Few muscle cars are as iconic—or as rare—as a factory HEMI-powered Plymouth Road Runner, and this one is a true survivor. Showing just 16,143 original miles, this 1968 Road Runner retains its original, numbers-matching 426 HEMI and 4-speed manual transmission. Only 108 HEMI/4-speed Road Runners were built in 1968, making this car an ultra-desirable Mopar collectible. Located here on eBay, this B5 Blue hardtop has been stored in climate-controlled conditions for decades and now runs again after a careful mechanical refresh.
The ownership history reads like a muscle car fairy tale. The original owner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, purchased it new in 1968, enjoying weekend drives and short trips between Cedar Rapids and Des Moines before selling it in 1972 with about 15,000 miles. The second owner bought it that same year, racing it lightly on weekends through 1977 before placing it in storage, where it remained untouched for 42 years. The current owner purchased it in 2020 and had it professionally serviced, focusing on preservation rather than restoration.
The legendary 426 HEMI was carefully revived with proper lubrication, a flushed fuel system, rebuilt carburetors, and fresh plugs, wires, and coil. The engine reportedly started without issue and runs strong. The driveline checked out solid, and the original exhaust system—still included—is in remarkable condition. This is one of the few surviving J-code Road Runners where nearly every major factory component is still intact, from the original intake manifold and valve covers to the air cleaner and even Mopar packaging.
Cosmetically, the car remains impressively solid, with no rust or body repairs. The original glass, panels, and trim are intact, and doors and windows open and close as expected for a low-mileage car. The factory B5 Blue paint was resprayed in the early 1970s, and there’s a small dent on the passenger door from storage mishaps, but the overall body condition reflects its 16,000-mile life. The black drag-racing hood with a Six-Pack scoop currently fitted is a period piece, but the original HEMI hood is included.
Originally built as a street brawler, the Road Runner was later modified for drag racing, with mini-tubs to fit slicks and headers dumping the exhaust. However, the seller includes most of the original components, making it possible to return it to stock form. The sale also includes replacement parts, original factory documents, Mopar part tags, and a WISE Vehicle Report documenting its authenticity.
For Mopar collectors, this is as good as it gets: a low-mileage, numbers-matching, heavily documented HEMI car that’s been preserved rather than restored. Would you leave it as a survivor, return it to stock, or keep some of its old-school drag racing flair?
Wow, talk about a boulevard bully. I believe only the 4sp. cars came std w the big Dana 60. Awesome unit. Guessing a 3.54 w sure-grip. Interesting note, i read the Hemi cars apparently had staggered leaf springs in the rear. 6 on the left, 7 on the right. Serious machines. 🏁
As opposed to the other “Road Runner” recently posted here, this one doesn’t need any performance enhancing decals.
Leave it as it sits, other than making sure only of the recent maintenance parts are replaced with vintage performance equipment. It’s rare, some people will want to restore it to stock, it’s more interesting with the “day two” modifications.
It’s not cheap, but doesn’t need to be, hopefully it finds a good home.
Steve R
Might only have 16K miles, but those are going to be very hard miles. I am not one to “invest”, so I would rather have the little Shelby turbo. Save a bunch of money, and I could at least drive that. They actually handled decently, this, not so much.
Pro or super stock leaf springs. Right side had 7 and the left had 6. No traction bars needed. Just the way it sat. Jump on the pedals and the front comes up and your gone!!😂 This intake manifold if i am correct is called Rat Rooster. I heard this name growing up and the Old timers call it. It increased the tork and power. People pay big bucks for this. I would leave it Day 2. Clean it up put mufflers on those headers and drive it around. It would be fun 😁. I know it’s big bucks they are selling for it but, I hope the next owner gets it. 🐻🇺🇸
You are close, it’s called Rat Roaster, there are several listed on eBay right now, with one sale over the last 90 days.
I agree, once it’s restored, it will lose much of its personality and become just another restored car, parked in a long line of other restored cars. As it sits now, it stands out in a crowd.
I think there are more buyers that appreciate these cars in this condition than there used to be. You can see it in the cost of actual vintage speed equipment. The hot rod guys have been into unrestored survivors hot rods for a while, it’s filtering upwards into muscle cars. It just depends on who likes it more, someone that wants to keep it the way it is or someone who wants to restore it to the way it left the factory.
Steve R
The only thing missing is that pistol grip shifter for the 4 speed
It’s more surprising it didn’t wind up with either a Hurst Ram Rod or Super Shifter instead.
Steve R
Not really missing. Pistol grip wasn’t an option until the 1970 model year.
I’m just wondering what happened to the paint where it needed a respray at 15000 miles? The paint on these cars was surprisingly good, with survivors that haven’t been in a “climate controlled garage” and with a lot more miles still wearing their original spray.
Other than that, $110,000.00 is a big ask. I doubt its going to be be purchased and thrashed like it was meant to be. It takes a lot of knowledge to make these run in the 12’s, but they certainly are impressive with the right set up and tune.
Personally I’d rather have a 340 Duster, which is ironically the same choice I made in the late ’70’s when they both were around the same used price.
Neat find.
It looks like it was given a “custom” paint job with darker blue faded in around the bottom of the car and on the original hood. This was probably done when it was drag raced. Also I don’t think the pistol grip shifter showed up on these until 1970 but I’m not a mopar guy.
Not really missing. Pistol grip wasn’t an option until the 1970 model year.
Rare Mopars like this always remind me if an old blow hard that used to post on this site. “Cool” Joe Machado would never miss a chance to brag about having each and every rare Mopar. Sometimes several at a time. Not that I miss him, but hope he’s well just the same.