Time treats some classics more kindly than others. Take this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. It looks pretty sad, with faded paint and obvious rust issues. However, with no apparent structural weaknesses and a running V8 under the hood, it could be a potentially rewarding project for a dedicated enthusiast. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Plymouth listed here on eBay in Lexington, South Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,600 as the auction heads into its final hours.
Plymouth released the Road Runner in 1968. It positioned it as an affordable alternative to the GTX, minimizing the chance that budget-conscious buyers might look to other marques for their muscle car fix. This first-year example has seen better days, with its original Burgundy paint almost non-existent, and plenty of rust requiring attention. The lower quarter panels and lower door corners are the most obvious external surfaces affected. However, there is more below the surface: the rear floors, trunk pan, and drop-offs are all badly rotted. Surprisingly, the rails and other crucial structural areas appear sound, meaning that this Plymouth hasn’t rotted beyond the point of no return. The trim looks surprisingly good compared to the cosmetic deterioration elsewhere. Although the windshield appears foggy on the outer edges, the remaining glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade build.
Plymouth offered its 383ci V8 as the Road Runner’s entry-level engine, which is what we find under the hood of our feature car. The first owner teamed the 383 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and with the motor generating a factory-quoted 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque, the Road Runner richly deserved its muscle car tag. There’s been a fair share of bad news so far, but it’s time for a few positive vibes. The seller states that although this Plymouth hasn’t seen active service since the 1980s, the V8 runs well. It requires plenty of work on the brakes, fuel system, new tires, and a reasonably comprehensive list of other items to become genuinely roadworthy. However, that healthy 383 represents a welcome, sound foundation from which to commence the process.
Any interior featuring a healthy layer of grass on the floor will almost certainly require plenty of TLC. Such is the case with this Road Runner. There is also some pretty awful custom upholstery. Throw in the missing dash components, cracked pad, and tired bright components, and the buyer can add the cost of a complete retrim to their restoration budget. Some existing components may be salvageable, but that list is sure to be pretty short. However, a high-quality trim kit should allow the presentation to remain stunning for decades if the owner treats the car respectfully, making it a worthwhile investment.
Some readers will take one look at this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner and consign it to the “too-hard” basket. I understand that sentiment, because returning the car to a rust-free state will be a major undertaking. The steel required to achieve that goal is readily available, but the buyer may face hundreds of hours of grinding and welding before they can even consider paint or trim. However, with fifteen bids submitted and a Watch List tally of forty-six, it appears people are willing to give it a red-hot go. Are you tempted, or is this build beyond what you would contemplate?
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