Hiding in this garage is an iconic muscle car that could be a satisfying and straightforward restoration project for the right person. This 1970 Plymouth Road Runner features a rebuilt V8, with most of its rust issues already addressed, and the replacement steel to tackle the rest included. It hasn’t generated as much interest as I would typically expect, which is surprising considering it is offered in a No Reserve auction. The Road Runner is listed here on eBay in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The owner set the auction to open at $10,000, but there has been no action at the time of writing.
Plymouth developed and marketed the Road Runner as an affordable muscle car, with the First Generation available from 1968 until 1970. The company must have felt confident about its prospects, paying Warner Brothers $50,000 to use the likeness of the Road Runner from its animated cartoon series to market the new model. That figure might sound insignificant today, but when the sticker price of a new Road Runner was around $3,000 in 1970, it represented a substantial investment for what was effectively a single marketing tool. This Road Runner rolled off the line in 1970, with its Fender Tag confirming its original owner ordered it in Ivy Green Metallic. The car is an unfinished project, but the seller gives the new owner a solid starting point. The photos indicate it received a new floor pan, and it appears a pair of rear quarter panels are included. The rails are claimed to be solid, meaning the worst of the rust these cars tend to accumulate is now history. The panels have bumps and bruises, but nothing justifies further steel replacement. The state of the trunk pan is unknown, but initial impressions are positive. The trim looks okay for a driver-grade build, and although it wears a heavy coating of dust, the glass shows no signs of significant problems.
This Plymouth’s interior is a mixed bag. The seller recently retrimmed the seats, and they look spectacular. The dash and pad might be okay, with the radio appearing to be the only missing item. There are no indications of further items required to complete this aspect of the build, but factoring a carpet set, door trims, and a headliner into the equation would be wise. The Road Runner features a Rally gauge cluster with the ultra-cool Tick-Tock-Tach.
Lifting the hood reveals plenty of fresh air, but there is no bad news. When the first owner took delivery, this car featured a 383ci V8 and a TorqueFlite transmission. This may have been the entry-level V8, but with 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, it delivered a ¼-mile ET of 14.7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. This was no performance lightweight in its prime. The seller has splashed considerable cash on its mechanical components, leaving the buyer to piece things back together. The 383 has been rebuilt, while the front suspension and brakes are new. Detailing the engine bay before bolting the engine bay back into place would be a no-brainer to guarantee excellent presentation. Returned to a roadworthy state, this Road Runner would command respect again.
The overall impression is that this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner would be a straightforward restoration project, although returning it to its former glory will take time and dedication. However, it seems the expensive tasks have been undertaken, leaving the winning bidder to add the final pieces to the puzzle. I am surprised it has received no bids, but this might be a case where interested parties will make a last-minute move to become its new owner. Would you consider that approach, or would submitting an early bid to draw the opposition from the woodwork be your strategy? A new home is only days away, and I love to think that one of our readers will be the winning bidder. So, over to you.
Without pictures of the underside, we’re just taking the seller’s word for it having solid frame rails. There also seems to be a short rusted out section of frame rail on the floor in the underhood photo. You can’t assume that the extra sheet metal is included.
The original ebay ad sez that the 1/4 panels go with. It’s also in the BF write up.
I’d rather start with a car fresh than take on someone else’s project. Who knows the quality of the engine rebuild and what is underneath the primer. You are taking a big risk to put this thing together and paint it.
There is unknown potential for future rust bubbles, delaminations, etc. plus a costly engine failure due to somebody else’s short cuts that you can’t see.
Then maybe make him a offer you both can live with?
I’ve just sent a email asking for pictures of the underbody and paperwork or something about the engine, anything that he has to help us all paint a little bit better mental picture.
Watch the listing and let’s see what happens!
I’ll never understand the automatic on the column when buying a true muscle car…..and I’m 65 hahaha
What JohnfromSC said. He is 100 percent correct.
This is a good deal…if body is solid thats worth the 10K right there
Well, I guess someone bought it, OR, we scared the seller off. I just looked at the ebay listing and it sez the ad is ka-putt. Oh well !
That was fun.
I wouldn’t call an auction ‘NO RESERVE” when it has a $10,000
minimum bid.
Great point! Any auctions I have ever been to the auctioneer starts the bid not the owner. And rather than squander away $10,000 x 2,3,4x more on an already rusty car, your investment would fair better playing the lottery.
Once ferrous metal has been exposed to the elements of Salt City USA fagetaboutit. It’s only a matter of time before it will bleed back through.
Say fellas, I’ve spent some time in the Dakotas in my past days. The men that I have had the pleasure of knowing were all stand up people.
This car has a good feeling. If I were in the position to acquire, I would.
The seller’s reviews seem to verify him as upfront. But I’m thinking that if he went to the trouble to rebuild the engine and get new body parts, why didn’t he or his cohorts complete the project? If the frame is solid, why not take pictures of it? And if the seats are reupholstered, why not take pictures of those?
Dan, it all boils down to perspective. To a Californian a door ding dimple showing a pin head size of rust sticks out. To another from Salt City Midwest a car with no rockers missing from rust is minor. Worse yet I’ve seen guys rattle can primer or paint over rusted out metal and list it as no rust. Tadaaa!!!
someone contacted him to take it off eBay and sell it to them outright with a offer
Good for him. Time will tell if it’s a done deal.
how do i get a hold of him,i have been trying all week ,does anyone have a way to touch base with him thanx much
You have to go through eBay where it’s listed. Did you read the post?
yes read the post.but it did not say sold.so iwas wondering sold or not ,just trying to get a hold of the guy
Go to the ebay listing. Then click the “see original listing”. Tap that and it will give you all the information and the sellers other listings. Have fun!