While some enthusiasts prefer their desirable classics original and unmolested, others will compromise, especially if the changes are minor and reversible. Such is the case with this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. It presents extremely well and is a potent turnkey muscle car that someone could enjoy immediately. The seller has listed this gem here on eBay in Lomita, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,100 as the auction heads into its final days.
As is often the case throughout automotive history, the muscle car sector evolved significantly during the 1960s. Buyers still craved performance but were willing to pay extra for luxury appointments. That left a potential gap in the market for buyers on a limited budget. Plymouth recognized this, introducing the Road Runner in 1968 as a more affordable alternative to cars like the GTX. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1969, ordered by its first owner in Ivy Green Metallic. The list suggests that it has received at least a cosmetic restoration, but it is unclear when this happened. However, the lack of visible panel or paint imperfections seems to indicate that this Plymouth hasn’t seen much action since work ended. The news is equally good below the surface, with the underside free from existing or developing rust. I can’t spot any issues with the trim or glass, and the wheels appear perfect.
Plymouth offered ’69 Road Runner buyers a choice of three engines to power their new purchase, with the entry-level 383ci V8 the most popular pick by a wide margin. The 383 churns out 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque, and this is 1-of-21,278 Hardtops where the 383 was teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Acceleration is all that you might expect from a genuine muscle car, with the ¼-mile journey taking a mere 14.5 seconds. That’s not too shabby for an entry-level engine! The seller’s listing suggests that this Road Runner is numbers-matching, although they admit that it features an upgraded Edelbrock carburetor and an electronic distributor for improved reliability. If those are the only changes, reversible would be easy if the winning bidder craves originality. This Plymouth is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy immediately.
This Road Runner’s performance leanings are reflected by its interior which features a factory tachometer and a Hurst shifter. Someone has added a newer CD player, but that is the only visible modification. The Black vinyl trim is in generally good order, although I think there might be a split on the driver’s side backrest. I can’t say for sure, but there seems to be an issue visible in a couple of interior shots from different angles. Otherwise, it looks clean and has no other obvious problems.
There can be few better ways for an enthusiast to celebrate the New Year than to park a desirable classic in their garage. Many people seem to agree with that sentiment because this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner has already attracted twenty-three bids. However, that is the tip of the iceberg, because the listing has accumulated well north of 600 views in the past day alone. Will you add to the bid tally to celebrate 2025? I won’t blame you if you do.
‘69 Road Runner. Frankie had one and one day someone tried to steal it from the parking lot where we worked. I saw the guy, yelled to my co-workers and half a dozen of beat the s— out of him. Word must have gotten out because he never had a problem like that again. His was an AT with the 383 and a fake alligator top and a brown paint job. Fine machine!
That sound deadening insulation under the hood would have been gone in the first 5 minutes. I’ve also heard those in dash Tach’s were awful, and the stock shifter too.
OK, I see the Roadrunners came with stock Hurst shifters, so the Tach comment is probably wrong too.
Frank, I agree about the hood insulation & those minuscule tachs were a joke too……the Hurst shifters were a huge improvement over Chrysler’s Inland type though……
Most factory installed Hurst shifters were not that great, as they usually used the OEM’s shifter rods and attachments to reduce noise and vibrations back to the driver. They also were missing the stop bolts which could added by disassembling the shifter, drilling and tapping for the bolts. Hurst used to sell kits to replace the shifter rods and and attaching hardware to upgrade your factory shifter to the full Competition Plus specs. Factory tachs in general were not known for accuracy, or readability. Dig up a factory radio and have it converted to the Aurora Design, OEM appearance, but all modern electronics. Finally, delete that tacky “Hurst Equipped” emblem, they never OEM on any vehicle. I like the car, always had a soft spot for Road runners, even though I’m not a Mopar guy.
So I’ve been fortunate to have owned & shifted many Hurst shifters(factory & aftermarket) from all the manufacturers. That being said, I had zero problems with the factory shifters linkage on the Hurst units. I had all sorts of adjustment problems with the aftermarket competition plus stop bolts. Most of us simply removed them for better results. After 25,000 miles my Pistol grip shifter required a rebuild, but continued use with the stock rods. This rebuild was done free of charge by Hurst in Warminster,Pa.
Not a bad Roadrunner, someone needs to learn how to use a vacuum & the bench seat is definitely ripped….so someone show me an HONEST drag test from a 69’ 383 engine Roadrunner turning a 14.2 e.t……ain’t gonna happen….they were generally 15 second cars STOCK…..maybe with the 3:91 rear & air grabber hood & a good driver (like Ronnie Sox, R.I. P., he was the best) you would get into the 14’s…..
The seat does show wear, and seams are slowly pulling away from the thread, but do not appear to be ripped. The drivers seat back in question does not appear to be split, there is an escutcheon or metal trim element that gives the appearance from that angle as damage. There are two escutcheons for each seat back position, better seen viewing the rear seat. And you are dead on as far as a stock Roadrunner performance, they were 15 second cars.
The seat is not ripped at all.
I know there are those who crave originality in their classic cars, but reversing the carburetion and the electronic distributor that make this car more reliable and better running and the CD player for a miserable AM radio. Why? I do like this auto though. I guess it all depends on whether you want to drive it or just show it or treat it as an appreciating investment. To each his own I guess.
My first car,some color. Fun to drive
Motor Trend car of the year in 1969!You could get 335hp for under $3000!My stepfather bought his in 1983 for only $1200.Built a 426 low deck out of the 383.Ran 11.80s in the quarter mile back in the late 80s,early 90s.They do make great drag cars….
bottom side looks a bit rough and in need of a makeover especially the exhaust. 25k now i would not be surprised if reserve was at least 50k.
This car is listed for $53,975 on the dealer’s website.
Sorry to see the newer (1974) style breather under the hood. Sad, sad.
Worked 1968 and 1969 in the Chrysler garage, and owning a 69 Roadrunner with the 335HP motor, I would pull the distributor and change the points every 10,000 miles, so if I owned one today, it would definitely have a Pertronix electronic ignition in it. It’s a no brainer upgrade on any points distributor in a classic car.
I read this as having a reserve of $25K. My mistake, it’s probably close to $45-50K. Too bad, it’s exactly what I want in a Road Runner. 383 4speed, bench seat and dark green.