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 52,858
miles, but the true miles are unknown. This car has a numbers
matching drivetrain and according to our consignor, was a one owner
car when he purchased it, that's always been garaged in a climate
controlled environment.
Exterior
Repainted in a unique combination of two stage Silver Frost
Metallic and dramatic stripes that include a wide, red 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 C pillar as well. Back up
front, wide set quad headlights flank a black egg crate grille that
fronts the bulging hood with hood pints and faux vents and 360
expressed in the red accent stripe. In back, the low slung chrome
bumper houses three part tail lights in black bezels and exhaust
tips emerge just under the bumper guards. 15-inch American Racing
Torque Thrust wheels, gray with silver rims, are a nice touch here
and 215/65R15 are all around. Overall, the paint and metal are in
good shape but there are various areas of bubbling and peeling from
the rust underneath it along with some paint mismatch.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels start with vertical stitching and end with
smooth coverage below a band of faux woodgrain trim and both doors
are in nice shape. Button tufted bucket seats are also black vinyl
and piped in the same, rising tall to form an integrated head
restraint. Both seats are in very good condition and the back bench
is excellent and part of a completely white space, save for the
wood trim that continues to the side walls. The three spoke
steering wheel leads to the dash where a woodgrain colored plastic
base houses black faced gauges extending to the right as well as an
AM radio. To augment the radio, an Audiovox AM/FM/8 track player
has been added under the dash. The shifter resides in the center
console which, like Mopars before it, presents a decorative wall on
the passenger side of the console and plenty of woodgrain at its
base. Below it all, loop style black carpet covers the floor and
looks good, and the black headliner is intact with the occasional
discoloration. A fitted vinyl mat is in the trunk and shows some
usage.
Drivetrain
And there it is, clean and blue, the numbers matching 360ci V8,
rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. Behind
it, the numbers matching A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic
transmission routing power to the 8 � inch rear with 3.23 gears.
The blue block and valve covers stand out in an otherwise clean,
driver quality engine bay. A newer fuel pump, water pump, battery,
and tune up items are on board.
Undercarriage
We've got typical surface rust underneath but none of the invasive
type with the exception of the once polished tips and pipe
underneath, visible through the machine gun tips in the chrome.
Meanwhile dry conditions abound and a newer central exhaust that
some from headers, hit an H-pipe and then through stock style
mufflers on the way to those tips. Power brakes are present as
front disc and rear drum and suspension consists of torsion bar up
front with leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
This comfortable classic fires right up and we peered over the
bulging hood and pointed it towards the test loop. Good
acceleration is met with nice handling and a pleasant exhaust note
to boot. The car brakes on demand and all functions in the cabin
and beyond operate as intended. Our consignor notes that sometimes
you need to jiggle the positive battery cable due tointernal
corrosion. 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 any high performance engine for police only.
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 its
original engine and transmission. Make like a wily coyote and chase
this Road Runner with everything you have, except Acme TNT!
RM21L4R229321
R-Plymouth Satellite/Sebring
M-Medium Price Class
21-2 Door Coupe
L-360ci 4bbl V8
4-1974
R-Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
229321-Sequential Unit Number
FENDER TAG
RM21:Plymouth Belvedere,Satellite
Medium Price Class Road Runner,2 Door Coupe
L4R: 360ci 245hp 4bbl V8, 1974, Windsor, ONT, CAN
229321:Sequence number
E58:360ci 4 barrel V8 245hp
D34:Light Duty Automatic Transmission
JA5:Silver Frost Metallic Exterior Color
D6X9:Trim - Luxury, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
000:Full Door Panels
301:Build Date: March 01
097802:Order number
JA5:Silver Frost Metallic Top Color
U:USA Specifications
28:28" Radiator
B41:Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
C16:Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C56:Bucket Seats
F11:46 Amp Alternator (std with AC)
G55:Outside LH Remote Painted Racing Mirror
G75:Dual Painted Racing Mirrors
J45:Hood Tie Down Pins
J52:Inside Hood Release
L31:Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21:Roof drip rail moldings
M26:Wheel Lip Moldings
N41:Dual Exhaust
N85:Tachometer
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, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
Vehicle Details
1974 Plymouth Road Runner
Listing ID:CC-2007738
Price:$33,500
Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
Year:1974
Make:Plymouth
Model:Road Runner
Exterior Color:Silver Frost Metallic
Interior Color:Black
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:52754
Stock Number:7875
VIN:RM21L4R229321
Interested in something else? Search these similar vehicles...
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.