The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible is an iconic piece of American muscle car history, known for its raw power and no-nonsense performance. Out of the 217,216 Road Runners built that year, only 2,218 were convertibles, and just 1,449 came equipped with an automatic transmission and power steering, making this example exceptionally rare. Originally sold at Fred Frederick Motor, Inc. in Laurel, MD (Dealer No. 39705) on April 24, 1969, this car has been meticulously preserved and restored over the years. The current owner purchased it in July 1991 at Chryslers at Carlisle, PA, with 71,712 miles. Recognizing its historical significance, they drove it approximately 2,000 miles over five years before deciding it deserved a full nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration. Now, 34 years later, the odometer reads just 75,718 miles. Having undergone a concours-quality restoration, this Road Runner retains its all-original sheet metal, with every component either restored to factory specifications or replaced with original or NOS parts as needed. The result is a fully functional, numbers-matching muscle car that runs, drives, and sounds just as it did when new. Its exceptional condition and authenticity have earned it top honors, including National First Prize (1997) and Grand National Winner First Prize (2000) from the Antique Automobile Club of America with many other accolades in recent years. With just 2,000 additional miles in the last 32 years, this Road Runner remains a top-tier contender for Concours d’Elegance events and a true collector’s gem.

Exterior and Interior

Finished in Scorch Red (R6), this Road Runner commands attention with its striking Mopar muscle car presence. The Air Grabber hood (N96) adds both style and function, channeling cool air directly into the engine bay for added performance. The car sits on Rallye wheels wrapped in Goodyear F70-14 Red Stripe tires, maintaining an authentic period-correct look. Inside, the factory-original black bench seat (H2X) was upgraded by a previous owner to a more performance-oriented setup, featuring black bucket seats with headrests (H69) and a woodgrain-trimmed center console (C16). The dash includes a tachometer (N85), while the signature Road Runner “Beep Beep” horn adds a playful touch to its otherwise aggressive demeanor. The original AM radio (R11) remains intact, preserving the car’s late-’60s muscle car vibe.

Engine

Under the hood, this Road Runner is powered by its original, numbers-matching 383ci V8 (E63), rated at 335 horsepower. Equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor, Coyote Duster air cleaner, and the legendary Air Grabber induction system, it delivers the exhilarating performance that made the Road Runner a muscle car legend. Paired with the A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission (D32), this drivetrain provides a balance of brute force and smooth power delivery. During its restoration, every mechanical component was meticulously rebuilt and restored to factory specifications, ensuring it performs exactly as it did when it left the assembly line in April 1969. The exhaust note is unmistakably Mopar, producing the deep, throaty rumble that muscle car enthusiasts crave. The current owner, a former mechanic at a Chrysler Plymouth dealership in 1969, later transitioned into sales and ultimately became General Manager. With a passion for Mopar performance, they ensured that every detail of this restoration met factory standards, making this Road Runner one of the most authentic and well-preserved examples on the market.