The Road Runner: A Muscle Car Bargain
The Road Runner, a Plymouth muscle car, offered simplicity and power. With only one body style, two engines, and two transmissions, it was a no-frills option for those seeking performance. The standard model came with a four-speed transmission and a dedicated V8 engine, the 383 Road Runner Super Commando. This big-block engine was exclusive to the Road Runner, setting it apart from other cars in the lineup.
For those looking for even more power, the Road Runner could be equipped with the legendary Street HEMI. This monstrous 426-cubic-inch engine delivered an impressive 425 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque. However, opting for the HEMI came at a steep price, adding $714 to the base price of $3,083. Comparatively, the HEMI engine on a Charger R/T was priced at $605, but the Dodge had a higher starting price of $3,500.
The Road Runner was the perfect choice for performance enthusiasts who prioritized speed over luxury. It offered the best value for money among Chrysler’s offerings that year. It appealed to car enthusiasts who didn’t care about fancy features like color-keyed carpets or bucket seats. The allure of the HEMI engine was so strong that some would trade in their mother-in-law for it without hesitation.
The availability of the fabled 426 V8 engine only in the GTX (as an option over the standard 440-4 Super Commando) further boosted the Road Runner’s popularity. Over 1,000 Road Runners were sold with the iconic engine, with 840 coupes and 169 mid-year hardtops. Surprisingly, the distribution between four-speed manuals and automatics was fairly even, with 449 manuals and 391 autos.
One of these rare manual Road Runners is currently for sale. It boasts matching numbers for the engine, transmission, 3.54 Dana 60 rear, body, and fenders. The car has been restored over 16 years ago and underwent an inspection in January 2008, which recorded 31,356 miles (50,452 km) on the odometer. Located in Springfield, Nebraska, the car runs and drives smoothly and is priced at $175,000.
Photo: evenparauto.com
