The Plymouth Road Runner debuted in 1968 as a budget-minded, mid-size muscle car that would fit the pocketbooks of performance-hungry younger buyers. It would enjoy a run through 1980, although the Road Runner would be a trim option on the compact Volare at the end. This first-year edition is the coupe version which had pop-out rather than roll-down rear windows. The engine has been rebuilt and interior portions of the automobile have already been repainted. Located in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, this unfinished project is available here on eBay where the winning bidder will have to go past $8,100.
Chrysler was looking for a gimmick to generate interest in its new, low-end muscle car which was at the opposite end of the spectrum from Plymouth’s high-end intermediate tire-screecher, the GTX. They paid $50,000 to Warner Brothers for the name and likenesses of their popular cartoon characters, the Road Runner, and Wile E. Coyote. And then spent another $10,000 to develop the special “meep meep” horn sound for their new car. In its first year, 14,431 copies of the pillared B-body Road Runner were built with a 383 cubic inch V8 with an automatic. Triple that number and you’d get 383 4-speed plus hardtops, including the only engine option, the 426 Hemi.
We’re guessing the original color of this Plymouth was Frost Blue as that’s what we see in the trunk, door jambs, and engine compartment. Most of the prep work needed for an exterior respray has already been done. The seller states this was a solid car, to begin with, and believes the sheet metal is original to the vehicle. You’re going to need to source pieces to finish the interior, including seats, carpeting, door panels, and the headliner. A new windshield has to be added to the shopping list, but the back glass has survived and is ready to go back in.
This Mopar still has its 383 V8 and it’s been refreshed and ready to go. The brakes are said to be good, but no mention is made if the TorqueFlite automatic, also numbers matching, will need anything. The Road Runner is an icon among muscle cars, much like the car credited with starting the craze, the Pontiac GTO. If the money’s right, this is one that you still have time to put your stamp on.
I like it, just need a few Interior parts they were good running cars back in the day. This one has some good looking panels.
If the 383 was rebuilt, why wasn’t it painted? Seems suspicious to me. If they want top dollar, they should do it correctly. Or is that the way it is these days, do a crummy job and still expect to be bowed down to?
A 1968 Road Runner was the first car I was ever in where the driver was attempting to spin the rear wheels on purpose. He turned a corner and when we were headed straight he mashed the right pedal and there was instant smoke filling the street as he left two very long black marks as proof of our being there.
I wonder if the girl he was trying to impress was actually impressed? I’m sure her father wasn’t.
I’ve always liked the 68-70 B body Plymouths ,and this looks like a solid project .The grille is incorrect for a Road Runner ; its off a Satellite/Belvedere . The one area that would have me concerned (If I was to bid on it) , is the area behind the rear spring shackles. There seems to be an excess of undercoating globbed up there , right where the rear rails are known to rust out.
Gepatchter Blender !
Wile E Coyote should have adorned the opposite side of the car. Since they purchased the rights to his likeness as well.
As usual Wile…….got the shaft !
just a great body style.
no interior shots? column shift or floor?
Better than most 50 plus year old Mopars on this site. But, the truth be told, these cars were rusted by the mid 70s. I know, my 70 RR was. Back then, they were actually everyday cars, as mine was. We drove them in snow, rain and they sat outside. Just a car. Today, treated like works of art. Let me tell you from personal experience. They were built like trash and fell apart within a few years. But, they didn’t cost $80,000 like today’s over complicated garbage that breaks down almost as fast. I work at a Chrysler Jeep Ram dealer. We just put a new transmission in a 2021 Grand Cherokee with just 19,000 actual miles. And people continue to buy this junk. Love the color on this RR. It will sell for decent money.