It seems that the late 1960s were the glory days of the American muscle car scene. Emission laws and safety concerns hadn’t had an impact, and manufacturers were engaged in a game of one-upmanship in a bid to secure the hearts and dollars of the buying public. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner was a perfect example of this philosophy because buyers could only order it with a storming V8, but its standard equipment levels were low enough not to add unnecessary performance-sapping weight. If potential buyers were willing to stump up some extra dollars, they could drive away in a Road Runner with a legendary Hemi under the hood. That is what is on offer with this beautifully restored example, and I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this brute of a car to us. Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, you will find the Plymouth listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set a sale price of $75,000 for this classic.
If I’m brutally honest here, I have to admit that Sunfire Yellow is not my favorite shade offered on the 1968 Plymouth color palette. However, that is what this car wears, and it is great to see that the owner wasn’t tempted to change this during the restoration process. From a presentation perspective, there’s nothing that I can fault with this Road Runner. The paint holds a beautiful shine, while the panels are as straight as you are ever likely to find on a classic of this vintage. If you are going to tackle a restoration, there’s nothing like commencing the process with a sound foundation. This owner was fortunate enough to have this happen because this Road Runner features all of its original and rust-free steel. The trim and chrome are in excellent condition, with all of the correct badges intact. The car rolls on a set of steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps, and these impart a “sleeper” quality to this car. They offer no hint of the performance potential that is available to the driver.
The Road Runner’s drivetrain is a smorgasbord of what made the muscle car industry great. While the entry-level engine was the 383ci V8 that was no shrinking violet, it seems that the original owner was happy to hand over an additional $714 to take this Plymouth to the next level. He chose the exceptional 426ci Hemi V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, a 3.54 Dana 60 rear end, and no power assistance for either the steering or brakes. Was it fast? Well, a ¼-mile ET of 13.4 seconds would seem to confirm that. However, the Hemi Road Runner was not a one-trick pony capable of only delivering on the drag strip. Given a decent piece of open road and a driver willing to keep the right pedal pressed to the floor, this Road Runner would eventually run out of breath at 137mph. The owner claims that the vehicle is 1-of-449 coupes built with the Hemi/4-speed combination. I haven’t been able to confirm this precise figure, but it is close to the numbers that I have found through various resources. I am disappointed that the owner offers no concrete information on how well the Plymouth runs or drives. However, to quote the owner: “If you want a HEMI you will not be disappointed!” That suggests that all is well with this classic’s drivetrain.
Turning our attention to the Road Runner’s interior, the positive vibes continue. It appears that it received its share of attention during the restoration, and it continues to present superbly. The upholstered surfaces are perfect, with no wear or issues. The carpet looks just as good, while the dash and pad are flawless. This car is fitted with a Hurst shifter, and if this is original, that would indicate that it was one of the later cars built during 1968. Buyers didn’t get many creature comforts for their money with a ’68 Road Runner, but the original owner ordered this one with a factory radio/8-track player.
At first glance, this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner is an unassuming-looking vehicle. It is only when you examine it more closely that you realize the performance potential that is on offer. Today, almost any car that a manufacturer offers with a hint of muscle credentials will shout those abilities loud and proud with its exterior styling. Flashy paint, huge spoilers, massive wheels, and more badges and stickers than you can count are all hallmarks of the current generation. It makes me wonder how successful and how widely accepted those cars would be if they were produced in a “plain brown wrapper” like this car. It’s a point that is worth pondering. In the meantime, maybe you might consider ignoring all of those modern offerings and secure yourself a car that is undeniably the real deal.
Breathtaking….my only question is, why so cheap? Original sheet metal, a hemi and a stick should bring a low 6 figure price….
NOM, if it had the original engine they would have said so. It might also have other issues not apparent in the pictures, there is no way to tell without a hands on inspection..
You are right, the price does seem low, however, even if it doesn’t have the original engine, if the VIN checks out along with the rest of the car, it seems like a very reasonable price.
Steve R
Steve R., you are a master of reading between the lines of these ads.
I had to re-read the see what you saw, the seller could indeed cleverly omitted the fact that it is not a numbers matching engine.
The price does seem cheap. While everyone is different and likes different things, I would have to say the reason for this one being cheaper is:
– This color yellow is not very popular
– It is a post (RM21 VIN) vs a hardtop (RM23 VIN)
– The bench seat 4 speed
I know that if it was green and an auto I would be on my way, but that is just my personal taste. Bucket seats with the 4 speed would work too, but that was not available on a 68 Roadrunner as far as I know.
I believe in 1968 you could only get a 2 door post. The hardtop wasn’t available until 1969.
Mid 68 u could get a H/T
I purchased a 68 GTX and it was a hardtop no post. So road runners could be bought w/o.
I believe that you could only get the 2 door post in 1968. The 2 door hardtop and convert were added in 1969.
It was like that in the very beginning of 1968. Part way through the model year the 2 door hardtop became available. Because of that, there are obviously less of them.
Buyer checked factory radio/8 track so he could listen to tunes with the engine off and the key in the “Accessory” position.
Now how’s that for insight!
Back in 68/69 worked with a guy, single and had a good salary that had both a Hemi RR and a 440 GTX. Both were very impressive cars but he seemed to run the GTX more than the RR even though it had the more powerful engine. He said the GTX was the far more dependable car to drive and required far less attention than the RR required.
I’ve long since outgrown the finicky cars that required constant attention to drive and enjoy.
Agreed. The Hemis were a pain to keep tuned. Really only good for pure racing. Even street racing, they stunk. Sometimes even between runs they needed wrenching on. A fine tuned 440, esp in six pack form, could keep up with a stock Hemi with a lot less fuss. Of course, built, the Hemi ruled, but even then, they were fussy creatures. Actually, the real smart money went with a 340 in a Dart or Plymouth equivalent. Maybe not as capable in a straight line race, but in real world driving, worlds apart.
Points for the original factory sound system. Odo has gone around at least once – nice looking car. ‘In Person’ inspection necessary.
I know it’s a rarity, but the seller mentions that the odometer has rolled over.
I wanted a 68 hemi so bad, but the insurance was over $2500 per year. Could afford the car but not the insurance. So bought next best thing, GTX w the 440. I turned a13:78 in the quarter w stock rear but sticky tires. Loved that car.
Owned both a 1968 RM21J post with bench and 4sp and the late year 1968 RM23 hardtop. This is a nice car and for once most of you aren’t complaining of the price ! On my way to get my lotto tickets !