The Plymouth Road Runner entered the muscle car scene in 1968 and had a successful run for several years. But market conditions changed and – by 1974 – demand for the car had declined significantly. The seller (or someone else) has chosen to take what we think is a regular 1974 Satellite and transform it into a Road Runner clone, though not mechanically correct. Located in Spokane, Washington, this recent transformation is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $8,650, the reserve is unmet, and the Buy It Nice price is $14,500.
For 1973-74, the Chrysler B-bodies got a styling refresh, including the Satellite and Road Runner. The latter moved further away from its budget roots and came with more driver and passenger conveniences. With muscle car demand now wavering, the standard engine in the RR was a 318 cubic inch V8, with a 360, 400, or 440 optional (the 383 was retired after 1971). Manual transmission sales were getting fewer and fewer, so most Road Runners had automatics by 1974.
No VIN is provided for this car, so we assume this is a routine Satellite that looks like a Road Runner. The transformation relies on older propulsion as a 383 V8 was chosen for the makeover. The Magnum 383 is said to be freshly built (or rebuilt) with new headers, and the transmission has been renewed, too. Cherry Bombs accompany the exhaust, so this car won’t be able to sneak up on anyone. Magnum 500 chrome wheels are on all four points with new radial tires.
The seller says there was no rust when the body was prepped and new black paint was applied. Much of the interior is new with non-stock bucket seats and a steering wheel. A new headliner is in a box and the car needs carpeting, but no mention is made of it being included. Overall, it looks as though most of the heavy lifting has already been done, so just the finishing touches remain.
Twin-stick 😲
The outside looks great, the interior, not so much. Personally, I’d source a factory console/shifter, steering wheel, and seats. GLWTA!! :-)
Bye bye, ta-ta, au revoir, ciao, see ya. No, I’m not leaving, I don’t think, but these are just a few words saying goodbye to our treasured musclecar. The ’75 Road Runner was a warmed over Cordoba, I think, and a Volare after that. Good heavens. Anyway, this was it. I liked the design, but were still pretty cheap cars. We never again would see the snarling beasts we grew up with. It was a heck of a toboggan ride while it lasted.
I respectfully disagree.
The 5th gen Mustang in 04 had 300hp now it’s up to 500. This doesn’t count special editions or Shelby’s
2010 Camaro SS ; 400hp now 455-650
2005-2006 GTO 400 hp
Dodge Challenger, 400 to 807 hp
All these come with comfort and safety that you didn’t have even 25 years ago.
Now I’ll agree that there are few “basic” bare-bones models available, which the original muscle car (especially Roadrunners) were based upon.
I’ve owned several vintage muscle cars and a few modern ones. They both serve a purpose, but if I’m honest my 20 year old GTO does many things well, plus killer A/C which is vital here in AZ
But this segment too is fading away, to be replaced with more hybrid and electric models that will likely put you back in the seat in completely different ways…
Hey, it’s cool. I guess what I meant, was this was the last of the “traditional” musclecars, i.e., a big motor in a relatively lackluster car. The cars you mention are certainly cars with muscle, but not what I consider a true musclecar.
Nice car. Agree on the steering wheel as there are a lot of better looking units out there vs. this one. Price range seems to be spot on.
Better to have a really nice Satellite than a fake Road Runner.
Most people wouldn’t know the difference.
I was kind of meh until I saw the video of the car running and those cherry bombs popping. This car would be a hoot to drive. Put the carpet in and finish the interior and drive it. The automagic is a disappointment, that boot and shifter had me fooled until I read the ad, but fairly priced. Do I have to subscribe to get rid of these freaking ads? They slide right over the box I’m typing in.
Fox owner to eliminate the ads you can subscribe or change your ñrowser to one like duck duck go that filters them out
Ended at $10,350.
Reserve Not Met.
I don’t think the seller’s BIN price is way out of line like you see on most older Mopars.
Based on the dashboard….. it’s a Satellite.
I love, love, love the 73-74 Road Runners ! They look like they’re going 60 when standing still. Last of the “real” RRs.
While I like the 73 and 74 RRs more than the 71 and 72 models, this is no replica by any means. That interior is ugly and two shifters. Is this guy for real and someone paid more than 10K for this? I’d rather have my bone stock 68 Satellite, B5 blue with matching interior.