1969 Plymouth Road Runner

Description

High performance with a low sticker price has always been the Road Runner's calling card. Today, they're highly-sought collectables due to the fact that the formula still works. This particular Road Runner offers a 383 cubic inch big block, an ultra-clean interior, and several performance upgrades that make it a car that will make you smile every time you turn the key. And it still won't break the bank.

This 'Bird was restored a few years ago and the bodywork remains straight and clean, with sharply rendered creases on the quarters and decent panel alignment. The bright Rallye Red paint is decent, and if you're going to drive it, it's ideal; you won't worry about scratches or the weather. These were never intended to be show pieces, and you Mopar fans who were around when they were new already know that they were never perfect, even off the showroom floor. Instead, it has a purposeful look that is ready to rumble, and still presents well running down the road. The chrome and trim remains very nice, and all the proper Road Runner decals are in place. I think more than anything, I appreciate the honesty of this car, because it's just not pretending to be anything other than what it is, and you have to respect the performance for the dollar that it represents. And black racing stripes never hurt, either.

Inside, this Road Runner's interior is either a nicely preserved original or an older restoration. The seats have some signs of use, but the wear is comforting, not distracting, and there are no splits or tears in the materials. Bucket seats were new to the options list in 1969, but things like a center console were still optional, so this car does without (remember, it was all about bang for the buck). Factory gauges monitor most of the engine's vitals and of course, no self-respecting street brawler would cruise without a set of more accurate auxiliary gauges under the dash. The original AM radio with its unique thumb wheels remains in the center of the dash, although it's not working so an upgrade might be a smart choice. The trunk is truly massive, even with a full-sized spare tire stashed in there, and this one also features a correct mat and the textured undercoating inside strongly suggest that the quarter panels are original.

But the real reason you want to own a Road Runner is that a big block was STANDARD EQUIPMENT. The matching-numbers 383 under the hood delivers smile-inducing acceleration and that wave of big block torque that made these cars so popular with young buyers in the '60s. Painted in Hemi Orange with a familiar black air cleaner and those cool exhaust manifolds, it looks suitably racy and runs superbly. It was rebuilt at some point in the not-too-distant past, and the 383s are legendary for their reliability, so get in and have some fun without worries. The exhaust system offers great-sounding Flowmaster mufflers and the TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission is always a ready, willing, and able partner for fun on the street. Out back, 3.55 gears are a good choice between acceleration and cruising comfort and yes, those are electric exhaust cut outs for those times when you need to make a little noise. Handsome Magnum 500 wheels wear 205/70/14 performance radials that fill the fenders properly and still offer a period-correct look.

Big performance, small price. It worked in 1969, and this matching-numbers Roadrunner still delivers today. Call now!