Sitting in this garage is a classic muscle car with a story to tell. It is an iconic 1970 Plymouth Road Runner that has led a life of isolation, hibernating for over twenty years during the 1980s and 1990s. The seller revived this beauty, making many changes to extract more performance from a vehicle that was never short of power. It is a rock-solid vehicle with a spotless interior, and its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Plymouth here on eBay in Sandown, New Hampshire. Bidding sits below the reserve at $35,000.
This Road Runner graphically demonstrates the difference between a car that has been restored and one that can be considered refurbished. Decoding the Fender Tag confirms the first owner ordered the Plymouth in Lemon Twist, one of the “high impact” shades available in 1970. It is unclear when the seller became the car’s custodian, but the revival process included a color change to dazzling Vitamin C. One victim of the transition was deleting the original Black vinyl top. The supplied images aren’t the greatest, but they show no signs of significant defects in the panels or paint. The seller states there is no known rust, although I always advise an in-person inspection for peace of mind. The chrome and glass are spotless, with the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels an ideal choice for any car from this era. The hood badges tell part of the story of the changes made below the surface but are also slightly misleading.
The VIN confirms that this Road Runner rolled off the line powered by a 383ci V8 producing 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. This was the entry-level powerplant, although, with the ability to deliver a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET, it was no slouch. That motor is now a distant memory, with its rightful space occupied by a 440ci of 1971 vintage. It doesn’t wear the Six-Pack induction system as the hood badges indicate. However, it inhales deeply through a Holley Demon 750 carburetor. Spent gases exit via headers and a dual exhaust, with the listing suggesting there are other internal engine upgrades. The power output is pure speculation, but a figure of around 400hp should be realistic. Those ponies feed to a Dana rear end via an 18-spline Hemi four-speed manual transmission, while significant upgrades to the suspension and brakes should ensure the car handles and stops effectively. Those preferring authenticity will be pleased to learn that every original component that has been removed is included, so returning the Road Runner to its factory form should be possible. One shortcoming in the seller’s listing is the lack of concrete information on how the Plymouth runs and drives. The visual indications are positive, but it is a question worth asking before committing the funds to this purchase.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Plymouth. The sports wheel is a later addition, and the pistol grip shifter features a handle in matching timber. The two-tone vinyl upholstered surfaces are immaculate, there is no carpet wear, and the dash and pad appear perfect. The original AM radio is intact, as is the Rally gauge cluster and Tick-Tock-Tach. The seller states everything inside this gem, including the tach and clock, works as it should.
There is no arguing that this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner is a stunning car. It would draw crowds like moths to a flame wherever it goes. However, it isn’t original, which will disappoint some enthusiasts. That fact hasn’t prevented it from receiving eighteen bids, although I believe the figure would have been higher if the seller had pursued a faithful restoration. If you dream of experiencing life behind the wheel of a muscle car and aren’t phased by a lack of authenticity, maybe this Plymouth is the car for you.
But that wing
We know what you’re going to say without you saying it – the wing is too much of an excess , it wont handle like a 225 powered Belvedere, The big block is too much for it , only stupid people would buy a big block car when a 318 will more than suffice …..sound familiar ?
Bone, good call. I said the same thing. “You kids and your fast cars are no damn good!” 😂
Pure drivel.
It was an option just like the Mustang – funny they never comment about Mustangs or those dang slats in the back window…..
But that wing . It’s got to go!
Those wings were actual optional equipment when new, albeit not a popular high volume choice then, but was OEM available.
They ideed were optional, and although not a fan, if they were wider it would look better. It’s narrow width makes it look like it was an aftermarket one-size-fits-all piece.
It only has to go if you buy the car!
Exactly, lol…all of these armchair quarterbacks.
Being a Saturday morning cartoon kid I love the whimsy of the Roadrunner side stripe.
Original 383/3-speed manual car…not gonna fetch much coin. This is a great entry-level Mopar for a kid. They should take the $35K and roll. It’s not worth any more. More power to the seller though, some unsuspecting person will probably overpay.
You’re right.
What are you suggesting? Do you think the seller should end the auction right now, with more than 5 days left because you think it’s only worth $35k or the seller should lift the reserve and take the highest bid when the auction end? How can you suggest the seller is being deceptive, the trim tag and VIN are clearly shown in the ad. Unless the seller lied about the cars condition the buyer wouldn’t be unsuspecting.
As for a restored Roadrunner being a great entry level Mopar for a kid, that ship sailed decades ago. However, there are over 50 years of other Mopars, since this car was built, many of which are very affordable, though not nearly as desirable. When I was just out of high school in the early-80’s me and my friends quickly figured that out, even though muscle cars were plentiful and cheap, we had to settle based on our budget. That principle still applies today, I’m not sure why that’s not as obvious today as it was then.
