Vehicle Description
1974 Plymouth Road Runner Hardtop
In 1973, federally mandated 5 mph bumpers were changing the face of
the American automobile. But over at Mopar, at least in the
Plymouth division, the changes required to pass the federal bumper
standards were well integrated and improved the looks of the
intermediate car. The 1971 and 1972 Plymouth B-bodies were fitted
with enormous chrome encircled bumpers that gave the cars a sad
eyed countenance. 1973 and 1974 received another restyle and
completely new sheet metal, while dumping the wraparound bumper for
a much more traditional grille over bumper design. Clearly,
whatever the stylists did worked, because Plymouth sold more than
120,000 coupes alone in 1973, up 40% from 1972.
For consignment, a 1974 Plymouth Road Runner hardtop showing
112,813 miles which are not actual. Our consignor states it's a
"real head turner" and we've already proven that claim with Car
Specialists slowing down to take a second look at this attractive
car. Its red on white configuration is striking and its unique
muscular power bulge gives this Mopar an intimidating first
impression.
Exterior
She retains her original color, and we can all be grateful for that
as the Rallye Red is vibrant and instantly garners attention. A
dramatic stripe is also true to its factory designation, a white
strobe stripe that transversely crosses the roofline, visually
connecting the C-pillars. Of course, what would a Road Runner be
with the cartoon bird, which makes a presence on each pillar. Back
up front, wide set quad headlights flank a black egg crate grille
that fronts the bulging hood with faux vents and 440 decals, in
white. In back, the low slung chrome bumper houses three part tail
lights in black bezels and big honkin' tailpipes extend past the
bumpers like a pair of chrome cave entrances. 15-inch Eagle Alloy
wheels of different width improve the aggressive stance. The metal
on the car is in good shape and so is the paint with imperfections
noted that include some bubbling on the rocker panel, some rust
around the wheels opening, bubbling in the corner of a door, and
some drips in the same area, and uneven filler on the rocker panel
seam.
Interior
White vinyl door panels start with vertical stitching and end with
smooth coverage below a band of faux woodgrain trim with only
slight patina, generally reserved for the driver's door. Button
tufted bucket seats are also white vinyl and piped in the same,
rising tall to form an integrated head restraint. A button cap is
missing on the driver's seat that's in otherwise very good
condition and the back bench is excellent and part of a completely
white space, save for the black carpet. The three spoke steering
wheel shares its column with an added tachometer which in turn,
blocks some of the clock on the dash where a woodgrain colored
plastic base houses black faced gauges extending to the right.
Meanwhile, more aftermarket gauges have been added under the dash
including a fuel gauge. A T-handle shifter resides in the center
console which, like Mopars before it, presents a decorative wall on
the passenger side of the console. Below it all, plush black carpet
covers the floor and looks good while the white headliner is intact
with the occasional discoloration. A fitted vinyl mat is in the
trunk which is otherwise bright red.
Drivetrain
A clean engine bay houses the clean engine, a 440ci beauty with
aluminum heads with a 4-barrel carburetor and generating an
estimated 500 horsepower. A bright red distributor cap and wires
join a polished alternator and Mopar Performance valve covers for a
showy engine compartment. An A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
with a manual valve body backs up the monster and sends power to
the 8 3/4 " rear with 4.11 gears and SureGrip. Power brakes are
onboard with discs in front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Clean and driver quality underneath with minimal surface rust and
some components such as the knuckles with a thin coat of road dirt.
The dual exhaust starts from headers, meets an H-pipe, and passes
cutouts before heading straight to the back where any exhaust that
escapes the first door, exit through the chrome tips. The front has
torsion bar suspension and the back has leaf springs and Caltracs
bars.
Drive-Ability
In the wild, roadrunners, (the birds), have distinctive sounds and
a twitchy tail. Well, with the crank of the key our Road Runner car
has a unique sound of its own and it's boisterous and bold and
well, loud! Once on the test loop, we're going to make an educated
guess that its tail can be twitchy, but we are not testing that
hypothesis, but judging from the power underfoot, we're pretty
sure. It delivers good acceleration and fine handling, while the
power brakes come in handy to slow this bird down. The heater
blower is not working but all other functions work as they should.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Many believe this car represents the end of the original muscle car
era. In 1975 it was now based on the Fury, lacked the aggressive
look, and reserved the 440 for police only. This car pays tribute
to the '74 GTX, the top dog Road Runner, of which only 386 were
produced. From those with the 318ci all the way up to the 440ci,
less than 10,000 total Road Runners were built in 1974 so what we
have here is a relatively rare bird that's flying around with 500
horses under its wings. Someone needs to grab the reins of this bad
boy Mopar!
RM21P4G131651
R-Plymouth Satellite
M-Medium Price Class
21-2 Door Coupe
P-400ci 4bbl V8
4-1974
G-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
131651-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG
RM21:Plymouth Belvedere,Satellite
Medium, Road Runner
2 Door Coupe
P4G:400 250HP(net) 1-4BBL 8 CYL
1974
St. Louis, MO, USA
131651:Sequence number
E68:400 cid 4 barrel V8 High Performance
D34:Light Duty Automatic Transmission
FE5:Rally Red Exterior Color
D6XW:Trim - Luxury, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black/White
000:Full Door Panels
A19:Build Date: October 19
144113:Oder number
FE5:Rally Red Top Color
U:USA Specifications
A88:Interior Decor Group
B41:Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
C16:Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C56:Bucket Seats
G54:Outside LH Remote Chrome Racing Mirror
G64:Outside RH Manual Chrome Racing Mirror
H51:Air Conditioning with Heater
J52:Inside Hood Release
J54: Sprt Hood
L31:Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
N41:Dual Exhaust
N42:Chrome Exhaust Tips
R35:AM/FM Stereo Radio (10 Watts)
V8W:Transverse Stripes, White
28:28" Radiator
END:End of Sales Codes
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars,...for more information please contact the
seller.
