Naming a new muscle car after a cartoon character is a crazy idea. But hey, Mopar has always been about the crazy. Fifty years later, the designation of the Plymouth as Looney Tune’s fast-running ground cuckoo has only contributed to the muscle car’s legendary status.
Let’s consider the gorgeous green 1970 Road Runner convertible, recently listed on eBay with a Buy-It-Now price of $72,900.
item 1 of 25
Road Runner Resto
The 1970 Road Runner Convertible is a numbers-matching - opens in new window or tab. restoration of a California car with minimal deviation from stock. The lime green paintwork shines considerably brighter than the original low-key FF4 Light Green Metallic. Restoration took place a decade ago and the car was pampered since then.
This is not a vehicle for the meek and mild. Limelight Green and Flat Black are an eye-popping combination. Road Runner decals on the rear quarter panels and front fenders are proud embellishments. The black interior shines with crisp replacement upholstery and a stylish center console between the front bucket seats.
Magnum 500 wheels wrapped with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires fill the wheel wells nicely.
Plymouth offered the 1970 Road Runner with 383 and 440 cubic-inch V-8s, as well as the legendary 426 cubic-inch Hemi. The base 383 with a four-barrel carburetor delivered a factory-rated 335 horsepower. The Six-Pack 440 pumped out 390 hp and the dual-quad Street Hemi topped the range with a 425-hp rating.
Limelight Green paint, the fuchsia Road Runner horn, and the Six-Pack’s orange Coyote Duster air cleaner complete the under hood trifecta.
The drivetrain of the car on eBay is unmodified, with the exception of a Six-Pack setup which replaces the 383 cubic-inch V-8’s original four-barrel carburetor and manifold. Swapping in a triple two-barrel carb setup is a cost-effective way to modify the car. The Air Grabber hood is functional, and the car is said to drive exceptionally well.
The “Meep, Meep” Horn
Aftermarket Road Runner horns are available on eBay.
Mopar didn't just license the Road Runner's likeness and name from Warner Brothers. The speed demon's unforgettable “meep-meep” was also part of the deal. Plymouth built a unique horn for the car. This survivor has the original factory unit in the factory fuchsia paint.
If the Road Runner of your dreams is missing the sound effect, that’s easily solved. A couple dozen or more eBay sellers usually offer aftermarket meep-meep (or beep-beep) horns - opens in new window or tab. at a reasonable price.
How Much Is a 1970 Road Runner Worth?
The value of a classic car, of course depends on condition, configuration, and rarity. According to Hagerty, a 1970 Road Runner convertible currently ranges from just over $31,000 in fair condition to past $90,000 at the Concours level with the base 383 cubic-inch engine.
J.D. Power’s NADA estimates are more conservative, with a retail range from about $20,000 to $70,000. Four-speed manual Road Runners carry a premium, naturally, as do specific colors.
Convertible Road Runners have a significant premium over the Coupe and Hardtop. Plymouth built just 824 1970 Road Runner ragtops.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.