The year 1971 brought significant change to the American muscle car, with a number of model redesigns appearing. One was the release of the 2-door G-series Chrysler B-bodies, including the Charger/Super Bee and GTX/Road Runner muscle cars. At the time, few foresaw how close to the end of this era the Big Three manufacturers were. In fact, the 1971 model run was also the end of the high-performance equipment as originally optioned on this beautiful 440 Six Barrel Road Runner.
This body was called the ‘fuselage’ style and featured much smoother, more dramatic edges than previous renderings of the classic Plymouth. This was the direct result of ongoing aerodynamic testing that Chrysler had been involved in, and it proved apt on the NASCAR circuit, where this design took Richard Petty to 21 event crowns and the first-ever Winston Cup title that season.
On this car, paintedC7 “In-Violet”, with the tuxedo White and Black interior, theroofis augmented by a black rear-angled strobe graphic that laced over from the top and ended in Road Runner logos on each side. The factory rear spoiler only adds to its appeal as raw yet respectable power. While the color itself lends to this car’s attraction, other visual points of interest are hood tie-down pins, body colorsport mirrors, raised white-letter GoodyearPolyglastires and15 x 7Rallye wheels(as ordered).To further state the cars “As Ordered” agenda to go fast in a straight line approximately a ¼ mile at a time, it was ordered withoutpower steering ora radio!
While the styling change did end production of convertibles, high-compression engines were still available—among them the Hemi, the 340 and the one-of-just-137-built 440 Six Barrel models like this car. Shortened to 6BBL in Plymouth nomenclature, the big engine was rated at 385 HP in 1971, featuring three Holley 2-barrel carburetors atop a semi high-rise intake manifold. Flow-rated at more than 1,000 CFM, this trio would open based on engine vacuum and simply blur the entire vision of anybody inside the car as it accelerated, coupled to the roar of air being pulled in and screaming rear tires. Callouts on the stylized hood let everyone knowthat this car means nothing but business.
This car came with the A833 4-speed“Hemi”transmission, ably shifted with ashort-handled Hurst Pistol Grip. The carwas ordered with the optional bucket seats, podded instrument cluster and radiodelete!A Dana 60 differential(with 4.10 gears and the sure-grip option)is under the rear end, visible behind the factory rear valance blackout graphics.
We mentioned this was the end. Though Road Runner continued on for 1972, the code-E87 Six Pack enginewas to be discontinuedat year’s end with its boots on, with solid 10.5:1 compression and visible notoriety. Coupled with low production numbers, the desirable 4-speed/Dana driveline, this car showcases the very end of Detroit’s legendary supercar era.
If you read the articles on this car, you will know why it doesn’t retain its original drive-train. There is a properly date coded 440 as well as an original Hemi 18-spline transmissionandan original ’71 B-body Dana. The car was restored from 1994 to 1996 and brought to the Mopar Nationals, and has only been driven approximately 3000 miles since. Currently has 15 x 7 steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. It looks as good as it does in the pictures. I know “Fresh” restorations are preferred, but wouldn’t you rather have a car that has withstood the test of time and showsitstrue colors? I have seen many undocumented restorations come apart at the seams as yearsgo on due to replacement metal/shoddy body and paint. The bodywork and paint was appliedby Rick “RestoRick” Kreuziger, one of the best if not the best in the Mopar world. http://www.restorick.com/
The paint, chrome, trim, interior,etc.are in amazing condition. While it isn’t a fresh restoration, it is stilla topthe scoreboardat a #2or better.Pictures document the process from pulling the car out of the pole barnwith 100% original paintto the final day of the restoration!There was no broadcast sheet as the seats were parted from the car, but the fender tag is present and all thebody numbers are still in place as well as the original door sticker.
With less than 1% oftotal production, how many are still in existence today? How many still retain all of their originalsheet metal? How many have documented ownership back to the original purchase?There are only four (4) documented ownersprior tomyself. How many have a videodocumentingthe day it was brought home?
This car is being sold "As Is" with no warranties either expressed or implied. A $1,000.00 deposit is to be made via Paypal immediately after auction is won. The balance must be made by wire transfer within seven (7) days of auction close. I am willing to sell to international buyers as long as you meet these terms and take care of all transportation arrangements and fees. I can hold the car up to 30 days to accommodate the shippers schedule at no additional charge. I have a perfect Ebay rating and want to keep it that way, so if you have ANY questions, ask them prior to the purchase! Please contact me PRIOR TO A BEST OFFER SO THAT WE ARE BOTH ON THE SAME PAGE IN REGARDS TO PAYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION. Serious bidders only with cash on hand!!!!
Contact me with any questions, Paul: Four 1 Four - 2 Five 4 - One One 8 One.
Thanks for looking!
Current ValuesFrom Hagerty:
•#1 Concours$99,800Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."
•#2 Excellent$82,600#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."
•#3 Good$67,400#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.
•#4 Fair$50,300#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.Value Adjustments+10% for 4-spd.Colors can make an astonishing difference in both value and salability.