Photo: Dale H/barnfinds.com
When it redesigned the Belvedere midsize for the 1965 model year, Plymouth decided it needed a more exclusive muscle car with premium features. The Satellite was born. Two years later, the company took things up a notch with the GTX. Sporting an even fancier interior and restricted to high-compression big-block V8 power, the GTX became known as "the gentleman's muscle car."
One year later, however, Plymouth realized it also needed an entry-level muscle car and unleashed the Road Runner. Much like the GTX, the Road Runner was only available in two-door body styles. But while the GTX came standard with the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB, the Road Runner got the smaller 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big block in entry-level trim.
The Road Runner became a big hit, moving 44,303 units in the shortened 1968 model year and 81,105 examples in 1969. The nameplate remained in production through 1975 as a separate model and as a package on the Volare until 1980.
Even though it's not among the rarest Mopars from the golden era, the Road Runner is now a hugely popular classic. And it's still somewhat affordable if it doesn't have a 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI or 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel under the hood.
If you've been looking for a solid project that doesn't break the bank, this 1969 Road Runner is up for grabs. However, it comes with a few issues and modifications that some diehard enthusiasts may not agree with.
Available in Pahrump, Nevada, this Mopar spent the last nine years in storage—long enough to turn it into a non-running classic. According to the seller, the fuel tank leaks, the fuel pump isn't working, and the transmission slips in reverse. The latter, by the way, is a very common Torqueflite three-speed automatic.
The gearbox mates to a 440-cubic-inch V8 that's not original to the car. This Road Runner left the assembly line with the entry-level 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8, which delivered 335 horsepower when new. The four-barrel 440, which was optional at the time, provided 375 horsepower. There's no info on whether the replacement mill is period-correct. It's worth pointing out that the four-barrel 440 V8 wasn't available in 1969.
The engine is not the only major feature that has been changed by a previous owner. As you might have already guessed, the pink color is not factory-correct. While Plymouth did offer a similar hue called Moulin Rouge (Panther Pink on Dodge models), it was only available for a few months during the 1970 model year. This Road Runner was born in Seafoam Turquoise.
The paint appears to be in good condition overall, but it shows dings and scratches here and there. The chrome trim package is complete at first glance. The interior is an interesting mix of colors. The dash and upholstery are black, while the door panels combine pink and white. In addition to the missing radio unit and some wear and tear on the seats, the interior is in decent condition.
How rare is this Mopar? Well, the hardtop body style, the 383 V8, and the automatic gearbox make it one of 24,351 units produced like this. Yup, it's common, to say the least. Is it worth restoring? Returning it to factory specifications will cost a pretty penny since it needs a lot of things (including an engine), but it would make for a nice cruiser with a mild refresh. The 440 is a plus, and I don't mind the color. But I'm aware pink is not a desirable hue on muscle cars. Bidding is at only $3,000 as of this writing, so this Road Runner is a bargain so far.
The Road Runner became a big hit, moving 44,303 units in the shortened 1968 model year and 81,105 examples in 1969. The nameplate remained in production through 1975 as a separate model and as a package on the Volare until 1980.
Even though it's not among the rarest Mopars from the golden era, the Road Runner is now a hugely popular classic. And it's still somewhat affordable if it doesn't have a 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI or 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel under the hood.
If you've been looking for a solid project that doesn't break the bank, this 1969 Road Runner is up for grabs. However, it comes with a few issues and modifications that some diehard enthusiasts may not agree with.
Available in Pahrump, Nevada, this Mopar spent the last nine years in storage—long enough to turn it into a non-running classic. According to the seller, the fuel tank leaks, the fuel pump isn't working, and the transmission slips in reverse. The latter, by the way, is a very common Torqueflite three-speed automatic.
The gearbox mates to a 440-cubic-inch V8 that's not original to the car. This Road Runner left the assembly line with the entry-level 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8, which delivered 335 horsepower when new. The four-barrel 440, which was optional at the time, provided 375 horsepower. There's no info on whether the replacement mill is period-correct. It's worth pointing out that the four-barrel 440 V8 wasn't available in 1969.
The engine is not the only major feature that has been changed by a previous owner. As you might have already guessed, the pink color is not factory-correct. While Plymouth did offer a similar hue called Moulin Rouge (Panther Pink on Dodge models), it was only available for a few months during the 1970 model year. This Road Runner was born in Seafoam Turquoise.
The paint appears to be in good condition overall, but it shows dings and scratches here and there. The chrome trim package is complete at first glance. The interior is an interesting mix of colors. The dash and upholstery are black, while the door panels combine pink and white. In addition to the missing radio unit and some wear and tear on the seats, the interior is in decent condition.
How rare is this Mopar? Well, the hardtop body style, the 383 V8, and the automatic gearbox make it one of 24,351 units produced like this. Yup, it's common, to say the least. Is it worth restoring? Returning it to factory specifications will cost a pretty penny since it needs a lot of things (including an engine), but it would make for a nice cruiser with a mild refresh. The 440 is a plus, and I don't mind the color. But I'm aware pink is not a desirable hue on muscle cars. Bidding is at only $3,000 as of this writing, so this Road Runner is a bargain so far.
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