The Classic 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner

A favored classic hot rod car known as the Road Runner was based on the cartoon. It also came with a horn that sounded the same as well. The 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner made big news with its new options. A convertible was joined to the hardtop and pillared coupe series. Its Mopar fans were powered by an array of power plant V8 engines and had optional front bucket seats with new colored Road Runner decals.

Apart from the 440 V8’s, there was a choice of 426 and 383 engines as well. The 440 V8s were also known as 440+6, and these provided Hemi-like acceleration at about half of the price. You could have the 440 V8 with a triple-two barrel or a four barrel rated at 375 hp. Other features included were the simple black wheels, a functional hood scoop and a flat black fiberglass lift-off hood. Overall, the Plymouth Roadrunner was lighter than the smaller cars. This was mainly due to the absence of creature comforts in the car, like carpets.

However, the Roadrunner was not a fragile sports car, since it was built for serious street work and didn’t require much in terms of traditional car care. Moonshiners loved it, for the simple reason, it could outrun any police car and was tough enough to take some bumps. Though it had good ground clearance, it did not have the aerodynamics.

Highland Park had been toying with the idea of Roadrunner for quite a while, but management was not for it. Finally, despite the management opposition, it was ultimately produced. When the sales figures turned upwards, Dodge clamored for it and got a version of their own. This car remains a favorite among collectors and is often chosen as a car to be restored.

Some of the models sported a little Road Runner, and the air cleaner came with a cartoon with the logo “Coyote Duster.” In 1969, the ultimate street engine could outrun any other car except the Viper-10, 426 Hemi. Though others made similar cars, the Roadrunner kept winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. What helped it most was the 6-barrel 440 that provided the huge acceleration.