The 1971 production year marked the end of an era for Chrysler’s iconic 426 Hemi engine. This legendary V8, introduced in 1966, quickly gained a reputation for its power and performance.
Despite its short production run, the 426 Hemi left an indelible mark on the automotive world. In 1971, as the muscle car era began to fade, Chrysler made the difficult decision to discontinue the 426 Hemi.
This abrupt end to the engine’s production left many enthusiasts heartbroken. However, the 426 Hemi’s legacy would live on, and the cars equipped with this engine remain highly sought after by collectors.
The 426 Hemi was available in both Dodge and Plymouth models. Plymouth received the majority of production units for the domestic US market, with 200 examples produced compared to 156 for Dodge. Among the Plymouth models, the E-body ‘Cuda was the most popular, with 115 units built. Its twin cousin, the Challenger, also received a limited number of Hemi-powered cars.
The Mopar muscle cars, once lagging behind their pony car siblings, have become rare automotive treasures. Among these, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi stands out as a particularly elusive unicorn. With only 27 examples built, and this specific one featuring a column shifter and two pedals, it’s a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Nick Panaritis, a renowned Mopar mechanic, was thrilled to welcome this Hemi Road Runner into his garage for a check-up. His excitement was fueled by the rarity of the car and his personal connection to the glory days of muscle cars. Despite his extensive experience, he had never encountered a 1971 Hemi Road Runner before.
The car, meticulously restored and showing just over 67,000 miles, is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic muscle cars. Its powerful 426 Hemi engine, coupled with its distinctive styling, makes it a standout among its peers. The Road Runner, once a popular model, saw a decline in sales in 1971, with only 14,218 units sold that year.
Despite the reduced production numbers, the 1971 Road Runner remains a coveted symbol of automotive heritage. One of the factors contributing to the Road Runner’s decline in popularity was the introduction of stricter emissions regulations in the early 1970s.
These regulations forced car manufacturers to reduce engine power and performance, which ultimately diminished the appeal of muscle cars.
However, for those who appreciate the raw power and timeless design of classic American muscle cars, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi remains a highly desirable and valuable collectible.
