Uncle Tony’s Garage, a well-known YouTube channel hosted by Tony DeFeo, recently showcased a rare gem—a 1975 Plymouth Road Runner that captures the last chapter of Plymouth’s muscle car legacy. This latest episode provides enthusiasts a closer look at a vehicle that represents the end of the line for the B-Body Road Runners, offering a unique glimpse into a period when high-performance cars were transitioning toward more refined features and regulations.
The 1975 Road Runner: A Snapshot of a Bygone Era –
Introduced in 1968 as a no-frills, high-performance machine, the Plymouth Road Runner quickly became a favorite among gearheads for its affordability and raw power. As part of the Chrysler Corporation’s B-Body platform, it competed against heavy hitters like the Pontiac GTO, Chevy Chevelle, and Ford Torino during the muscle car boom of the 1960s. However, by 1975, the automotive landscape had shifted. Stricter emissions regulations, higher insurance costs, and an evolving market meant that the Road Runner had softened from its earlier rubber-burning roots into more of a sporty cruiser.
The 1975 model year marked the final production year of the Road Runner as a B-Body, and Uncle Tony’s Garage brings this rare version into the spotlight. Tony, known for his detailed yet easygoing style, takes viewers through this vehicle’s history and specific features, shedding light on what makes this particular example special.
Under the Hood: A Rare E58 360 V8 –
The featured 1975 Road Runner isn’t equipped with the base 5.2-liter (318 cubic-inch) LA 2-bbl V8 that many models came with that year. Instead, it sports a more potent E58 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) 4-bbl V8, known as the Police Pursuit engine. This E58 powerplant delivered 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Although slightly below the ratings of the larger E68 6.6-liter (400 cubic-inch) 4-bbl Big-Block V8 option (235 horsepower and 335 lb-ft), the E58 was known for being the more responsive and performance-oriented choice. Fewer than 60 units of the 1975 Road Runner left the factory with this engine, making it a highly sought-after rarity in the Mopar community.
A Well-Preserved Piece of History –
The example Tony showcases is a stunning sight, finished in a deep Formal Black (X9) that gleams like new. While the vehicle’s paint appears too perfect to be original, it’s clear that meticulous care has gone into preserving this Road Runner. With just 16,470 miles on the odometer, it remains a low-mileage survivor—or perhaps it’s been well-restored after years of sitting idle.
The car’s condition hints that it may have spent a long time off the road, with some parts like the fuel tank and rear shocks showing signs of being replacements. These details suggest that the vehicle might have undergone a refresh before being acquired by Phil, the car’s current owner, in 2023. While Phil keeps quiet about the full history, the Road Runner’s presentation speaks for itself.
Classic Options with a Twist –
This 1975 Road Runner isn’t just about what’s under the hood but boasts some incredible factory options. It features a ‘Sundance’ interior with bucket seats, a center console, and the classic 3-speed 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission. A set of 15-inch polycast urethane wheels adds a touch of style. This wheel technology involved injection-molding elastomeric material directly onto the metal, giving the wheels a distinctive appearance and durability.
For those who appreciate a bit of nostalgia, the car also has an AM/FM radio with an 8-track player—reminders of a time when physical media ruled the airwaves. Remote-controlled mirrors and a factory-installed manual sunroof (which Phil hopes stays rain-tight) add further to the vintage appeal. However, air conditioning is absent, a feature that might have been welcomed on hot summer days but was often skipped by purists looking to save weight and keep things simple.
Whether you’re a fan of Plymouth’s muscle car legacy or just enjoy seeing a beautifully maintained vintage ride, this episode provides a satisfying blend of history, performance details, and the pure love of cars that makes Uncle Tony’s Garage such a popular destination for gearheads.
