1972 Plymouth Road Runner

Description

Fans and aficionados of vintage Plymouths: prepare to be impressed. This 1972 Plymouth Road Runner is a highly original, impeccably preserved example of one of Mopar's best. With a numbers-matching E68 400 V8 4-barrel engine, A727 Torqueflight transmission, and stock suspension, it's one of the few times you'll ever see an untouched drivetrain in a Road Runner – the legendary blue collar muscle car that's rarely seen in survivor condition. Unbelievably, that shiny Meadow Green paint and sporty Green interior are believed to be original too, and the mileage on the clock – 87,368 – is likely the actual odometer reading. And with its factory buildsheet, data plate still in place, and even an original 'Beep, Beep!" promotional license plate, it's about as close to a time capsule as you'll ever find in a Road Runner.

That color that's caught your eye is Code GJ3 Meadow Green – a slightly more grown-up version of Sublime Green that fits this Road Runner perfectly. It's reported to be the car's original, factory application, and although that might seem far-fetched for a 50-year-old vehicle that looks this bright and shiny, we haven't found evidence to the contrary. No obvious tape lines, signs of prep-work, or any indication of modern materials are anywhere to be seen, and we've featured plenty of survivor-grade, hermetically sealed classics in our experience to know an original paintjob when we see one. And with 87,368 believed miles, the claim becomes even more probable, as a car that was so rarely driven and cared for like a family member would indeed present this way. At the very least, it's an incredibly old respray (although again, in our opinion the claims of original paint are likely true) that's held up incredibly well through the years, and this Mopar still looks amazing today. It hasn't been practically immune to Father Time and picked up only minor signs of wear and defects from the road, but still shows like a dialed-in, driver-grade muscle car with a deep shine, nice luster, and overall uniformity that only stock paint jobs can boast. Contrasting black stripes on the hood and front fenders add a sporty touch, as do the hood pins/lanyards, front fog lights, and dual exhaust tips out back, while the vinyl top matches the decal package and breaks up that green paint just enough. In fact, that vinyl top is further evidence of this Plymouth's originality – with a gator-skin texture and proper heat-sealing techniques that hold it in place – and there's even the 'correct' amount factory overspray at the bottom of the A-pillar where the vinyl meets the sheetmetal. We love the fuselage styling of the '72 model that gave the Road Runner a big leg-up on the competition, and the swoopy styling of this super-clean example definitely looks the part of a Mopar muscle car. The wrap-around chrome bumpers that circle the front end and taillights were a defining feature, as is the blacked-out mesh front grille, and those OEM Road Runner badges/decals are in remarkable shape, too.

Survivor-grade originality continues inside, where the pleated vinyl seating on the Road Runners of yesteryear is a defining styling cue that's still works great today. Other than a Bluetooth stereo adapter added to the bottom of the dash, this baby is a time capsule inside, with few signs of use and wear – once again attesting to this car's originality and low-mileage. High-backed bucket seats straddle a woodgrain-adorned center console, the matching rear bench looks virtually untouched, while the flanking door panels, plush carpets, taut headliner, and unblemished dash are all in excellent condition showing off that pure 1970s shade of green. A Tuff Wheel frames the original gauges ahead of it that are inside a woodgrain bezel, the original Chrysler Solid State stereo is still in place, and the Slap Stik shifter inside the console has always been a fan favorite. Even the trunk is 100% stock, featuring an original mat and spare tire/jack set.

The engine bay features original details that you simply don't see these days, even in the most heralded of vintage cars. Sure, there are a couple upgrades and signs of maintenance, but the patina and light wear is commensurate to the car's mileage claims. The numbers-matching 400/255HP V8 is nestled neatly in between the Meadow Green inner fenders, there's original Blue engine enamel still on the block and valve covers, while the HEMI Orange dual-snorkeled air cleaner houses original 400-Four Barrel decals that show very little wear. With so few miles, the big block runs great, with plenty of horsepower on tap and a healthy torque curve that helps it get-up-and-go in a flash. An original 4-barrel carb sits on top, aided by the cold, dense air it's fed through the big air cleaner, while an aluminum radiator, modern battery, and fresh plug wires are the only notable deviations from stock under the hood. The powerplant sounds great thanks to an upgraded H-pipe dual exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers and pairs with an original 3-speed automatic A727 Torqueflite transmission that shifts with slip-free precision. Factory power steering, power front disc brakes, and an original suspension mean this Road Runner is a blast to drive, and the undercarriage is incredibly solid and clean, showing only very minor surface scale that's expected after all these years. The rolling stock is the car's most obvious upgrade, although the look of those flashy chrome rims wrapped in staggered 255/50/17 front and 295/45/18 Nittos is simply dynamite.

Documented with its factory buildsheet and featuring an unparalleled level of originality, this Road Runner is an incredible find. If you're looking for an upper-echelon, original Mopar, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better. Call today!