If you’re going to tackle the restoration of a classic, commencing the process with a candidate that is rust-free and that retains its original steel is always desirable. That is the story behind this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner. Not only has it managed to remain rust-free, but its numbers-matching drivetrain helps to increase its desirability. Potential buyers can consider the Road Runner a turnkey proposition that is listed here on eBay in Celeste, Texas. The bidding has rocketed to $30,300, although that figure is below the reserve.
The 1971 model year saw the introduction of Plymouth’s Second Generation Road Runner. Chrysler had adopted what it termed “fuselage” styling across its marques, giving its latest offering a more imposing physical presence. Our feature Road Runner is a first-year example that appears to have spent its life in a dry climate. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising and is why it proved to be a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. Its laser-straight panels wear the correct Rallye Red paint, as specified on the Fender Tag. The White stripes provide a striking contrast, while the wide 15″ Black steelies and dog dish hubcaps accentuate the Road Runner’s inherently muscular appearance. There is little to criticize about the presentation, and although describing the Plymouth as showroom fresh might stretch credibility, there are no visible cosmetic imperfections or shortcomings. The paint shines, the stripes are crisp, and the trim looks excellent.
Plymouth offered the 383ci V8 as the entry-level engine in the Road Runner range, although with the Sales Brochure quoting power and torque figures of 300hp and 410 ft/lbs, it should never be considered a lightweight. The first owner teamed the 383 with a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission and power steering. Surprisingly, they didn’t select assistance for the brakes, but the system did receive a rebuild during the restoration. A numbers-matching status is always desirable with any classic, and this Road Runner ticks that box. The transmission received a recent rebuild, and the original radiator was recored and restored. The seller describes this as an awesome driving car that is ready to cruise, raising the possibility that the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
It is always tempting to make changes during a project build, even if originality is foremost in the builder’s mind. However, this Road Runner’s interior is as it left the factory, with Black vinyl trim, a bench seat, air conditioning, and an AM radio. There are no aftermarket additions, and the lack of visible wear suggests that the Road Runner hasn’t seen much action since the restoration ended. It is another aspect of this classic that will undoubtedly receive positive comments wherever the new owner takes this Plymouth.
The desirability of this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner is underscored by the listing statistics, with twenty-five bids submitted and fifty-five people adding this classic to their Watch List. It is easy to understand why, because the builder followed a faithful path while starting with a classic that was totally original. The numbers suggest that the price will climb before the hammer falls, but what would you be willing to pay to park this Plymouth in your garage?
A very nice specimen for sure, but I would like to see more of the ’71 ‘Cuda parked next to it.
The yellow ’71 Cuda is listed on their website. https://www.americansteelclassiccars.com/vehicles/243/1971-plymouth-cuda
Beautiful, pretty much how I would build one of these.
Ageed- this beauty kicks up an old memory.
This is just right!
Really like this style, the care given to it and the pure attitude.
Nice.
Now I am by no means a Moar expert, but for some reason I have always thought that the 383 in a Roadrunner or Superbee were 335 HP. Maybe I have been wrong all my life or I suppose that it could be due to this being a ’71 when Uncle Sam started his dismantling of the high-performance car. Pretty nifty car nonetheless.
I bought one @ 31 years ago to go with my 70SS Camaro 396-375 I bought new. This mopar had 383-335hp
I believe Jerry is correct. My ’68 RR 383 was listed as 335hp.
Jerry is correct. My ’68 RR 383 was listed as 335 hp.
Where are the very cool factory exhaust tips? Why the ever addable rear wing. The stock black wheels and dog dish hub caps look horrible. Other than that, the 71 Roadrunner 383 has 335hp. It dropped in 72. The car it’s self is in really good condition.
Do the Keystones or Cragars make it go any faster? Like the Column Shifter also, does an automatic shifter on the floor give any performance improvement?
The custom wheels do not enhance the performance, but they do purrdy it up (although I’m not a fan of Cragars or Keystones) Ditto the floor shifter, to a lot of folks it ups the cool factor.
You described a great Road Runner Frank. How about a 69′ bench seat, column shift Torq-flite, and the steel wheels w caps.
Actually the console shifter that was optional in this car was the T handle Slap Stik. Speaking from experience, if you used it right, it usually would make it faster. But even if it didn’t, it definitely made the car more fun to drive.
Yes the floor shifter makes a difference, or at least it did for me. Never would have thought so but found out otherwise when I picked up a 57 f100 stepside pickup.
That mustang shifter on the trans tunnel made all the sense in the world. The 429 police interceptor under the hood didn’t hurt performance either.
You find the nicest pieces sometimes in out of the way places.
Correction: I referred to Jerry, should have been oldrodder. My bad, sorry!
This is listed on their website for $59,500.
These guys are always expensive. The rusty and partly stripped 1971 Charger R/T for $15,000 featured on this site yesterday belonged to them.
When I was little there was a blue 71/72 4spd Road Runner with the same style of stripes not far from my house, bench seat dog dishes. I like the look, when done right, they weren’t on this car. The wheels should be body color, the hubcaps are later model stamped aluminum, they should be stainless steel and have Plymouth Division stamped into them. Someone also needs to get rid of the tacky wing and make sure the AC works.
Steve R
Never liked this body style, much prefer the earlier Road Runners.
That’s good news, steve! So listen, since you dislike it that much call me it shows up in your driveway with the pink slip-I’ll gladly get rid of it for you.
My first car at 16 years old was a 71 Roadrunner, it was in rough shape but bought it Certified for $500… It’s original engine was the 383 Commando, a Carter 4 barrel carb dual Snorkel air cleaner lid, it was 335 HP with the 727 torque flight tranny. I got it back 79, it was pretty much baffled out and the horrible green cloth seats were shredded, drove it for a year and sold it to my buddy for what I paid, it was green on green with a big dent on the right front fender, back then it wasn’t much to look at, but how I miss it 55 years later… Such a common problem with us car guys!!!
Anyway, nice car, but the rear wing must go…just my opinion!!!
Maybe the thing I like about the fuselage body is the styled in rake that everyone sought thru shocks and spring shackles. Sweet looking ‘runner.
Reminds me of a starsky & hutch Torino. But this thing I’m sure can get out of its own way.
For the year and body style, this Road Runner looks PERFECT just the way it sits. The black wheels and dog dish caps just add to the menacing look.
Auction ended 5/1/2025 with a high bid of $46,000, did not meet reserve.
Steve R
I guess they really want that unrealistic $59,500. I also guess that they want to hold onto this car, just like the rest of their overpriced inventory.
46K??? Ouch!