{"id":80988,"date":"2024-08-28T07:59:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dodgegarage.com\/news-api\/?p=80988"},"modified":"2024-08-26T08:24:31","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T12:24:31","slug":"pristine-1-of-59-1970-plymouth-road-runner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/heritage\/2024\/08\/pristine-1-of-59-1970-plymouth-road-runner.html","title":{"rendered":"Pristine “1 of 59” 1970 Plymouth Road Runner"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

– Numbers-matching HEMI\u00ae<\/sup> engine-powered 4-speed car<\/strong>
– A33 Track Pack equipped (Dana 60 axle, 3.54:1 gears)<\/strong>
– High-Impact Purple “In-Violet” FC7 factory color<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding a desirable Mopar\u00ae<\/sub> muscle car is always a treat, and when it’s a very “original” example, that makes it all the better! Such was the case for this 1970 HEMI Road Runner. It had a super-straight body and flawless paint, the correct letter “R” on the dash (VIN), the stampings on the fender tag, the numbers stamped on the radiator core support, the engine stamping numbers, stampings on the transmission, all this made it a great find! Add in the clean underside of the car (no evidence of rot and rust) and there was a lot to be happy about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediately, it was apparent this was a real, \u201cnumbers-matching\u201d HEMI engine-powered car, and save for a fresh paint job, everything on the vehicle appeared to be \u201cfactory,\u201d including things like the window glass, weatherstripping, upholstery and engine hoses. With only 36,000 miles on the odometer, it made sense and was evident that this car was original in every way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDER THE AIR GRABBER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Although the car was \u201cthe real deal\u201d with the E74 full verification, and genuine in every way, upon close inspection and observation, the rare bird did need some attention to ensure it would be fully road worthy. The engine itself ran but seemed to have some internal vibrations, which had to be fixed before there would be any catastrophic problems that could ruin the engine block itself. The decision was made to pull the big HEMI engine out. And while that was being serviced, it became a great time to rebuild the transmission as well as the rear differential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 426 HEMI engine was completely torn down and all components were magnafluxed, and a replacement crankshaft was sourced, along with new pistons, rings and bearings, plus the carburetors and distributor were rebuilt as well. When the final assembly was completed (including a full blueprint and balancing job), the mill was run on the dyno and at peak rpm, horsepower was verified at 523 and 540 lb.-ft. of torque on the dial! The engine is strong and built to original factory specs, no aftermarket parts whatsoever. The carburetors were originals and completely rebuilt to factory condition, including little details like color-coded electric chock assembly complete with masking tape fitted. 426 Gen II HEMI engines rock!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RALLYE DASH<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

New for Road Runner in 1970 was the addition of the \u201crallye\u201d dashboard, which essentially was the 1968 Dodge Charger unit. This car has the \u201cN85\u201d tachometer and R11 Am Solid State radio. Oh, and that Hurst Pistol Grip shifter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As part of the interior resto, the seats were given new foam and the headrests were restored to original condition. The car’s interior looks factory fresh, thanks to great lengths to get everything \u201cright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

An example on how original the car is would be the seat belts. Shown here is the near-perfect factory label. This car was well cared for all these years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ORIGINAL FIVE-SPOKE STEEL WHEELS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These are the original five-spoke \u201cW23\u201d chrome-style road wheels, and reproduction Goodyear F70-14 rubber. A close look will show the orange hue used on the drum brakes, this car didn\u2019t have the disc brake option.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Every part of the car has received a great deal of attention, making every detail as close to perfection as possible! After the drivetrain was removed, there was time to do some more detail work, and the project eventually evolved into a major restoration. All work was performed by Ward Gappa and his Scottsdale, AZ-based Quality Muscle Car Restorations LLC shop. By the time Gappa and his crew were done, the dashboard was renewed, new headliner fitted, complete new exhaust system fitted (including NOS resonators), F&R suspension refurbished, K-member removed and restored, seats restored including new seat foam, new rear backlight glass (with correct date code), door assemblies rebuilt, restored headrests, new door chrome and interior trim pieces replaced as needed, rebuilt F&R brakes, new brake and fuel lines, along with radiator restoration work. The Road Runner got some major attention and while the body and paint didn\u2019t need any upgrading, the doors were re-hung to ensure proper door gaps on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AIR GRABBER STANDARD EQUIPMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On Road Runners that came with the optional HEMI engine, the \u201cAir Grabber\u201d hood scoop was standard equipment. On the other engines, 383 and 440, it was known as the N96 option, which cost $65.55. When this HEMI Road Runner was ordered, the “V21” option was checked, Performance Hood Paint, which provides a certain “competition” look.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JUST LIKE NEW<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

