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1971 Plymouth Road Runner

The '71 Road Runner: a muscle car legend! Big, bold, and loud, it cemented its place in pop culture. Think mean-looking, with that iconic beak nose. A powerful engine and a cool, slightly aggressive vibe made it a true American icon. A classic that still turns heads today.

Iconic Journey of the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner marks a significant milestone in the beloved era of American muscle cars. With its debut in 1968, it quickly captured hearts with its raw power and affordable pricing. By 1971, the Road Runner evolved to feature the incredible 426 HEMI V8 engine, which often exceeded its rated 425 horsepower, sometimes topping 500 when tested on the open road. Let's explore the cherished history, specifications, and cultural impact of this quintessential classic car.

Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

1971 Plymouth Road Runner Models:

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How Much is Plymouth Road Runner Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,147.00

Outstanding

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$148,000

Clean

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$129,000

Average

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$84,700*

Rough

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$60,700

1971 Plymouth Road Runner Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: RM23
Length: 203.2 inches
Width: 79.1 inches
Height: 52.7 inches
Wheelbase: 115 inches
Weight: 3,640lbs
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: 8.5 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 300@4800
Horsepower Rated: 57.8
Torque: 410@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: Holley
Type:
4.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
11 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.55 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.49
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.34
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: Regular
Tire Size: F78 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 19 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.4 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting RM23N1a100001
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
Winchester Gray Metallic, Slate Gray Metallic, Glacial Blue Metallic, Evening Blue Metallic, Rallye Red, Burnished Red Metallic, Amber Sherwood Metallic, April Green Metallic, Autumn Bronze Metallic, Sandalwood Beige, Coral Turquoise Metallic, Tahitian Walnut Metallic, Spinnaker White, Formal Black, Tawny Gold Metallic, True Blue Metallic, In-Violet Metallic, Mood Indigo Metallic, Sherwood Green Metallic, Sassy Grass Green, Bahama Yellow, Tunisian Tan Metallic, Tor-Red, Sno-white, Curious Yellow, Gold Leaf Metallic, All colors may not be available in all models.
Hardtop: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Power Antenna: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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History of the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Back in the early '70s, the auto world was buzzing with redesigns, and the Road Runner wasn't left behind. Facing rising insurance costs and a shift in consumer preferences, its sleek body and thrilling performance remained, yet with a touch more practicality. The redesign efforts mixed style, power, and some compromise, essentially biting the bullet of the changing times while attempting to maintain its pulsing charm.

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Detailed Specifications of the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

When you think of a 1971 Road Runner, you might picture the standard 383-cubic inch V8 engine pumping out 335 horsepower. Yet, for thrill-seekers, options like the awe-inspiring 426 HEMI V8 were available, albeit with a hefty price tag and a slight impracticality for daily drives. These beasts could slip from 0 to 60 mph in a jaw-dropping 5.3 seconds, dazzling drag strips by covering a quarter-mile in just 13.3 seconds.

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Tom Cruise

When thinking of cinema legends, Tom Cruise often springs to mind. And guess what? He's been associated with the captivating essence of classic Chrysler cars, including the revered Road Runner. Much like his on-screen presence, this car screams flair and allure.

Justin Timberlake

From dazzling the music charts to embracing the spirited rides, Justin Timberlake partakes in the nostalgia and thrill that cars like the Road Runner deliver. It's more than just a vehicle; it's an embodiment of rhythm and movement, much like his versatile career.

For comprehensive checks on car specifics, such as a mysterious or oldie , you've got avenues to explore no matter your classic car's age.

1971 Plymouth Road Runner Gallery

Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Fun Facts about the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner

Did you know the car's name hails from the Looney Tunes character? With an optional 'meep-meep' horn, it charmed even the casual onlookers and not just the speed enthusiasts. Set yourself up with a to trace stories embedded in every mile driven.

Pop Culture Influence of the 1971 Road Runner

This model wasn't just about the roar of its engine. In art and film, the Road Runner captured tension and adventure. Its starring role in the film "Vanishing Point" catapulted it to fame, making it an emblem of speed and suspense.

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Exploring the market for classic cars like the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner is thrilling! However, just like diving into any cherished history, knowing the backstory is vital. You wouldn't want to miss information like:

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Services like ensure you have all the detailed stories before making a purchase. And when checking older models, a reliable ensures no detail goes unnoticed.

In a world where history meets horsepower, the 1971 Road Runner exemplifies the extraordinary blend of past and present thrills on the road. Nostalgic yet exhilarating, it remains a testament to an era most wouldn't want to forget.

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Explore Plymouth Road Runner from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '71 Road Runner, it's kinda like a classic muscle car, you know? It's instantly recognizable by its iconic design elements; the bold, long hood, that short rear deck, and of course, the distinctive 'Road Runner' graphics package. These cars usually came with a pretty potent V8 under the hood; think big block power. You'll often see them with a distinctive blacked-out grille and generally pretty aggressive styling. But remember, there were trim level variations, so, it's not a totally monolithic design. You might find some subtle differences depending on the options package. This is important to note when you're comparing examples and trying to figure out your own. It really was a head-turner in its day, and it still is.

Oh boy, the engine choices back then! It was like ordering off a delicious, albeit slightly confusing, menu. You could go for anything from a smaller, more fuel-efficient (relatively speaking, of course) small-block V8 to a monstrous, tire-shredding big-block. I mean, we're talking 383 cubic inches, 440 cubic inches; there are several variations, enough to really make your head spin, honestly. Those bigger engines were a real blast, a bit like driving a runaway train! But naturally, the bigger the engine, the more the fuel consumption would go up. It really depended on what kind of driving experience you were after.

The value? That's a tricky one, sort of like predicting the weather in Florida. Condition is king. A pristine, numbers-matching example, practically showroom-fresh, will fetch a pretty penny. Think big bucks. We're talking serious money. On the other hand, a car that's seen better days, or one that's been heavily modified – that will command a much lower price. The rarer the options, the higher the price, too; think of it as a sort of rarity tax! It's also really important to keep your eyes peeled and do your research; you don’t want to overpay. A well-maintained car will generally hold its value better than one that’s been neglected.

These cars are getting up there in years, you know? So, it's wise to be prepared for potential issues; think of it as part of the charm and the challenge! Common problems include things like the carburetor, which can be temperamental at times. The electrical system can also be a bit finicky; they're old systems, after all. And rust – oh boy, rust is a biggie, especially in areas that get a lot of winter salt. But don't let that scare you. A well-maintained example should be reasonably reliable with the appropriate love and care; it’s a labor of love, really! It's just a fact of owning a car of this age, but it really pays to get a thorough inspection before buying anything.

A few things really! Its raw power, the aggressive styling, that iconic name—it's got a certain je ne sais quoi. They represent a bygone era of American muscle; it’s part nostalgia, part raw power. Plus, plenty of these cars have some seriously cool stories attached to them – stories that you get to carry on. It’s a piece of history. It's about the feeling, you know? That rumble of the V8, the way it handles, the feeling of freedom—it's an experience. A '71 Road Runner gives you an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, with all of its charm and character, you might say. Just don't expect a modern car's comforts – or fuel economy, for that matter!