Steve R
I guess I’m in the minority here but I think the car is worth more than 35k…… I haven’t found a decent roadrunner for less than that that didn’t require paint and interior restoration. The owner did things to it – like the hood decal – that don’t add value but probably because he just liked the way it looked. I’m going to estimate that this car will bring 40k minimum, probably more.
It didn’t take long for King Creole (just the latest handle of this hide-in-the-shadows dirtbag) to take a cheap shot at Steve R.
Trolls like you need to find something better to do with your time – maybe have your caretakers turn on some cartoons and turn off the computer.
I dont think many kids have 35 grand to spare , but someone with enough money to spare and just wants a hot rod without having to actually do any work on one will likely want want it
Please go harp on another car brand – ALL classic cars are expensive , everyone knows it , classic cars in demand will always fetch more coin – Why dont you complain about old Cadillacs or Lincolns with their big v8s that dont get good gas mileage or handle well in a turn ? Or do you just feel the need to point out what you dont like on any A or B body Mopar performance vehicle ?
I’ve had some hot 440 cars (68,69,70 Chargers) and I’ll tell you one thing, do not under estimate 383 cars. I know quite a few 383 4speed cars that blew away 396 and 427 Chevies and several that outran OSP Troopers.
Seller is not hiding anything – yes the tag is showing and easy to decode – it didn’t come with the Dana either – it will bring what it bring.
Why does it have to be a kid buying this car! Wake up classic cars are what collectors want today. It’s very sad that you can’t see that. Plymouth ruled the streets in the 70s. You must be a pony mustang person with your lill 4 cylinder motor to save gas an the environment
I wouldn’t mind taking this to a car show, if only to blow the horn LOL
( If I had the money ) Beep Beep !
440-six barrel on hood
4 barrel on car????
440 4pack!
The wing is a factory option. What really needs to go is the steering wheel and shifter handle 🙄
Lovely car. Dump the wing and lose that after market steering wheel.
It’s a little high but still it’s a very sharp car
I don’t like the wing either and I’m not sure about why the hood badge has two more barrels of carburetor than what’s on the car. I do like the rest though and I could learn to suffer with these anomalies…nah the wing has to go. But seriously this looks like a nice car and it’s probably a lot of fun to drive. Since I don’t have thirty five large to spend on a play toy and my wife probably has other ideas about how to spend this kind of coin all I can do is enjoy looking at another nice find from BF. GLWTS.
If you want a wing , find a Super bird!!!!
Is that a factory installed wing then leave it if it’s an added on wing then remember removing it included bodywork and painting the trunk lid it’s mounted on. That’s a job to do that. I would change the steering wheel but more importantly I want to know about that 440 engine. What did it come from in 71 and who built it ? Why advertise a 440 6 bbl on the hood when it’s not ? Does he have a manifold and carbs to build it out bc a 6 bbl is great running wide open. Lastly is it a northeast car bc I’ve had mopars in NY and all of them had rust n rot issues so where was this car from ? Does the original 383 engine come with the sale ? For what we are looking at there’s a lot of questions for a 35 grand asking price. Be careful !!
It would be a better vehicle, imo, back to Lemon Twist and a 383. The top could go either way but i personally like them slick backed.
Interesting perspective Frank. I agree with going back to yellow but leave the 440 and actually add the 6 barrel. It already has the Dana which is correct for a 440/6 4 speed B body.
Last I heard Edelbrock still sells the intake manifold that Chrysler used on the original ’69 440+6 (they transitioned to an in-house cast iron intake in ’70 as they ran out of the Edelbrocks), and Holley still sells the set of two-barrel carbs that should sit on top of it. Just as with anything else in the collector car world, this engine can match the decals on the hood, should someone so desire — all it takes is money.
I’ve had some hot 440 cars (68,69,70 Chargers) and I’ll tell you one thing, do not under estimate 383 cars. I know quite a few 383 4speed cars that blew away 396 and 427 Chevies and several that outran OSP Troopers.
Agree….my stock 383 C-body wagon could run with my girls 5.0 out on 635 as good as my Imperial….which could pull 1/2 a fender and hold it tell she – my girl gave out.
That was for king Creole
Manual steering and brakes with a 440 – no thanks, wing or no. The janitor in my grade school had one of these, orange with a black top, 440 4-speed. Needless to say, he and I became friends.
I personally like the car, However it still remains a BELVEDERE not a ROADRUNNER. net worth 28,000.00.