However, despite the power and looks, the Fury GT wasn’t a big performer since it was still a heavy car. In combination with a relatively high price tag, it proved to be a slow seller. So, after just one year in production, Plymouth discontinued the GT model. Also, with the tight fit of the engine, there wasn’t space for a power steering pump, so you had to use your muscles to turn this compact but overly powerful car.

  • This one is powered by the smallest V8 offered, a 318, backed by a Torqueflite automatic.
  • The Hemi was the most powerful engine available, producing a whopping 425 horsepower.
  • In those early days, Chrysler didn’t offer a four-speed manual, so the automatic was a better choice.
  • But it’s a lazy, low-revving stump-puller of an engine that probably won’t be hard to bring back to life.
  • The interior featured high-back bucket seats, a pistol-grip shifter, and a rallye instrument cluster.
  • The AAR Cuda was powered by a special 340ci six-pack V8 engine, which was rated at 290 horsepower.

The styling of the Cuda Convertible was unmistakable, with its long hood, short deck, and aggressive lines. The front end featured a grille with two rectangular openings, while the rear featured a spoiler and round taillights. But, the conversion wouldn’t be complete if the Roadrunner Wagon retained the Belvedere drivetrain.

  • In 1968, the Road Runner made its debut with a standard 383 cubic inch V8 engine.
  • I love me some Mopars (’66 Newport and ’73 New Yorker), but today it’s IH all the way.
  • It was part of the E-Body lineup and was powered by a massive 426ci Hemi V8 engine that produced an astonishing 425 horsepower.
  • If you’re lucky enough to find one, the classic VIN decoder can give you all the original factory specs, ensuring you know what you’re getting.

As Chrysler’s low-cost brand, Plymouth was hit hard by the oil embargo of 1973, which led to a surge in demand for smaller, more affordable, and fuel-efficient imports. And the Barracuda 440 was exactly what they needed, even if it was a handful to drive. Worse yet, it required a complicated production process since the big 440 didn’t fit in the small Barracuda engine bay without extensive modifications. This made it fast but also hard to launch due to loads of wheel spin.

Plymouth Roadrunner Wagon

And the Sox and Martin ‘Cuda was one of the most successful drag racing teams of the late ’60s and early ’70s. In fact, their favorite weapon was a red, white and blue ‘Cuda with a specially-prepared Hemi engine. Interestingly, after the original muscle car era ended in 1974, Plymouth continued to offer the Duster 340 but with the 360 engine option. They featured numerous interesting combinations, such as fuel injected, supercharged or turbocharged engines. Today, real altered wheelbase cars are extremely rare and are a valuable piece of muscle car history. In 1970, Plymouth added a more aggressive front-end design and kept beefing up its engine options.

The Plymouth Road Runner is one of the most famous muscle cars of all time. Plymouth wanted to create a no-frills, affordable muscle car that didn’t compromise on power. This article will explore the best Plymouth muscle cars and help you understand what makes each one special. By the end, you’ll know which Plymouth models are worth the investment—and how using a Plymouth classic VIN decoder can give you a deeper understanding of their history. If you’re a classic car or old car enthusiast, you’re likely drawn to the idea of owning an iconic piece of American automotive history. Plymouth muscle cars stand out as some of the most coveted vehicles from the golden era of muscle cars.

The Plymouths were dependable, high-quality automobiles at affordable prices that appealed to a wide audience. By 1970, Plymouth took the Barracuda to a whole new level by putting it on the larger E-Body platform shared with the Dodge Challenger. This was the birth of the muscle-bound Barracuda that car enthusiasts know and love. The early ’60s marked the birth of Plymouth’s entry into the muscle car world. The Ply mouth Fury, Belvedere, and Savoy were among the key players during this era. However, the Road Runner’s creation was almost derailed when Macadam learned that the marketing department, under Jack Smith, intended to affix a cartoon bird onto his sleek design.

Why Mitsubishi Discontinued Production of The Lancer

The 426 Hemi was rated at 425 HP, but the real output was much more than that. And in 1964, Chrysler built just 70 copies, 35 as the Dodge 440 hardtop and 35 as the Plymouth Belvedere hardtop. Most of the cars produced had an automatic transmission but some had a four-speed manual. Owning a Road Runner today means owning a piece of muscle car legend. If you’re curious about a specific model’s history, don’t forget to use the Plymouth classic VIN decoder to access key details about the car’s production and options. Plymouth kept things interesting by offering a variety of body styles—from sedans to convertibles—all with impressive powertrain options.

The Factory Experimental (FX) class in the NHRA championship was a predecessor to today’s funny cars class. Basically, it was a place where factory supported teams could race cars that resembled stock vehicles. This was a race-spec Hemi that pin up online casino was not street legal in most states they didn’t sell to the public.

Plymouth Fury I-II-III/Belvedere/Savoy – 1962 To 1967

And the first company to experience this scenario was Plymouth in 2001 when it closed its doors after 73 years in the business. With models like the Road Runner and Barracuda, Plymouth didn’t just compete with brands like Ford and Chevrolet—they created cars that became icons in their own right. Unfortunately, Plymouth’s story came to an end in 2001, but its legacy lives on in the muscle cars it left behind.

It came with a 340 V8 small block and a special plastic hood in matte black paint with a hood scoop. Also, it had a rear spoiler and interesting side graphics including the big AAR logo. But this version was more expensive than the regular 340 ‘Cuda and that is why they only made 2,724 of them. Pony cars wars were getting serious as Mustang defended its position as the bestselling model in its class. And the Camaro/Firebird duo was attacking it with everything GM had at the moment. Chrysler was a formidable competitor since the restyled Barracuda had more muscle with the introduction of the optional 383 engine.

And this caused the factory to compensate car owners and give them a conventional four-barrel setup. If the fuel injection worked as it should, it could’ve produced up to 315 HP. They presented Plymouth in 1928 as a low-cost manufacturer below Dodge and Chrysler. And it occupied that market position for decades, all the way to the end.