The Plymouth Road Runner, a muscular muscle car introduced in 1968, quickly outsold its corporate twin, the Dodge Super Bee. By 1971, when Chrysler discontinued its high-performance V8 engines, Plymouth had sold nearly 200,000 Road Runners.
While the Road Runner is relatively common compared to other Mopar classics, finding one equipped with the legendary 426 cubic inch HEMI V8 is a rare treat. Only 2,003 of the nearly 200,000 Road Runners produced through 1971 were fitted with this powerful engine, making up just 1% of the total production.
The rarest Road Runner is the 1971 HEMI model, with only 55 examples built. The 1968 HEMI Road Runner is the most common, with 1,009 units sold. This Matador Red 1968 HEMI Road Runner is even rarer than most, due to its hardtop body style and automatic transmission. In 1968, Plymouth offered both coupe and hardtop versions of the Road Runner.
Of the 1,009 HEMI Road Runners built, only 169 were hardtops. And of those 169, only 61 were equipped with the three speed automatic transmission. This particular car is one of those 61, making it an extremely rare and desirable classic.
What makes this 1968 HEMI Road Runner even more special is its combination of performance and luxury. The HEMI engine, with its 425 horsepower and 490 lb ft of torque, provides exhilarating acceleration. The automatic transmission offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, making it a great choice for both long distance cruising and spirited driving.
The hardtop body style adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it a standout car even among other muscle cars. Given its rarity and desirability, this 1968 HEMI Road Runner is a valuable collector’s item. It is not only a piece of automotive history but also a testament to the engineering prowess of Chrysler Corporation.
If you are a fan of muscle cars or simply appreciate the beauty and power of classic automobiles, this car is a must-have. A pristine 1968 Plymouth Road Runner HEMI recently fetched a six-figure sum at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction, showcasing the increasing value of these iconic muscle cars.
Not only is this particular example a rare gem, but its meticulous restoration and numbers-matching 426 HEMI engine make it a standout. The car’s impressive history, including multiple car show wins, contributed to its high auction price of $156,200, surpassing its previous sale price and the average value for a 1968 HEMI Road Runner.
Among other muscle cars sold at the auction, a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T Six-Pack and a 1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet also commanded significant prices, reflecting the enduring appeal of these classic performance vehicles.
However, the most expensive unsold muscle car was a 1965 Shelby GT350 built by the Original Venice Crew, with a high bid of $270,000, underscoring the collector value of rare and historically significant examples.
The auction results highlight the growing trend of muscle car enthusiasts investing in these iconic vehicles, driven by factors such as their historical significance, performance capabilities, and cultural impact. As the supply of well-preserved muscle cars continues to dwindle, their value is expected to appreciate further, making them a desirable asset for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
