Numbers Matching: 1973 Plymouth Road Runner

The second generation of the Plymouth Road Runner (1971-74) saw a decline in performance compared to the first batch (1968-70). But it was an industry-wide thing as engines were being detuned for lower emissions. By 1973, a 318 V8 was standard fare, but you could opt up to a 400 cubic inch motor, which is in the seller’s car and is numbers-matching. Out of long-term storage, this black beauty doesn’t appear to have any needs and can be found in Escondido, California, and is available here on craigslist for $28,500.

Only one body style was available with the revised 1971-74 B-body Road Runners, a coupe. The cars were fancier than they were in the past, so rubber floor mats gave way to deep-pile carpeting and the like. A styling refresh accompanied the 1973 models, which no longer had any barn burners under the hood. The topline 400 produced 260 hp SAE net that year. All four years of this design saw fewer than 50,000 Road Runner builds, just 10% higher than the 1970 model year alone. The 1973 run was the largest of the group at 19,000 units.

Probably due to its storage, this black ’73 Road Runner has only 60,000 miles. And a 727 automatic transmission is paired up with the 400 V8. It’s a rust-free muscle car that the seller says warrants a “sympathetic recommissioning” – whatever that means. The engine compartment has not been detailed, so it looks appropriate for the age. A 3.91 Sure-Grip rear end takes care of duties out back.

As best as we can tell, the black paint has held up, as has the contrasting white body stripe. The interior is sold, too, and features a center console for the automatic shifter. The only new pieces on the Mopar are its new BF Goodrich Tires on Rallye wheels. If you’re looking for a potential daily driver or Cars & Coffee visitor, this Plymouth may be ready to serve without spending a fortune on a restoration. A nod goes to Rocco B. for the tip!