Advancing years can see some people wish they were younger, but I land in the opposite camp. I sometimes wish I were older, but the reason is slightly odd. If I had been born earlier, I might have been financially able to buy a good secondhand muscle car when prices were dirt-cheap in the mid to late 1970s. I missed out on that opportunity because I was too young, and like many others, I acknowledge that cheap muscle cars are a fading memory. However, that doesn’t mean you need to miss out because this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner could be an ideal candidate. It requires restoration, but it looks pretty straightforward. It retains its original drivetrain, and its rust issues are mainly superficial. The seller listed the Road Runner here on eBay in Bidwell, Ohio. The bidding sits at $15,000, which is below the reserve. For anyone wishing to bypass the auction process, the seller offers a BIN option at $21,000.
For a Mopar enthusiast seeking a hands-on project, this Road Runner could be a strong candidate. The existing Black paint isn’t original, with the Fender Tag confirming it rolled off the lot dressed in Avacado Green. Considering the desirability of these classics, I believe the new owner will probably reinstate that shade during the restoration. Typically, this is where I would delve deeply into a car’s rust issues, but the news is largely positive with this Plymouth. There are spots in the lower rear quarter panels, rockers, and inner fender wells, but these appear patchable propositions. Otherwise, this vehicle is as solid as you could ever hope to find. There is surface corrosion in a few spots, but the floors, rails, and trunk pan are excellent. Some trim pieces may require restoration or replacement, but the glass looks acceptable for a driver-quality build.
Buyers in 1968 could choose from two engines to power their new Road Runner, with most foregoing the expensive Hemi in favor of the more affordable 383ci V8. This car retains its numbers-matching 383, which sent 335hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Although the Hemi was faster, this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds and wind its way to 134mph demanded respect. Mechanically, it is a case of “what you see is what you get” with this Plymouth. Items like the radiator, air cleaner, and alternator are gone. However, these are pretty common pieces, so sourcing genuine secondhand replacements shouldn’t be challenging. There is no information on the state of the drivetrain, although since it appears to have sat for years, factoring rebuild costs into the restoration could be wise.
Turning our attention to the Road Runner’s interior reveals some surprises. It requires carpet, front seat upholstery, and door trims, but many parts should present well with a thorough cleaning. It is missing some hard trim pieces, but high-quality reproductions are available and affordable. The biggest surprise is the lack of aftermarket additions or modifications. We’ve probably all seen cars of this type and vintage with sports steering wheels, banging stereos, and gauges hanging everywhere. This car features none of those add-ons, and the seller includes the original shifter for the four-speed in the deal. Overall, whipping the Road Runner’s interior into shape shouldn’t break the bank.
If it weren’t for the Warner Bros cartoons, I’ve sometimes wondered what name Plymouth would have chosen for the Road Runner. I remain a fan of the animated features and feel similar affection for the Plymouth. It seems I am not alone because this car has attracted forty-three bids in two days. I won’t be surprised if someone hits the BIN button because this classic offers a lot to a new owner. Wile E. Coyote could never catch the Road Runner, but this is your chance to score one yourself. Are you tempted?
I was a teenager in the late 1970s when these cars were cheaper — even on an inflation adjusted basis. It was a great time to be a buyer but in the northeast these were often rusted, worn-out cars that the previously owners drive hard. I am amazed by how many cars like this one survived.
When I got back to the world in June of 1968 I bought one just like this off the showroom floor. I got so many tickets with it. Could toast the tire in 3 gears. Cost out the door was $3175.00. I still have most of the paperwork but the car sold in 1972.
My uncle in the Yoop bought his ’69 upon his return from similar circumstances. He still has his 383 and regularly drives it like he stole it. I wish that our cruises could continue forever…
Nice choice. 383 was a great mill. 👍🏁
Don’t despair, Adam. You would have just turned around and sold it (them) like we did, and regretted it later.
Adam…I was born in 1950. My Mom co-signed a loan for a ’69 Swinger 340 4spd. I loved that car but could hardly cover the payments making minimum wages A drunk-driver ended my fun with it in 1971. I got a big settlement in 1972 and, by 1974 was buying up used muscle-cars to enjoy but only made a couple of hundred dollars on them when I resold them a few months later. What I should have done was to buy a house and property. I did, however, enjoy my used ‘toys’ when I had them. A nurse friend of mine was only going to get $500.00 trade in on a ‘mint, 69 Charger 440 4spd with 50,000 miles. She was trading it in on a VW Rabbit. She sold it to me instead. Then, another friend got offered the same deal with his ’69 RR 383 auto. Again, same VW dealership and same offer on a Rabbit. I enjoyed that car and, again, made a few hundered on it. I did not have space to park these car AND, I could have bought up a bunch more! I didn’t care how high the gas went up, I was not going to drive a Rabbit! I was only a few short years before interest in the muscle-cars came back with a vengence.
Adam, Believe me, the trade of age so you could buy a few muscle cars is not worth it! I would gladly give the time and experience with muscle cars for the bounce of youth. The fantasy of owning muscle cars back then is just that. The most valuable asset you have is time, there is no amount of money to make up for its passing.
Don’t wish to be older!
The problem then is same as now. A 1968 GTO with 400/automatic tranny was about $4200 (roughly). But when you only make $1.50/hour, you are not going to run down to the nearest Pontiac dealer and buy a lot of GTO’s!! So even if you could have not many people had heated, humidity controlled places to keep out dirt, mice, and etc. Ok, now you make more money but GTO’s cost $60,000 + depending on year and shape. I owned a ’68 and ’69 GTO, both with 4 speed tranny’s. They sat outside in the weather. Had to sell them after I got married.
Could’ve should’ve …
We all have stories . It’s all part of life .
Adam buy a used challenger with the 392 scat pack ! we are about the same vintage me older & as I see it you will undoubtedly have more power , have better everything including gas mileage ! Let’s not bring up the 1971 LS5 454 4 speed the Rat that got away! Because there is no replacement for displacement!