1970 Plymouth Road Runner
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner is an iconic American muscle car known for its raw power, no-frills design, and distinctive “beep-beep” horn. It featured bold styling updates for its final year on the B-body platform and offered a range of potent V8 engines, including the legendary 426 HEMI.
Specifications & Features
The 1970 Road Runner was built on Chrysler’s B-body platform, focusing on performance and affordability over luxury. It came in coupe, hardtop, and convertible body styles.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 116.0 inches |
| Length | 204.0 inches (hardtop/coupe) |
| Weight | Approximately 3,610 lbs (coupe) to 3,780 lbs (convertible) |
| Transmission | Standard heavy-duty 3-speed manual; optional 4-speed manual (with Hurst “Pistol Grip” shifter) or 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
| Suspension | Heavy-duty suspension with front torsion bars and an anti-roll bar |
| Unique Features | Iconic “beep-beep” horn, Warner Bros. Road Runner decals, and an optional vacuum-operated “Air Grabber” hood scoop with a shark graphic |
Engine Options
The 1970 model offered a selection of powerful V8 engines, with the standard 383 cu in engine providing ample power and the optional 426 HEMI achieving legendary status.
- 383 cubic inch V8 (Standard): Produced 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. This was the base engine designed for performance at an affordable price.
- 440 cubic inch “Six-Barrel” V8 (Optional): Equipped with three two-barrel carburetors, this engine delivered 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
- 426 cubic inch HEMI V8 (Optional): The top-of-the-line engine, conservatively rated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Hemi-equipped models could run the quarter-mile in the mid-13-second range.
Collectibility and Market Value
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner is a highly sought-after classic muscle car, with its value varying significantly based on engine, condition, and originality. According to Classic.com, the average price for a 1970 Road Runner is around $92,733, with prices generally ranging from a low of around $45,495 to a high of over $225,000 for exceptional models, particularly those with the rare 426 HEMI or Superbird package.
Reviews
Expert opinions and user reviews consistently praise the 1970 Road Runner for its raw power and performance-first attitude. Reviewers note it was built for speed, not luxury, and its heavy-duty components made it a formidable street and drag racing machine. While the Hemi is lauded for its immense power, some enthusiasts mention the 440 was a better choice for a more balanced driving experience due to the Hemi’s front-end weight.
