Description
Plymouth Road Runner | 1969
Highlights:
– Factory 426ci Hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors
– Original Performance Red paint (R4 R4) with Air Grabber hood
– Ownership history, documentation, and original sales invoice
– Clean California title, matching spare wheel included
The seller offers for sale a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, finished in factory Performance Red (code R4 R4), equipped with its original 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine and three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. This two-door sedan features an Air Grabber hood (code N96), chrome bumpers, black hood stripes, dual-exit exhaust, Hemi and Road Runner badging, and body-colored steel wheels with chrome hubcaps mounted on Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redline tires. It retains a matching spare in the trunk.
Power is delivered through a 3.23:1 Sure Grip differential, and stopping is handled by four-wheel drum brakes. A transmission cooler was installed under previous ownership, and the brake master cylinder was replaced in 2014. Notably, this car retains its original paint and body panels as per previous advice not to touch up any areas to preserve its authenticity.
Inside, it’s fitted with black vinyl upholstery, front and rear bench seating, and matching carpets, door panels, and headliner. The dash houses a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel, temperature, and amperage. The three-spoke steering wheel and Road Runner-branded floor mats complete the period-correct interior. Features include front and rear lap belts, a heater, and the iconic “Voice of Road Runner” horn.
The paint is described as original with no bodywork touch-ups, and though it’s visibly striking, buyers should expect signs of age when viewing closely. Some age-related corrosion is visible on the underside. The interior is complete and components, including gauges, switches, and electronics, are operational. Mechanically, the car is said to function well, parts of the exhaust need to be replaced. While it presents well overall, buyers should temper expectations in line with the car’s age and classic status.
The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner was born out of a desire to bring muscle car performance to the average buyer. Plymouth struck a deal with Warner Bros. to use the Road Runner cartoon character’s name and likeness, complete with a “beep beep” horn, making the car instantly recognizable. The original concept focused on minimizing cost and weight while maximizing performance, targeting younger drivers.
Introduced in 1968, the Road Runner was positioned below the GTX in Plymouth’s lineup but quickly outpaced its fancier sibling in popularity. It offered high-horsepower engines with few frills, reinforcing the “no-nonsense muscle” philosophy. The 1969 model year saw the introduction of several performance enhancements, including the Air Grabber hood, which this car features. This system opened a trap door on the hood to force cold air directly into the engine, increasing horsepower.
Of particular note is the 426 Hemi engine found in this example—an expensive option at the time and relatively rare. With dual four-barrel carburetors, heavy-duty internals, and a 10.25:1 compression ratio, it produced a factory-rated 425 hp. These engines were derived from Chrysler’s NASCAR program and remain some of the most revered in muscle car history.
Plymouth’s decision to keep the car visually restrained but mechanically potent paid off. The Road Runner won Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1969. Today, Hemi-equipped examples with documentation, low mileage, and original paint like this one are considered highly collectible and represent the golden era of American muscle.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in California, United States.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a U.S. registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
