Presenting the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe
Say hello to the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner coupe, a beast that spent years basking in the Arizona sun before undergoing a serious facelift in 2014. This isn’t just any car; it’s powered by a beefy 383ci V8, paired with a four-speed manual transmission that gives you the kind of driving experience that old-school muscle car enthusiasts salivate over. Drenched in a striking red, complete with white stripes, it features a plush silver and black vinyl interior. So, let’s dive into what makes this machine tick.
Performance Features
- Engine: 383ci V8
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- Carburetor: Edelbrock
- Intake manifold: Edelbrock
- Ignition: Electronic
- Exhaust: Dual exhaust system with DynoMax mufflers
- Wheels: Magnum 500-style
- Power options: Power brakes and power steering
- Rear traction bars and front anti-roll bar
- Tachometer and lap belts
- AM radio
The selling dealer picked up this classic in mid-2024, and now it’s hitting the market in Minnesota—offered at no reserve along with some partial records and a clean Arizona title. Sure, it’s not perfect, but hey, neither are we.
The Look and Feel
Plymouth cranked out 29,240 Road Runner pillared coupes during the 1968 debut, and this particular bad boy was originally dressed in Matador Red, which has been revamped with a base-coat/clear-coat finish. Not just a slap of paint either—I mean, we’re talking the bumpers being rechromed and the glass swapped out for fresh units.
The exterior is adorned with:
- White stripes wrapping around the rear
- Road Runner graphics for that extra flair
- A styled hood that’ll make your jaw drop
- A remote-adjustable driver-side mirror
- Round side-marker lights and pop-out rear-quarter windows
- Bright trim and shiny chrome exhaust outlets hiding beneath the rear bumper
Wheels and Suspension
Rolling on 14″ Magnum 500-style wheels shod with 225/70 Futura GLS Super Sport tires, this Road Runner doesn’t just look good—it stops with grace. Thanks to a power-assisted braking system, both front and rear drum brakes were overhauled during the refurbishment. And, let’s not gloss over the steering; it’s power-assisted too. Add a front anti-roll bar and rear traction bars, and you’ve got a suspension setup that begs to be put to the test.
Interior Comfort
Slide inside, and you’ll find that the interior has seen some love too. The seats feature snazzy silver and black vinyl, with individual front bucket seats divided by a center cushion and a handy folding armrest. The seller claims the entire interior—seat covers, carpeting, headliner, and dash pad—was replaced when the car was refurbished.
To keep your tunes pumping, you’ll find a Solid State by Plymouth AM radio nestled in the dash, paired with some aftermarket speakers on the package shelf. Features include:
- Rear armrests complete with ashtrays
- Front and rear lap belts for added safety
- A rear defogger and a heater
- Road Runner-branded rubber floor mats
- Dynamat insulation applied to some panels for a quieter ride
Dash and Performance Metrics
Behind the three-spoke steering wheel, you’ll find a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges keeping tabs on alternator status, fuel level, and coolant temperature. Those classic five digits on the odometer show 39k miles, though the selling dealer added about five of those—who knows the true mileage? But let’s be real; if you’re getting a muscle car like this, do you really care?
Under the Hood
Now, let’s talk about what’s rumbling beneath that hood. The 383ci V8 has been souped up with:
- An Edelbrock carburetor
- An Edelbrock intake manifold
- Electronic ignition, an MSD coil
- Shiny chrome rocker covers that add a dash of flair
All the power gets sent to the rear wheels through a rebuilt four-speed manual transmission paired with a Ram Clutches clutch and a 3800-pound pressure plate. Plus, the driveshaft and U-joints have been swapped out, and the dual exhaust system features DynoMax mufflers, creating the kind of soundtrack that’ll have heads turning.
The Factory Tags Say It All
For the history buffs, the fender tag reveals this classic as a 1968 Road Runner coupe that rolled off the line with a 383ci V8 and a four-barrel carburetor, originally decked in Matador Red over black vinyl upholstery. What’s not to love? With a little history, a lot of character, and the promise of raw power, this Road Runner is just begging for you to take it out for a spin. Who’s in?