When a seller lists a project candidate with No Reserve, chances are high that the classic in question will generate significant interest. Such is the case with this 1972 Plymouth Road Runner. It has been years since this beast graced the streets, but it appears to be relatively solid and could be the ideal candidate for a muscle car build. It will require deep commitment, but the rewards could be great if the winning bidder chooses the right approach. The seller has listed the Road Runner here on eBay in Shelbyville, Tennessee. They set their No Reserve auction to open at $4,850, but have received no bids at the time of writing.
Plymouth released its Second Generation Road Runner in 1971. Its latest offering bore no visual similarities to its predecessor, with Plymouth adopting what became known across Chrysler marques as “fuselage” styling. This Road Runner rolled off the line in 1972, finished in dazzling Tor Red. Time hasn’t been kind to this classic, although it isn’t beyond salvation. The seller confirms that it spent most of its life in Georgia, and isn’t riddled with rust. There is definite steel penetration in the floors, but the vehicle appears structurally sound. Regardless of how extensive the problems may be, stripping this classic to the last nut and bolt would be a wise approach. It is missing a few exterior trim pieces, but the tinted glass looks okay.
Apart from the missing wheel, this Road Runner’s interior is essentially complete. The lack of carpet gives us a clear view of the floors, revealing rust that requires attention. Interestingly, for a car of this type and vintage, I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The factory radio is intact, and there are no extra gauges. It requires a retrim to recapture its youthful good looks, but with a bench seat and Black vinyl trim, this Plymouth could be a practical classic for enthusiasts with a family.
Decoding the VIN confirms that this Road Runner left the line with a 400ci V8 under the hood. New to the range for 1972 as a replacement for the venerable 383ci powerplant, Plymouth quoted power and torque figures of 255hp and 340 ft/lbs. The listing images confirm that the first owner also selected a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The bad news for potential buyers is that the V8 is ancient history, but the transmission is intact. The seller states that the car rolls and steers for loading. The buyer could source a period-correct motor or follow a custom path with something more potent. That is what makes the Road Runner a genuine blank canvas.
If anything surprises me about this 1972 Plymouth Road Runner, it is the lack of auction action. The listing statistics are strong, suggesting it has attracted attention since hitting the market. The seller’s opening figure is a relatively affordable starting point. Still, it represents only the first part of the financial commitment required to return this classic to its rightful place on our roads. However, if nothing changes between now and the auction’s end in under a week, someone could become its new owner with a single bid. If Mopar muscle is what you are seeking, monitoring this classic could be worthwhile.
Someone might get a fair deal here.
I liked the names Plymouth gave their cars back then.
The opening bid is probably within reason if there isn’t significant rust. The seller is great at pitching this as a $60,000-$90,000 car, which would be quite a feat for a column shift, bench seat non-matching numbers 383 car. Unfortunately the car has had a lot of parts stripped, which will be expensive and time consuming to replace.
Steve R