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1968 Plymouth Road Runner

The '68 Road Runner? Pure muscle car awesome! A huge hit, it defined the era's "street machine" vibe. Simple, bold styling – that beak! – and a seriously powerful engine made it a legend. Think "Beep Beep" and you're halfway there. A cultural icon, still loved today.

History of the Road Runner

Introduced in 1968, the Plymouth Road Runner was Chrysler's standout offering in a buzzing muscle car market. Designed under Elwood P. Engel, the car was all about delivering high performance at an affordable price, appealing to younger buyers who wanted speed without necessarily breaking the bank.

The car was built on the Belvedere platform and featured a no-frills interior, pushing the concept of performance above luxury. With engine options like the 383 and the menacing 426 Hemi V8, it didn't take long for the Road Runner to make its mark.

Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner

1968 Plymouth Road Runner Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Road Runner Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,895.00

Outstanding

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$76,200

Clean

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$60,000

Average

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$36,900*

Rough

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$24,000

1968 Plymouth Road Runner Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: RM21
Length: 202.7 inches
Width: 76.4 inches
Height: 53.1 inches
Wheelbase: 115.5 inches
Weight: 3,405lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Downdraft 4-barrel, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 383 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/4 & 3 3/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 10.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 335@5200
Horsepower Rated: 57.8
Torque: 425@3400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Engine Number Location: Stamped on block pan rail at left rear corner below starter opening.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
9 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
4
Gear Ratios First:
2.66 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.91
Gear Ratios Third:
1.39
Gear Ratios Fourth:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.58
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Hotchkiss
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Type: Premium
Tire Size: F70 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 19 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting RM21G8a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Forest Green Metallic, Mist Turquoise Metallic, Turbine Bronze #2 Metallic, Burgundy Metallic, Black, Buffed Silver Metallic, Mist Blue Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Mist Green Metallic, Yellow Gold, Ember Gold Metallic, Surf Turquoise Metallic, Sunfire Yellow, Matador Red, Electric Blue Metallic, Avocado Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Sable White, Satin Beige, Sierra Tan Metallic, Medium Green Metallic
Coupe: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
383 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
426 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt

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Detailed Specifications

Imagine revving a 383 cubic-inch V8 engine under your hood. That's what you experienced with the Road Runner, ready to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just around 6.6 seconds. For those with an extra thirst for horsepower, there was always the option of the 426 Hemi engine, which significantly upped the game.

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Pop Culture Influence

The 1968 Road Runner's unique branding, using the famous cartoon character and its "beep-beep" horn, turned the car into a pop culture icon. This clever style choice made the Road Runner an enduring symbol of the muscle car era, not just in car books but in movies and television.

Famous Figures Who Owns a 1968 Road Runner

Richard Petty

NASCAR legend Richard Petty is perhaps the most well-known figure associated with the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner. As a driver, he piloted this beast equipped with a Hemi engine, embedding it further into the annals of racing history.

Jim Shelhamer

Another notable owner is Jim Shelhamer from Mifflinville, Pennsylvania, who treasures an early edition of the Road Runner. His connection to the car reflects the cultural impact these vehicles have had.

Don Robbins Jr.

Don Robbins Jr. is another passionate owner who reminisces about his 1969 Road Runner purchased back in the day. This car wasn't just a purchase; it was part of his lifestyle—used for drag racing, eventually encompassing a long restoration project.

Tony Schep

Garage owner Tony Schep holds onto his 1968 model with nostalgia, underscoring the enduring allure of the Road Runner among car enthusiasts. These personal stories weave into the car's storied legacy.

1968 Plymouth Road Runner Gallery

Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner

Auction and Price Records

Rare and sought after, this car has seen auction prices soar over the years. A particularly pristine example sold for a jaw-dropping $264,000, illustrating not only its popularity but also its increasing value as a collector's item.

Fun Facts about the 1968 Road Runner

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    Originally expected to sell 20,000 units in 1968, over 45,000 ended up leaving the lot—an unexpected boon for Chrysler.

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    Its marketing was a stroke of genius, effectively marrying the car with a beloved cartoon character.

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Explore Plymouth Road Runner from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '68 Road Runner is pretty unmistakable; you know, it's like a muscle car icon. Think of it as a high-performance beast, a real head-turner. Key features include its distinctive 'Beep Beep' horn (yeah, seriously!), a relatively spartan interior – they kept it light for better performance, you see – and a powerful engine lineup; usually a 383 cubic inch V8, but bigger options were available. It's got that sporty, almost aggressive stance that just screams muscle car. Plus, it's a real classic, so finding one in good shape is... well, you get the idea. They're a bit like a prized possession; some people actually treat them better than their own families!

Okay, so the engine choices for the '68 Road Runner were pretty sweet. The base model usually came with a 383 cubic inch V8, which is – let's be honest – already a monster. But, if you were feeling adventurous, you could upgrade to a bigger, badder 426 Hemi. Think of it as going from a sports car to, I don't know, a rocket ship. And, you know, a few other options existed, but the 383 and the 426 were the stars of the show, so to speak. Each one offered its own unique blend of power and performance – it's like choosing between a delicious steak and a truly epic lobster dinner; both awesome but completely different experiences.

The '68 Road Runner was a real top performer among its contemporaries. It was seriously fast, and its handling wasn't too shabby either, considering. Compared to other muscle cars of the era, it often held its own in terms of power-to-weight ratio, although each model had its own strengths and weaknesses, of course. You really have to consider that things were different back then; you know, less technology but a lot of raw power. Some might say it was less refined than some of its competitors – which I suppose depends on your point of view, though – but there’s no denying its raw power and thrilling driving experience; it's a real visceral experience.

The price of a '68 Road Runner, man, that's like asking how long a piece of string is; it wildly varies depending on condition, mileage, and any modifications. A fully restored, numbers-matching car could fetch a pretty penny, maybe even a six-figure sum. But a project car, one that needs a lot of work, could be found for considerably less. So, you've got to do your homework. It's like buying a house: location, location, location — in this case, condition, condition, condition. Check online classifieds and auction sites to get a general idea; prices can vary drastically.

Like any classic car, the '68 Road Runner has its quirks. Common problems can include issues with the carburetor, which needs regular maintenance – that's kind of a given with older cars – and the electrical system can sometimes be temperamental. The brakes and suspension might also need attention after all these years. Think of it like this: it's an older car, so it needs a bit more TLC than a modern vehicle. But, hey, part of the charm of owning a classic car is the occasional mechanical adventure; plus, there's a whole community out there ready to help you out with tips and tricks and things.