. Probably worth more to collectors with the 383. I have no desire to even try to understand that mindset.
Auction ended.