1972 Plymouth Road Runner

Description

“We had felt the early models were too boxy, extremely tasteless, and sported an interior that had been rejected by the Taxi division.... For 1971 the Road Runner is a whole new ball game,” wrote Hi Performance CARS magazine. Plymouth completely redesigned the successful Road Runner series for 1971-1972 with a handsome “fuselage” theme, featuring a low recessed grille surrounded by a chrome loop bumper, flared fenders, and a high trunk. It was also Road Test Magazine’s US Car of the Year.

By 1972 performance was being eroded by emissions laws, and the 426 Hemi was gone, but the new standard 400 cu-in B-Block V8 made up some of the loss. Though most ordered the optional four-speed or automatic transmissions, a heavy-duty three-speed manual was standard, as on this Road Runner per the original Sales Order. The Road Runner was offered in 18 “high impact” colors including the Gold Leaf Poly that this well-restored example features. Plymouth built just 6,831 Road Runners in 1972, but according to Mopar expert Galen Govier this combination of 400 power, three-speed transmission, and Gold Leaf Poly paint adds up to a one-of-a-kind 1972 Plymouth Road Runner.

Highlights

• Documented one-of-one 1972 Plymouth Road Runner per Mopar expert Galen Govier

• Sold new through Chrysler Military Sales Corporation

• Performance 400 cu-in “E68” V8 producing 255 horsepower

• Rare three-speed manual transmission with floor shift

• The consignor states the car has the original, numbers matching drive line

• Uncommon Gold Leaf Poly (GY8) paint with Black bench seat interior (C2X9)

• Black “ladder stripe” (V8X) on “C” pillar

• Factory air conditioning

• The chassis number (RM23P2G118366) decodes as:

  • R – Plymouth Satellite/Sebring

  • M – Medium price class

  • 23 – Two-door hardtop

  • P – 400 cu-in 1-4bbl high-performance

  • 2 – 1972 model year

  • G – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant

  • 118366 – Production sequence number starting at 100001

• The factory options shown on the Trim Tag include but are not limited to:[CB1] [TG2]

  • A01 – Light group ($29.00)

  • A87 – Decor package ($78.00)

  • B41 – Power disc brakes (63.00)

  • S77 – Power steering ($106.00)

  • G11 – Tinted glass ($39.00)

  • G36 – Racing mirrors ($25.50)

  • H51 – Air conditioning ($356.50)

  • J55 – Undercoat (20.50)

  • R11 – AM radio ($60.50)

  • R31 – Rear speaker ($14.00)

  • S77 – Power steering ($106.00)

  • W23 – Chrome road wheels (82.50)

• This 1972 Plymouth Road Runner is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 85,050 miles at the time of listing, which is believed true

Features

• Bare-metal restoration including but not limited to:

  • Replaced rear quarter panels, trunk panel, gutters, header panel, rear deck panel, floor pans, and front lower valance

  • Windshield and rear window with new glass

  • Engine refreshed with bearings, gaskets, and O-rings

  • Transmission rebuilt with new parts

  • New dash pad

  • Instrument cluster refurbished

  • Original seats with exact-match seat covers from Legendary Auto Interiors

  • New Edelbrock AVS2 4-barrel electric choke carburetor

  • New leaf springs and shackles

  • New KYB shocks

  • New date-coded spark plug wires

  • New interior deluxe trim panels

  • Floor and roof have new sound deadening and heat barrier material

• Classic Industries retro-style AM/FM with Bluetooth (original AM radio included)

• New exhaust system with FlowMaster mufflers

• Recessed door handles

• Ventless side glass for a smooth look

• Concave front grille

• “High level” ventilation

• Keyless (push button) door locking

• Heavy duty suspension

• Color-keyed deep pile carpeting

• Rallye instrument cluster

• Road Runner trim and ornamentation

• “Beep-Beep” horn

Known Imperfections

• Minor paint crack on the driver’s side above the A-pillar

• Paint chip on the front header panel on the passenger side near front bumper

• Minor oil leak

• Water temperature gauge inoperable

Included

• Original Purchase Order

• Original Chrysler Military Sales Corporation documents

• Original AM radio

• Original air conditioner motor

• Original intake manifold

• Owner’s Manual

• Chrysler Emission Control Systems Manual

Ownership History

This 1972 Plymouth Road Runner was scheduled for production on 1 September 1971. The consignor is believed to be the third owner and has had the vehicle for nearly 20 years. Based on the sales order, the original owner was in the Air Force, 823rd RED HORSE Squadron, Prime BEEF Team #12. He lived in Opa Locka, Florida. The car was delivered to Miami, Florida, and is believed to have lived in Florida its entire life.