Okay, it’s time to tick the boxes. Desirable 1970s muscle car? Check. Spotless presentation? Check, Healthy V8 under the hood? Check. Is it listed for sale with No Reserve? Ooh, yeah! That sums up this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner in a nutshell. It is a stunning-looking car that is guaranteed to turn heads. Its healthy V8 provides enough power to satisfy most buyers, and the No Reseve auction ensures it is days away from finding a new home. If you want that to be yours, the Road Runner is listed here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. Bidding has scorched its way to $44,758 due to intense action.
Plymouth developed its First Generation Road Runner from its Belvedere model, advertising it as a more affordable alternative to its GTX and other muscle cars flooding the market at the time. Our feature car is from the second production year, and its presentation is difficult to fault following the recent application of a fresh coat of Ivy Green Metallic paint in a clear-over-base process. It shines beautifully and is complemented by a flawless Black vinyl top. The panels are laser-straight, with gaps that are tight and consistent. Rust can be a problem with these classics, but the array of underside shots confirms this garage-kept Plymouth is as solid as the day it was born. The chrome and glass are as immaculate as the rest of the exterior, while the Air Grabber hood and Magnum 500 wheels proclaim that this car has the muscle to match its good looks.
We must address the elephant in the room by stating that this Plymouth isn’t numbers-matching. The VIN confirms it rolled off the line powered by a 383ci V8. The seller admits that it now features a 440ci V8, with the remaining major mechanical components including a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, an 8¾” Sure Grip 3.91 rear end, and power assistance for the steering and upgraded front disc brakes. The specifications of the V8 are unknown, but it is safe to assume it produces more than the 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque delivered by the original powerplant. That puts a low-14-second ¼-mile ET within the driver’s grasp if they decide to test its performance potential. The seller describes the engine as strong, with the car driving perfectly. They supply this YouTube video to support the claim. It provides a walkaround and allows us to hear the 440 in action. It sounds crisp and clean, with no smoke or odd noises. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey classic.
The Plymouth’s interior is tidy, and the only visible aftermarket addition is a solitary gauge hanging below the dash. If I were to mark it harshly, the deteriorated finish visible on the steering column is one of the few faults worth mentioning. The two-tone Green vinyl upholstered surfaces look impressive, the dash is clean, and there are no signs of pad cracks. It isn’t showroom fresh, but it will hardly cause the new owner embarrassment if they rock up to a Cars & Coffee. Plymouth’s affordability approach is reflected in the luxury equipment because the winning bidder receives an AM radio as the only factory option.
This 1969 Plymouth Road Runner isn’t 100% original, but its overall condition makes the fact it has already received thirty-four bids easily understood. History shows that the tally will probably climb significantly before the hammer falls on this auction. Do you think losing the original engine will impact the sale price? What do you think it will be? More importantly, are you tempted to join the bidding frenzy?
What a beautiful car ! …..I wouldn’t change a thing…..
Might not be 100% original ….But I still love this car.
Automatic transmission. Nah…
The torqueflite is no slushbox.
Transmissions like the Torqueflite and Hydromatic are a lot faster than your right hand and a lever on the floor, especially from a standing start.
These autos may be faster, but what difference does that make when a lot of today’s grocery-getters are faster than this car? Give me a manual trans any day.
(Unfortunately, I no longer own any manual trans cars… would consider a conversion).
Going higher -much much nice !!!
Auto let’s you hang on while you rain down on it.
Nice!
?
Pretty nice
That is one sweet ride. I used to drive a 69 with a 383. Had bucket seats with the console shifter. Dark brown with the black rally stripes on it. That was a nice car but this one blows it out of the water. Too bad they go for so much money now. Never be able to afford one today.
Very nice example. My 72 Chevelle was sequoia green metallic so i always had an appreciation for dark green hues and this one is beautifull. Bonus points in my book are power brakes and steering plus bench and column shift. I always said nothing beats an american sedan or coupe with a V8, bench seat and column shift automatic.
Agree Robert, autoloaders are ideal w that configuration. Love this car. 3.91 gear ⚙️ and the 440, w Torq-flite is some very stiff competition on the streets 🚥
Everything about this car is right. Beautiful!
Yes I know it’s not numbers matching but a fire-breathing 440 coupled with that practically bullet-proof 727 is about as perfect as it gets.
I know old schoolers love to row their own and to each his or her own, but an auto is faster shifting with the added benefit of better modulation as you hook up those back tires, and of course no potentially damaging missed shifts while you’re trying to go from hanging on to the wheel, quickly grabbing the shift stick and then quickly back to the wheel. Plus if you’re in any type of urban or suburban setting it’s a much more pleasant drive in traffic.
I love it right down to that perfect color combo and vinyl roof that is a snapshot of the US of A in the late 60’s and 70’s.
Of all the things I love about this car…which is *everything*…I think my favorite part is that great bit of patina on the top of the driver’s door showing the years where they rested their arm while cruising around.
Car of the year in 1969 and first year for convertible Road Runner. A12 option available mid year 440 six pack.
I had 69 Roadrunner this same color and in good shape with the 383. Mine didn’t have the vinyl top. Fun car. I owned it in the early 80’s and paid only $2200 for it.
I was in my early twenties back in the early ’80’s…..when $2,200 could buy something good!!
Same here, I bought a B5 blue 69 with the 383 auto in 1984 for $1,000 and drove it home…
Column-shift automatic, non-numbers-matching, least valuable color combo (especially with a green interior). Good looking car but, not the one to have if you know better. Doesn’t matter, no one here is buying it anyway, lol.
I come here for the witty, entertaining, uplifting, insightful comments. I read yours, too.
Another auction completely deleted from EBay – a scam?