I’ve often considered Chrysler the king of the muscle car era because it offered something across its various marques to cater to every budget. The Plymouth Road Runner was ideal for the less affluent, and this 1969 model looks promising. It is a stalled project, but many parts required to guarantee it is rust-free are included. The seller has run out of time and motivation to see the build to its conclusion, listing it here on eBay in Norwich, New York. Bidding has raced to $3,950, and with the reserve surpassed, a new home is days away for this classic.
The seller admits they dismantled the Road Runner to this point, media-blasting and priming the car before running out of steam. The exterior is generally solid, with only a few minor spots needing attention. There are imperfections in the doors and fenders, but they don’t justify panel replacement. Much of the steel required to complete the job is included, although the floors need repairs or replacement. The lower extremities are clean, and the rear rails are solid. They carry a coating of surface corrosion, and it would be worth dismantling the car entirely and placing it on a rotisserie to blast the underside back to bare metal. It sounds like overkill, but the car’s current state would make that pretty easy. That approach would make it easier to perform the floor repairs and maximizes the chances of a high-end result. Most of the exterior trim is boxed and ready to go, but whether the glass is present is unclear. With the body returned to a rust-free state and a fresh coat of the Plymouth’s original Sunfire Yellow paint cloaking its panels, this classic could look stunning once again.
The muscle car era guaranteed that drivers would have something impressive poised, and ready for action once provoked. The 383ci V8 that represented the entry-level powerplant in the Road Runner held that title in name only. It produced 335hp and 525 ft/lbs of torque and could scorch the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds when teamed with the three-speed TorqueFlite we find in this car. The ultra-rare Hemi version was unquestionably faster, but the extra ponies came at a price that made many eyes water. This Road Runner features a 383/TorqueFlite combo, with the 3.23 Sure Grip rear end helping to apply the power to the pavement. The car isn’t numbers-matching, and the health of the V8 is unknown, meaning the new owner may be delving into the unknown with that aspect of this build.
The original owner ordered this Road Runner with its interior trimmed in Black vinyl. The seller had the front seat retrimmed in Black with cloth inserts but has proceeded no further. The back seat requires the same treatment, and the shopping list will be long before this interior sparkles again. It will include almost every piece of upholstery, a headliner, carpet, and other small components. The dash is dismantled, but most parts, including the tested and functioning factory radio, are included.
Returning this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner to its former glory will take time and patience, but it appears viable. The loss of the original engine will slightly impact its potential value once complete, but it isn’t the end of the world. A high-end refurbishment could yield a value of $45,000 in the current market. However, with values climbing staggeringly, a higher figure could be a reality when work is complete. Is that enough to tempt you?
My stepdad has had his since 1983,only paid $1200,383 auto red with the black stripes,drag raced it in the late 80s and early 90s.It ran consistently in the 11.80s.worth every bit of 45k.I don’t think he ever realized it would be worth that kind of money after 40yrs.His 70′ Road Runner he only paid $600 for it in 1986 and it’s just as nice.what an investment!!
What was done to the engine to run 11.80’s?
Sprinkled it with fairy dust.
It was a stroker motor using a 440 crank.Then the compression was raised to 12:5.1 with dome pistons,a isky camshaft with a gross lift of over .600″(solid lifter).980cfm holley on a high rise single plane intake with a 3800rpm stall converter and 4.56 gears.with a stock curb weight, used mickey thompson slicks with bead-locks.when it would really hook up the front tires would come up about a foot.used 115 purple sunoco race gas.would always piss off the neighborhood firing it up at 5am to load it on the trailer,open headers on a Saturday morning going to Riverside or Palmdale(L.A.C.R.)
Very cool C Force! Must have been one heck of a ride! Thanks for the background info.
Has a door from a 68 on the driver’s side?