1968 was when it all began for the no-frills Road Runner, with the powers that be at Plymouth hoping there would be significant demand for a low-priced B-Body with a big block as standard equipment. They were correct, as a reported goal of 20,000 units was projected to find buyers in the first year, but the actual number was over twice that amount. This 1968 Plymouth Road Runner here on eBay is a project, but it’s numbers-matching and also comes with a few parts needed for a restoration. The opening bid of $5,000 hasn’t been placed yet, so head on up to Dracut, Massachusetts, to check this one out in person and decide if this Mopar muscle car is right for you.
Choosing the Hemi added over $700 to the price of a Road Runner in 1968, so most folks stuck with the base powerplant, which is what you’ll find here. However, the 383 had some extra spunk added, raising the horsepower beyond what this size engine produced in other Chrysler cars, thanks in part to the heads and camshaft borrowed from the 440 Super Commando. It was rated at 335 HP, which was plenty of bang for most drivers. Fortunately, both the engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission are said to be original here. The seller states that the car will start up and yard drive from an external gas can, but there are no brakes, so it’s not currently roadworthy.
No fender tag is present, and the seller doesn’t mention anything about the original color. There are a couple of spots of green paint peeking through the finish, and also inside the doors, so there’s a good possibility this one came from the factory in Avocado Green Poly. This one’s mostly complete on the outside, but there’s also evidence that the body is wearing some filler. Fortunately, a few replacement panels are reportedly included, including new quarters, a nice trunk lid, and a nice passenger-side fender.
Inside, the dash pad and headliner will need replacing, but a correct front bench seat also comes with the sale, along with new Legendary seat covers for both seats. A few shots from underneath are also provided, showing a mix of frame rot and some sections that appear fairly solid. Another part that’s included is a torsion bar crossmember, so fortunately, several items to aid with this project will be present. This one will require quite a bit of work, but overall, I’m feeling this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner is probably at a decent starting point. What do you think?
Although normally a Chevy guy, when these came out they sure checked my boxes. Sadly, at the time a lack of funds to actually check some boxes was sorely lacking.
A friend bought one with the 440-6 Pack and during my first ride in that bad boy I think I glimpsed a deity…
Said it before, the 383 in the Road Runner pkg, may have been the best standard motor offering of all time. 🏁
Yard drive with an external gas can? I can just picture the driver with the window rolled down holding a gas can with a long hose doing donuts. The frame rot would put me off as a prospective buyer but I do like these Runners.