1968 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe Vehicle Profile

When it comes to factory muscle, nothing is more recognized than the Plymouth Roadrunner. Using a formula of less is more, Plymouth created the original low buck high performance car that was specifically designed to draw the attention of the young male buyer. With just two engine offerings in its inaugural year, a 335 horsepower 383 big-block and the massive 426 Hemi, the Hemi was clearly the one to get if you wanted to truly make a statement. Of course with an option price of $714, it is easy to see why a mere 169 total were produced.

As if stuffing a massive Hemi-head engine with multiple carburetors wasn't enough, Plymouth struck up a deal with Warner Brothers, paying them a licensing fee of $50,000, that would certainly draw even more attention. With the marketing guru's help, Plymouth used the popular cartoon character, both in name and image, to create one of the most recognized American automobiles ever built.

This prime example of a first year Plymouth Roadrunner Hardtop is unique in many ways. It is the only known example built in Matador Red, and it was ordered as a radio delete car. It has been restored to as-delivered condition and it features an all-numbers matching original drive-train, certainly rare today as these cars were mercilessly beat on the streets and tracks. This Roadrunner is a national award winner that exemplifies what Maximum Muscle is all about.