The Road Runner was one of the hottest muscle cars of the late 1960s. It was distinguished by its cartoon name and graphics and the use of a 383 cubic inch V8 as standard fare. More than 172,000 of them were assembled in its first generation (1968-70), putting the car nicely in the Top 5 in terms of industry sales. This 1970 edition has been in storage since 1980 and is missing its engine. But everything else is original, including its Vitamin C orange paint. Located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, this vintage performance roller is available here on eBay. While the current bid is $9,600, interested parties will have to go higher to crack the seller’s reserve.
After a banner year in 1969, sales returned to the 1968 level (45,000 +/-). The sheet metal was updated a little in anticipation of a whole new look coming in 1971. About 8,000 copies of the 2-door hardtop with the standard 383 V8 and a 4-speed manual were assembled. The seller says the build sheet and fender tag identify a well-equipped Road Runner from back in the day. We don’t know how long the seller has owned this Mopar, but it’s been out of commission for 44 years and in a garage ever since. Perhaps time and money are why the seller won’t get around to restoring it.
Everything is original, including the body panels, paint, and interior. There is some rust in places like the quarter panels and floorboards, but the only thing that will likely have to go beyond a patch is the trunk floor. The seller removed the carpeting, and the floorboards are okay, but there are a couple of small holes. Over the years, the engine, exhaust, and sound system (aka radio and antenna) have taken flight. Besides that, everything else is supposed to be there.
The 4-speed is said to be present, too, though it may not be in the car but somewhere nearby. If you were looking for one of these to restore, this might be a good one because of the unusual color (I don’t recognize the pattern on the body stripes). Of the first-gen Road Runners, these are the hardest to find, regardless of condition due to lower production numbers.
Mr. Dixon, as with the other High Impact colors, the name of this color depended on which make of vehicle to which it was applied. Go Mango would have been correct on a Dodge, but on a Road Runner or any other Plymouth, it was Vitamin C Orange.
The only correct decals for 1970 Road Runners were the gold “dust trail” stripes from the bird on the fender into the “scoop” on the quarter panels, or if the dust trail stripe was deleted, just the carryover bird on the fender, as on this one. That black mess on both sides of this one between the front wheel openings and the scoops is not original.
By golly, you’re right. Corrected. Thanks!
Mr. Dixon:
What is the difference between a hardtop and a coupe?
Hardtop means that there is no B-pillar when you open both side windows. In general: when there is a B-pillar between the side windows, it’s called a coupe (2 drs.) or a sedan (4 drs.)
B-Pillar for the coupe (with push out rear side windows) and the hardtop has no B-pillar (with roll down rear side windows).
Road Runner Coupes have no frame around the door window. The 68-70 Road Runner coupes share the same roof line as the 2 door hardtops. They also share the same windshield and rear glass.
Well said, but don’t forget the black stripe available across the back edge of trunk lid/ quarters.
Yeah, the 70 b-body pistol grip makes for a long row, but when paired with a console, it’s the coolest lever ever…anywhere.
Bull!! Find a period correct power plant, give it a detail, and enjoy the real world feel a 70′ Road Runner, I just don’t get “car guys ” wanting to spend $100,000 on a car they are scared to drive, I promise you will get just as much attention put fuel in this car like it is as you will a full restore sitting on your trailer, driving it like it is will bring you back to 1970 if you want a fuel injection monster hemi buy a hell cat and leave the old cars to the real enthusiasts
Seriously?? Over 9k and not at the reserve??? I’m not trying to offend anyone, but sellers and bidders are just nuts these days. It’s a complete basket case.
U must want the road runner that’s why your taking 🐂
Think of it as a 15k do it yourself kit. LOL seriously considering what people think their crap is worth is mind blowing.
