ClassicCar.com

Courtesy Michael Leonhard 

Courtesy Michael Leonhard 

The Plymouth Road Runner was one of the iconic muscle cars of the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

Introduced in 1968, the Road Runner was offered as a no frills, high thrills vehicle that was capable of 14 second quarter mile times at a cost of under $3000.00.  Based on the Belvedere with a short option list, bench seats and no carpets, the Road Runner came with Chrysler's proven 383 cubic inch engine rated at 335 horsepower and the infamous 426 hemi was a $714.00 option. It was an instant success, selling around 45,000 units in its first year.

 

In 1969, the 440 cubic inch engine with three carburetors (390 horsepower) was added to the option list and sales skyrocketed to over 82,000 units.  The Road Runner was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1969.  The 1970 models saw modest front and rear end changes and with the addition of Chrysler’s popular High Impact colors, strong sales continued.

Courtesy Michael Leonhard 

Perhaps the most stylish of the Road Runners were produced between 1971 and 1975.  A complete body makeover was introduced in 1971 and the 1971 and 1972 models were very similar.  Michael Leonhard’s concept Road Runner is based on this 71-72 styling.

 

The 2010 Road Runner will be built on a new 2009 Challenger platform with 6.1 liter hemi power and drivetrain.  The hemi will be turbocharged and boasts 620 horsepower and 650 pound/feet of torque.  The opportunity to purchase this one-off vehicle exists now on the Ebay auction site.  The winning bidder will have input on interior styling options and the car will officially be presented at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto show.  Take a peek and dig deep as this beauty does not come cheap.

 

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see ya down the road…