Rare 1968 Plymouth HEMI® Road Runner Heads to Auction

Mopar enthusiasts have a golden opportunity to bid on an iconic piece of Mopar muscle car history at the upcoming Mecum Dallas 2024 auction on September 6th. Among the standout lots is this 1968 Plymouth HEMI® Road Runner Coupe, which embodies the raw power and minimalist design ethos that defined the golden era of muscle cars.

A Rare Breed –

This particular Road Runner is one of only 391 produced in 1968 with the sought-after 426 HEMI® V8 engine paired with a Torqueflite automatic transmission. The 426 HEMI engine, renowned for its formidable performance, delivers 425 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 490 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. These numbers made the Road Runner a serious contender on both the street and the strip, further enhancing its legendary status.

Meticulous Restoration –

The vehicle on offer has undergone a comprehensive restoration, bringing it back to its original glory. It is finished in Matador Red (PP1), a color that accentuates its aggressive stance and features a distinctive Black and Pewter interior. The Road Runner’s exterior is complemented by body-color steel wheels, chrome hubcaps, and classic Redline tires, maintaining its period-correct look.

Performance and Design –

Under the hood, this particular car houses a date-code-correct 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 engine equipped with dual 4-barrel Carter AFB carburetors and hemispherical cylinder heads. The latter is a key component that gave the HEMI engine its name and reputation for performance. The dual exhaust system ensures the engine’s roar is as impressive as its power output.

The interior of this 1968 model features a split bench seat, a no-nonsense choice that reflects the Road Runner’s focus on performance over luxury. Early versions of the 1968 Road Runner were exclusively available as 2-door pillared coupes, characterized by the B-pillar between the front and rear windows. This design was later complemented by a 2-door hardtop option introduced mid-year, but the coupe remains a favorite among purists.

A Muscle Car Legend – 

The Road Runner was developed as a more affordable alternative to Plymouth’s upscale GTX, targeting buyers who wanted raw power without the frills. Priced lower than many competitors, the Road Runner stripped away unnecessary features to keep costs down while delivering impressive performance. This approach resonated with the muscle car community, and it quickly became a symbol of American performance.

Adding to its cultural significance, Plymouth famously paid Warner Bros.-Seven Arts $50,000 to use the “Road Runner” name and likeness, complete with the iconic “beep beep” horn, which cost an additional $10,000 to develop. These elements tied the car to the beloved cartoon character, further cementing its place in pop culture.

Featured in Muscle Car Review – 

This particular HEMI has also been featured in Muscle Car Review magazine in an article titled “Hot-Rodicus Supersonicus,” highlighting its significance in the muscle car world.

With its rarity, meticulous restoration, and historical significance, this 1968 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner Coupe will surely attract attention at the Mecum Dallas 2024 auction. Whether you’re a serious collector or a muscle car enthusiast, this vehicle represents a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of automotive history.

1968 Plymouth HEMI® Road Runner Image Gallery:

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