Finding a classic where a new owner needs to do nothing but slip behind the wheel for automotive fun is the dream of many enthusiasts. If you fall into that category, then you will probably join me in saying a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this 1974 Plymouth Road Runner. It features fresh paint and an interior retrim, making it a prime candidate for those unable to tackle a project build. The seller has listed the Road Runner here on Craigslist in Irvine, California. You could fly in and drive it home for $22,000 OBO.
Plymouth released its Second Generation Road Runner in 1971, forsaking the previous Coke-bottle styling in favor of a “fuselage” look that gave the latest model greater visual presence. However, the badge received entirely new sheetmetal in 1973, and I feel that this represented a major leap forward. Finding anything to criticize about the appearance of this 1974 Road Runner is virtually impossible. The seller confirms that it received a repaint in Lucerne Blue with contrasting White reflective stripes. The paint shines beautifully, while the panels are free from bumps and bruises. They describe this as a clean Californian car, making the total lack of rust unsurprising and extremely welcome. The chrome is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
Powering this Road Runner is the entry-level 318ci V8, teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The V8 produces 170hp and 265 ft/bs of torque, and for those who didn’t live through that dreaded period known as The Malaise Era, this car deserves context. An entry-level 1970 Road Runner featured a 383ci V8 producing 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. If the buyer selected the auto option, it took the Plymouth 14.7 seconds to cover the ¼-mile as the vehicle wound its way to 130mph. Our feature car would complete the same journey in 17.3 seconds, and its engine would run out of breath at 114mph. Therefore, it is fair to say that muscle cars were nowhere near as muscular as they had once been. The seller states that the recent refurbishment included new wheels, tires, and brakes. They don’t indicate how well this classic runs or drives, but the overall impression is positive.
The panels and paint weren’t the only aspects of this Plymouth to receive a refresh, because the seller indicates it also received an interior retrim in Black vinyl. First impressions are positive because there are no signs of significant wear or abuse beyond mild wheel deterioration. My only qualm centers around the front seatcovers, which don’t appear to have been fitted properly. It seems that the seller didn’t center these correctly, and the sagging edges suggest they also may not have replaced the foam. Releasing the hog rings to address that shortcoming would be easy, and foam is fairly cheap. I can’t spot any aftermarket addition, and those living in warmer climates will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning.
This 1974 Plymouth Road Runner makes a positive impression, courtesy of its fresh paint and interior retrim. It isn’t the most potent vehicle to fall within the muscle car category, but prevailing legislative requirements of the period defined that. The seller’s price looks quite competitive, especially considering that Plymouth only produced 11,555 of these classics in 1974. However, their decision to include an “OBO” factor in their listing could allow someone to drive it home for less than the asking price. Do you find that concept too tempting to resist?
meeeep, meeeep ( in a sickly fashion), the sound of a dying musclecar. This was it, my friends, as in ’75 they humiliated the poor bird even more, becoming a glorified Cordoba(?). It was a sad end to a once so proud car, that many got their first addicting taste of performance. Not to downplay this car one bit, they were nice cars, but it was clear, the fire breathing, hide smoking days were numbered, and Chrysler milked it to the bitter end. I think this was the nicest looking Road Runner made. The Volare RRs were an attempt at the original, but fell short. There was nothing like a ’68-’69 Road Runner.
Once again, someone compares gross HP to net HP. Shame, shame, shame., why all the belittling of the poor 318? Yes, it could not compete in a drag race, but it easily defeats in MPG, handling, reliability, use of regular grade gasoline, and standard vs risk insurance. Why is that not ever mention. Oh yes, Ba Humbug! (had to be festive, and all)
It’s a shame the car was restyled but power wasn’t brought along for the ride. It’s a Road Runner with a new shell that’s just a shell of its former self. And buckets without a console? And column shifted? Blasphemy to the religion of muscle cars! This unit looks good on the outside at least, but by 1974, with that “fire-breathing” 318, the real spirit of the Road Runner was just becoming a fond memory.
By the mid 70s , performance cars were just becoming a stripe and spoiler package with low power engines. Insurance companies ,the gas crisis and the government shut down the Muscle car era. The bucket seat and without a console ? that is kind of a Muscle car thing , shifting on the column may not look cool, but a console adds weight, and even a bench seat would be better as its lighter than two bucket seats. At least with the 74 model you could still get a 360
That doesn’t look like a fresh interior to the untrained eye.
That is true, I’d be wary if the new paint. Los Angeles and the SF Bay Area are notorious for cars with shiny, but substandard paint jobs designed to last just long enough to find a buyer. More than a few people buy lose their objectivity if a car looks good, even if it’s just superficial and skin deep.
Steve R
Great looking RR from the outside and under the hood…the interior however is not so. The front and rear seat designs don’t match and neither designs were offered on a 74 Satellite or Roadrunner. Front seat covers appear as poorly fitting 73-74 Challenger covers. And why the 360 logo on the hood when it has a 318?? Nice looking car though!
By the mid 70s , performance cars were just becoming a stripe and spoiler package with low power engines. Insurance companies ,the gas crisis and the government shut down the Muscle car era. The bucket seat and without a console ? that is kind of a Muscle car thing , shifting on the column may not look cool, but a console adds weight, and even a bench seat would be better as its lighter than two bucket seats. At least with the 74 model you could still get a 360
The front seats not only have a terrible upholstery job done to them, its not even the right pattern vinyl – I’d venture to guess this car was a bench seat model originally with the column shift and those front bucket seats are out of another car , possibly another make – it wasn’t uncommon back then for a kid that bought a $1000 used car to hit the junkyards and buy the best condition pair of buckets seats out of anything in the yard and install them in their car
Bucket swap? I know I did!!…. Hey, I was just a kid!! Who knew these would be boucko-dollars when I hit my 60’s???
Without seeing the VIN or fender tag I would venture to guess this is a Satellite Sebring made into a RR clone. 318 engine with the 360 logoed hood. Bucket seats with a pattern that doesn’t match the rears, so I’m guessing a bench seat once occupied the front, especially with no console and an auto on the column. And finally a Satellite nameplate on the dash where a Roadrunner would be if this was truly a Roadrunner. Beautiful car nonetheless.
My friend had a 73′ with a 340 and totaled it out in two weeks of owning it and had no insurance, due to a cash payment.
I love the look of this car. It reminds me very strongly of a friend’s car in the mid 70s, but it was a real RR. Thanks to all you eagle-eyed detectives here who know an entire world more about Mopar than I (I’m a Ford guy). Fascinating learning from you!