September 23, 1969, Chrysler\/Plymouth showrooms had the new 1970 models and the Road Runner, with its new styling, new dashboard and new Air Grabber hoods. This particular car, with the paint, the HEMI engine, the Pistol Grip, Performance Hood Paint, well, it was a welcoming sight for lovers of high-performance Mopar vehicles. And it still is today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IMPRESSIVE VISUALS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Optional V6Y “Dust Trail” gold side stripes add some distinction to the car, no question about it, a fun “Warner Bros. cartoon” connection to anyone who ever saw the Saturday morning episodes of the Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner <\/em>program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the rear view, the 1970 Road Runner had the “bird” marking; however, there were not any clues as to what lurked under the hood unless one was able to catch a glimpse to the cowl area of the hood … and in the case of HEMI engine-powered cars, it certainly had a way of getting any potential street racer to think twice…<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ward Gappa went to extremes to give this car the true \u201cshowroom appearance\u201d and that included the addition of authentic \u201cOK\u201d paint inspection stamps. Unreal detail!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In keeping consistent with the factory markings, the inside of the deck lid had \u201cF70 x 14\u201d marked on it to signal the assembly line workers as to which spare tire to install.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Even though it came with optional steel wheels, the spare tire on these cars had the standard stamped steel wheel. F70-14 Goodyear Polyglass rubber was stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NUMBERS MATTER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When the car was found and seeing the VIN and the fender tag, it was verified that it is a true HEMI engine-powered car, a 4-speed car, with FC7 High Impact Color (In-Violet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PERIOD MARKETING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Plymouth makes it!” was the overall marketing theme for 1970 and the division\u2019s performance cars were known as being part of the Rapid Transit System. Among the RTS vehicles was the Sport Fury GT, GTX, Road Runner, 340 Duster and \u2019Cudas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

1970 was a very good year! Factory records show that there was only 59 1970 Road Runner HEMI Hardtops built with 4-speed transmissions, and if you consider that Plymouth offered these cars in a total of 23 different colors, the rarity of this car in the special purple hue (AKA \u201cPlum Crazy\u201d in Dodge terminology) is mind-boggling! It has to be one of the best restored, most rarest of its kind on the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author: James Maxwell<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

– Numbers-matching HEMI\u00ae engine-powered 4-speed car– A33 Track Pack equipped (Dana 60 axle, 3.54:1 gears)– High-Impact Purple “In-Violet” FC7 factory color Finding a desirable Mopar\u00ae muscle car is always a treat, and when it’s a very “original” example, that makes it all the better! Such was the case for this 1970 HEMI Road Runner. It had a super-straight body and flawless paint, the correct letter “R” on the dash (VIN), the stampings on the fender tag, the numbers stamped on the radiator core support, the engine stamping numbers, stampings on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":80994,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2622],"tags":[2949],"class_list":["post-80988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-heritage","tag-plymouth-classics"],"acf":[],"custom_fields":{"post_thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/70HEMIRR_Feature.jpg","social_image":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/70HEMIRR_Social.jpg","icon_selection":"article","external_link":"","featured_article":[],"upload_background_image":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80988"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80988"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81031,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80988\/revisions\/81031"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}