When it comes to classic cars, it's quite satisfying to see a 1960s vehicle emerge from long-term storage. But it all becomes even better when the rig is revived and finds its way back on the road. This 1969 Plymouth Road Runner is one of the lucky ones.
If you've been following us, this Mopar should be familiar to you. I posted a blurb about it in early November 2024 when YouTube's "Open Roader Garage" showed the vehicle sitting in a carport. The Road Runner had been parked there for 10 years but spent the previous 15 years off the road under different ownership.
That's a total of 25 years without moving under its own power, so the Road Runner didn't look exactly presentable. But apart from the usual storage dust, the Road Runner is rust-free and complete as far as features and trim go. It's not exactly an unrestored survivor, though.
Now finished in what appears to be primer, the Road Runner shows traces of yellow paint. However, the underhood area and the fender tag confirm this Mopar rolled off the assembly line in B5 Blue. The car also had its original front seats swapped for more modern buckets and received a smaller sports steering wheel. I'd venture to say this Road Runner was drag-raced before it was parked.
Fortunately, the V8 engine agreed to run after 25 years without a sip of gasoline. It ran surprisingly well, so our host and the owner decided to take it for a spin around the block.
This Road Runner relies on a 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8 engine, which was optional in 1969 (albeit in six-barrel form). It's not the original mill, but the good news is the current owner also has the numbers-matching powerplant. It's a less glamorous 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8, but its presence could increase the car's value once restored.
1969 was the Road Runner's best year, sales-wise. After moving 44,303 units in its first year in showrooms, the Road Runner found more than 80,000 customers in 1969. The base 383 engine was obviously the most popular. It was ordered in no fewer than 78,906 units, making this Road Runner rather common. Plymouth sold 24,351 Road Runner hardtops with the 383-cubic-inch/automatic combo that year.
1969 Road Runners retail for an average of $63,700 at public auctions. This number refers to vehicles in Good and Excellent condition and includes Hemi and Six-Barrel models. Pricing for 383 V8 rigs is usually below the $45,000 mark.
It's unclear if this Mopar will be restored to factory specifications anytime soon, but the fact that it runs and drives again is excellent news. This calls for a "yay for another classic muscle car saved," and fingers crossed that it will become road-worthy at some point. Hit the play button below to see it fire up after 25 years.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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