The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner was a legendary muscle car produced by Plymouth, a division of the Chrysler Corporation. It was introduced as a low-cost, high-performance option for car enthusiasts who wanted a powerful and fast vehicle without any unnecessary frills or luxury features.
Here are some key features and specifications of the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner:
- Engine Options: The Road Runner was offered with a range of powerful engines. The standard engine was a 383 cubic inch (6.3-liter) V8 that produced 335 horsepower. Optional engines included a 426 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and a 440 cubic inch (7.2-liter) V8 with varying power outputs.
- Distinctive Styling: The Road Runner had a distinctive appearance with a bold grille, a unique “Beep Beep” horn emblem, and a cartoon character decal of the Road Runner bird on the sides. It featured a sleek and aggressive design, which included a long hood and a short rear deck.
- Performance Features: The Road Runner was designed to deliver impressive performance on the road. It featured heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes, dual exhausts, and optional performance upgrades like a limited-slip differential and high-performance tires.
- Minimalistic Interior: To keep costs down, the interior of the Road Runner was relatively basic. It had a simple dashboard layout with a set of gauges, a bench seat (bucket seats were optional), and minimal luxury features. However, it did offer some comfort options like air conditioning and an AM radio.
- Road Runner Superbird: In 1969, Plymouth introduced a limited-edition version of the Road Runner called the Superbird. It featured an aerodynamic nose cone, a massive rear wing, and other aerodynamic enhancements for high-speed stability. The Superbird was primarily designed for NASCAR racing but was also offered for street use.
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner became an instant success due to its powerful performance, aggressive styling, and affordable price. It was one of the iconic muscle cars of the era and has since gained a strong following among car enthusiasts and collectors.
