1971 Plymouth Road Runner

1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Hindsight makes it perfectly clear that our beloved muscle cars were destined to live short, albeit exciting, lives. Like the party girls in high school, they were here for a good time, not a long time. If not smacked headlong into a tree or prematurely lead-footed into grenade status, for many folks these road warriors simply became undesirable and disposable, once the combined evils of insurance, OPEC, and big government began squeezing them off the streets in the mid '70s. But not everyone caved in and gave up on their Mopar muscle.

For consignment get it while it lasts, a piece of muscle from the early 70's... 1971 to be exact, and this example was beautifully restored on 1991, with a recent, (less than 30 miles), engine in the form of a 440 6 pack to lead foot your way into the lead, or a tree. Harkening back to the NASCAR street hemi versions of which only 55 examples were produced, this car sports its original body, but of course the upgrade to the 440 6 pack!

ExteriorA curvaceous coke bottle body design begins with a wraparound front chrome bumper which frames a black egg crate grille with dual headlights on either side. Below the front cowl is fashioned to hold the round signal lights and conform to the wrap around bumper just above. The hood has dual faux side vented scoops which are highlighted in black. A nice contrast to the remainder of the body which is bathed in Tor-Red. Paint is all nice and shiny, gaps are good, and we can see a strobe styled stripe wrapping around the back of the roof and angling with the B pillars in black. Also, a gull wing black spoiler is on back, and just below a super shiny bumper with inset tail and backup lights. Chromed side exit exhaust tips are peeking out just before the rear wheel wells and for the stance 15-inch Torque Thrust 5 spokes are wrapped in front by 235/70R15's and in back larger 29x12.50R15's. A great muscle car presentation.

InteriorOpening the doors we can see a new dash which was installed in 1991 with the respray. This presents with a beveled wood appliqu to conform to the round deep set gauges. On top of the steering column is an aftermarket tachometer by VDO. The original radio is in the dash and on top is a clean crack free black dash top. The doors sport some dark gray appliqu and are mostly wrapped in black molded plastic with faux stitched panels for the uppers. A split back bench is in front and has some stitched dark gray vinyl inserts and black bolsters. The rear bench also takes on this motif. In front of the bench on the hump which is all covered in black carpeting is a Hurst quarter stick shifter. Above is a black headliner which shows fairly tight material and some wavy panels on the interior B pillars. Road Runner cartoon embroidered carpets are covering and protecting the black carpeting in front. A shout out to the trunk which is bathed with the Tor-Red paint and covered in the floor with a speckled vinyl mat complete with spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.

Drive-Train A flip of the Tor- Red underside painted hood, a Road Runner graphic watches over all the machinery below. Here is now a fully restored near perfect looking orange painted block and valve covers 440ci V8 ca. 1975-78. On top is a 6 pack of fuel delivery and on back a rebuilt in 2017 A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic. Way back for the rear axle, it weighs in at 8-3/4 inches with a 3.91 gear ratio. All looking just fab where even the exhaust manifolds are not rusted. That Coyote's after you!

UndercarriageSpotty surface rust is noted and sprayed over with black paint. Previous repairs can be noted particularly on the mountings for the rear leaf springs. Also, in the back some invasive rust has taken away some of the inner lining of the rear rocker and just above. Floor pans are solid and rust free, and it appears a newer engine/transmission crossbar mount was put on presenting a with shiny black paint, and new bolts. A dual 3-inch exhaust side exit system from Flowmaster is very clean and rust free. Torsion bars are in front and leaf springs with traction bars (a recent addition) can also be seen. The front has power disc brakes, and the rear power drums.

Drive-AbilityIf this car sits for a bit, and prior to starting, the air cleaner lid needs to be removed to start the car. After doing said exercise it fires right up and off to the test track with a mighty 440 6 pack roar. Here it has neck snapping acceleration, good handling, and boas free panic stopping. The driver's seat frame is broken.

A full DVD of the restoration tells the rest of the story, and now we have a replica of the NASCAR Street Hemi 440 6 pack Coke Bottle style Road Runner. Beep Beep!

VIN DECODERM23N1R105033R-Satellite/RoadRunnerM-Medium Price Class23-2 Door HardtopN-383ci V8 4bbl 300hp1-1971R-Windsor, Ontario, CA Assy Plant105033-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAGE65-383 4 Barrel Roadrunner / SuperbeeD32-A727 TorqueFlite Trans RM23 R-Plymouth Road RunnerM-Medium23-2 Door HardtopN1R N-383ci V8 4bbl 300hp1-1971R-Windsor, ONT, CAN105033-Sequence Number '105033'EV2-Paint Code:Tor-Red M2X9 Trim Grade/Style/ColorM-Medium2-Vinyl BenchX9-BlackTX9-Upper Door Frame: Black / Black Velvet828-Date Built: 8 / 28 / 1970008760-Order Number: 008760EV2-Roof Type OR Color: Tor-Red U-Built to Specifications for USA Order22-Radiator Diameter 22" WIDTHF81-Deck Lid Release KnobG36-Left Hand Remote, Right Hand Manual Outside MirrorM21-Roof Drip Rail MoldingsN41-Dual Exhaust w/o TipsR11-Music Master Radio AMEND-End of Codes

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.