A 10 grand rolling parts car. Graveyard carz in Oregon would gladly take your hundred grand or more n make you wait 5 years or more for your car to be done but you will have a flawless car built basically any way you want it. He’s no longer a purist n no 383 4spd is worth 6 figures. I’d want a 392 hemi 4spd with an overdrive n 3.55 rear gears an upgraded front suspension n steering with ac but that’s just me. See my point is, this is called a starter to have it your way with some creativity and display some passion and creativity in the hobby. Someone will pay 10 grand or more for this and put in long nights weeks months years to have a beautiful 70 bird. The body parts are all available to buy n restore it. A craftsman has experience and know how. A painter can lay down a perfect paint job. The smile on the driver’s face as he rows his own gears out on an open highway hearing that exhaust note is priceless and isn’t that what we all want ? ?
An injected 392 exhaust note can put a smile on a driver’s face? Sorry, not mine. To me it’s kind of like all the new cars. You can’t tell them apart from each other and exhaust sounds are all the same. JMO
Just don’t row through the gears with the ashtray open – many a busted knuckle going into first or third with that long throw, pistol-grip shifter.
Hey is this the Roland who was at Gateway in NJ several years back? I know he’s a MoPar guy.
Cool car. Cool color. I’m currently restoring a’71 Roadrunner with similar rust conditions. All the cutting and welding will not be cheap, not to mention the cost of the new sheet metal panels. It will take a sizable bankroll to get it done. Good luck to the buyer.
10 grand for a motorless rust bucket needing restored, no wonder a hopped up Honda Civic is more popular.
Even a standard Civic is more popular, not to mention a much better car. A much better driving experience, esp on a twisty road. If laying rubber and annoying parents of sleeping children is your thing, this is the car for you. If maturity is what you are about, try another path.
Maturity is a matter of choice, not vehicle. The mature thing to do would be to restore this car to a very good driver quality rebirth and drive it like a decent human being. Just because you have a big block mopar with a 4spd doesn’t mean you have to dump the clutch at 4,000 rpm at every stop light or stop sign… and these cars are just as happy cruising away from a stop sign as they are screaming down the street. So, stereotypical comments like that are one of the nails in the coffin of the restoration hobby. Be respectful of it and understand that it doesn’t have to be a putzy little commuter car to represent maturity.
More popular to who? The Honda Civic CVCC and most Asian vehicles of that era were the worst rusting vehicles ever driving on American roads. This is an actual classic with heritage of a great company behind it. No Honda or other will match that. There is a reason you will never see a Honda or similar as a Police cruiser in the U.S. as they would not take the abuse that a Big 3 vehicle could take (i.e. Crown Vic, Caprice, Charger etc.)
@Dart340, I have no Hondas in police forces, but many Toyota Camrys. Choice of patrol cars often has more to do with a connection with a local dealership than stoutness.
I’d wager a dividend check that the average 70 rr owner is much more mature than the average civic owner.
Gentlemen, let me introduce you to “Herbert” AKA King Creole among countless former aliases. The comments will be same familiar drivel.
Guys like Herbert don’t get it. These were affordable muscle cars that could be made very fast very easily and cheaply back in the day. It doesn’t matter what’s faster nowadays or better on twisty roads. You’re talking about a 50 year old car it’d be like comparing a 70 Roadrunner to a 1920 car. The 70 would crush anything from 1920 i
every aspect that argument is lame almost as lame as a Honda Civic
Thanks. Now I can sleep at night knowing you have the thought police on speed dial.
When the reality is the money for this delayed gratification death trap gets a lot of car that is 30 years younger
I have a one horsepower single seater if you want a barnfind. The saddle is extra.
Be nice, there are millions of used cars someone bought new and even loved.
Yep, I was thinking the same thing .
Wow, people and their money….This vehicle needs paint, engine, floors, interior and god knows what else. You could find a nicely restored example for less than you’d spend on this example.
A manual transmission Road runner with factory A C. is a true rare find.
Right V F and seller will get 20 large for it.
Up to $15,800 now, with a week to go!
What’s good here, nothing! It’s been parted out already