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Rare Ragtop! 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 4-Speed

Beep Beep with the top down! Finding a ’70 Plymouth Road Runner to review is no big deal, there were about 43K produced, but finding a convertible version? How about a little over 800? I can’t remember the last time I saw one in the wild, though I do come across a ’69 model occasionally. This example is in amazingly nice condition so let’s check it out. It is located in Olivehurst, California and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $39,300, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN option of $60,000 available.

By 1970, the Road Runner was in the third and final year of its generation-one body style. The convertible variant was only offered in ’69 and ’70 with just 2,100 or so being constructed in ’69 out of 81K total copies that year. The convertible take rate for both years combined was about 2% of production so finding one from either year is a rare event.

The seller claims this Road Runner is an “all numbers match” car and while the numeric specifics on the engine are not included, the vehicle VIN checks out. The standard 335 HP, 383 CI V8 engine with four-speed manual transmission is in place and keeping the coyote at bey. The seller states that the engine fires right up but does not elaborate on operating prowess. Fortunately, he has a set of date-coded spark plug wires that will replace the gaudy looking yellow inhabitants. He also has a new factory exhaust system but it needs to be installed. The motor and transmission on this 63K mile example are claimed to have been “never touched”.

The exterior is a repaint in B5 blue and it shows very well with a deep, rich shine. The black hood stripe is strong too though a coating of dust might make one think otherwise. The exterior images of this Plymouth aren’t great, with a $60 large BIN price, one would think that at least the seller could move the car out into the light where it can be fully observed. Ditto the white top, we’re told that it “goes up and down great” but there is no reference to condition. Of note is the air grabber hood, one of Plymouth’s more memorable performance enhancements from the era. There is one image of the underside included and it looks trouble-free, and probably, recently recoated.

While nothing is said about the interior, it looks to be in beautiful condition with its B7 white vinyl bench seat contrasting nicely with blue carpet. The dash, instrument panel, door cards and seat belts are in fine shape; the interior appears to need nothing. The bench seat and pistol grip four-speed shifter create a neat effect, I actually prefer it to bucket seats, on looks anyway.

The seller has a nicely framed arrangement of documentation included in the sale i.e. window sticker, broadcast sheet, etc. Wow, I want this car! It’s big, powerful, a convertible and has a manual transmission. But no, I can’t have it, I have too many others and this one isn’t exactly a bargain, the $60K BIN price telegraphs a bit about the reserve. But then this is a 1970 Mopar muscle car, and a rare one at that, so the price ends up being what it is. I doubt the seller will have trouble finding a new home for this very desirable Road Runner, it just may take a while. So what’s your preference, do you like the convertible enough to justify the price premium, or would you be just as happy with a hardtop?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve Bush Member

    Looks to a very nice car that should bring close to its asking. But the seller should include better pics and, for pete’s sake, install the exhaust system and wires.

    Like 18
  2. Avatar stillrunners

    What Steve said…..you want top dollar – show us the (cars) stuff !

    Like 18
  3. Avatar ace10

    Sounds like there’s a lien on this one.
    Per the Ad: “Title will be shipped out via tracking number within one month.”

    Like 10
  4. Avatar Stephen Miklos

    Nice looking Runner.. I notice the distributor cap the wires coming out on top and a capacitor attached to it. Looks like a Magneto. I ran a Blue bell vertex magneto on my 70 Challenger R/T 383. Can anyone help me out on this? What do you see? 😄

    Like 2
    • Avatar Steve R

      It looks like a Mallory YC distributor.

      Steve R

      Like 4
      • Avatar Stephen Miklos

        Hi Steve…that could be it. I saw a Mopar setup on E-bay. Funny thing is it mostly for a Ford flathead…Thanks

        Like 0
  5. Avatar Leland

    I have always enjoyed a Sunday drive in a convert, but a RR doesn’t seem to be the best fit for such an occasion. Maybe with a 318, but the HP 383 is going to cause too much body flex. Bedsides, converts are for sedate leisurely drives, not tire squalling.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Ken Jennings

      Hey that’s a familiar old song. You stole my line!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Leland

        ??????????????????????????

        Like 0
      • Avatar Leland

        Sorry, what do you mean?

        Like 0
    • Avatar bone

      Convertibles have a heavier chassis to make up for the soft top ; I doubt you’d have flex with a stock engine

      Like 2
  6. Avatar Ishkabibble

    Convertible yes. Power brakes No. Power Steering No. A/C That’s a big No as well. $ 60K? Good luck.

    Like 3
    • Avatar bone

      A/C in a ragtop ? Its a Roadrunner , its not supposed to have “luxury ” items like that !

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Phlathead Phil

    Beep, beep, that’s a ‘vert’ not a rag.

    A Rag covers a hole, a ‘Vert goes completely down.

    ‘Vert is short for convertible.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Mister Mann

    “private listing – bidders’ identities protected”

    Please explain the need for “private listing”

    eBay always disguises the bidder’s User Name, such as “b***o (202)”

    What is the reason to block the bidders disguised User Name?
    Does it hide that a stooge account can run up the bidding?

    Please explain!

    Like 9
  9. Avatar Jt

    I know the saying is “When the top goes down, the price goes up.” I usually scan past convertibles on this site. They just don’t run my motor. I’ve had one and it was a 911. The top never went up. The sound of the engine right behind the driver made for many great afternoon runs. I appreciate the rarity of this RR and agree it will bring good money.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Leland

    ?????????????????????????? Not sure what you mean???????????

    Like 0
    • Avatar bone

      he means that convertibles are generally more money than coupes and sedans

      Like 1
  11. Avatar RoughDiamond

    Makes me wonder in J.J. Best owns the loan and has the title.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Pete in PA

    Sure doesn’t look like B5 blue to me.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Mister Mann

    “”This listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing””

    Like 1

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