A remarkable piece of automotive history is set to make waves at the upcoming Mecum Indy auction this Friday. The star of the show is a stunning 1971 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner, boasting an unmatched combination of originality, rarity, and sheer power. With its original drivetrain, single-owner history, and astonishingly low mileage of 10,828 miles, this unrestored beauty stands as a testament to the golden era of American muscle cars.
This extraordinary HEMI Road Runner stands out for its highly original condition, making it a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts. Cloaked in its original Formal Black paint, this factory Black-on-Black car exudes an air of elegance and power. The absence of racing stripes, coupled with HEMI decals over the front fender lenses, accentuates this legendary muscle car’s understated yet menacing presence.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast—a matching numbers 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 engine, delivering an exhilarating 425 horsepower. The Air Grabber hood complements the engine’s prowess, adding a visual statement and functional benefits to the performance package. The original Super Track Pak and the rare matching numbers 4-speed manual transmission further enhance the car’s drivability and collector appeal.
With only 28 HEMI Road Runners produced with a 4-speed transmission in 1971, this particular model stands as an exceedingly rare find. As the final year for the 426 HEMI, this vehicle represents the end of an era for high-performance Mopar cars. Its scarcity and authentic presentation make it an immensely desirable acquisition for any collector seeking a true automotive treasure.
Adding to its allure, this HEMI Road Runner comes with exceptional provenance. It was originally sold at Shepherd Motor Co. in North Kansas City, Missouri, and the car’s history can be traced through the original order form and window sticker. Notably, two original assembly-line broadcast sheets, discovered under the seats, further authenticate the vehicle’s originality and offer a glimpse into its manufacturing journey.
Beyond its raw power, this HEMI Road Runner offers a range of desirable features and options. Highlights include tinted glass, a woodgrain-faced Rallye instrument cluster, a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, and a factory Solid State AM radio. An aftermarket Sun Super Tach mounted on the steering column enhances the driving experience. Both the interior and exterior feature the iconic and colorful Road Runner cartoon icons, adding a touch of nostalgia to this time capsule on wheels.
The 1971 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, as it was the only year the G-series body styling featured the factory-installed HEMI engine. These vehicles’ rarity and historical significance have made them highly sought-after among muscle car aficionados. This unrestored example, resplendent in its rich black paint, stands as a remarkable testament to the bygone era of American muscle cars.
With its unparalleled originality and exceptional provenance, this rare 1971 Plymouth HEMI Road Runner took in a total of $500,000 or a total of $550,000 after everything was said and done with auction fees.
1971 Plymouth HEMI® Road Runner Image Gallery:
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →