Plymouth Road Runner (2nd generation)
The fuselage-styled bird that beep-beeped through the end of the golden muscle era.
- Power
- 300 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.7 s
- Top speed
- 130 mph
- Est. value
- $32k–$75k
About the Plymouth Road Runner
The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner marked the debut of the second-generation 'fuselage' styling, featuring a more aerodynamic, rounded body with a distinctive loop-style front bumper. While the muscle car era was beginning to fade due to rising insurance rates and emissions regulations, the 383 cubic-inch V8 remained the standard-bearer for Mopar performance, albeit detuned to 300 hp to meet new standards. It retained the iconic 'Beep-Beep' horn and Warner Bros. cartoon decals that defined its budget-muscle identity. Collectors prize the 1971 model for its one-year-only styling details and its status as the final year for several high-performance big-block options.
Plymouth Road Runner specs
The Plymouth Road Runner produces 300 bhp (224 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
| Make | Plymouth |
|---|---|
| Model | Road Runner |
| Generation | Second Generation (2nd generation) |
| Trim | 6.3 V8 383 |
| Years | 1971–1974 |
| Type | Muscle |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 14,218 built |
| Original price | About $3,100 when new |
| Engine | 6.3-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,276 cc (6.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 300 bhp (224 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.7 s |
| Top speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,651 kg (3,640 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 182 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Plymouth Road Runner worth?
A typical Plymouth Road Runner is estimated to be worth $32,000 – $75,000 (about £24,000 – £56,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,100.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Plymouth Road Runner rarity in CarSpot
The Plymouth Road Runner is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 56 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Plymouth Road Runner fun facts
- The 1971 model was the first Road Runner to be designed from the ground up as its own model rather than being a modified Belvedere.
- Plymouth paid Warner Bros. $50,000 to use the Road Runner name and likeness, plus thousands more to develop the signature 'Beep-Beep' horn sound.
- The 1971 383 V8 was the last year this specific engine was offered in the Road Runner before being replaced by the 400 cubic-inch unit in 1972.
