Documented Numbers Matching Road Runner Convertible 383

The first-year 1969 Plymouth Road Runner convertible is a very rare car, with just 2,128 being built. This one is not only a member of that elite group, it’s also 100% numbers matching with a 383 big block and a 4-speed, along with a positively gorgeous color combination of Ivy Green Metallic over a tan bucket seat interior. It also comes with an original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet and has been fully restored to better-than-new condition.

The car still carries its original fender tag, and here’s the information it contains:

RM27:Plymouth Belvedere, SatelliteMedium, Road RunnerConvertible

H9G: 383 335 horsepower 1x4BBL 8 CYL1969St. Louis, MO, USA

240430: Sequence number

E63:  383 cubic inch 4-barrel V8 High PerformanceD21:  4-Speed Manual TransmissionF8:  Dark Green Metallic / Ivy Green Metallic Exterior ColorM6T:  Trim - Opt. Decor Group, Vinyl Bucket Seats, TanT7:  Dark Bronze Metallic / Burnished Bronze Metallic Int. Door Frames410:  Build Date: April 10146973: Order number

A01:  Light PackageB51:  Power BrakesC16:  Console w/Woodgrain PanelG55:  Outside LH Remote Painted Racing MirrorJ25:  3 Speed WipersL31:  Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals

M31:  Belt MoldingsN96:  Fresh Air HoodR11:  Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)END:  End of Sales Codes

I’m a fan of the Chrysler F8 green family—with a gold base, it positively glows in the sun like no other paint of the era. The hue has been faithfully reproduced in 2-stage urethane on this Road Runner, and applied over some extremely straight bodywork. Those massive quarter panels line up perfectly, and gaps are uniform throughout the car. Make no mistake; these were full-sized cars, and getting that much steel to look this straight is not a job for amateurs. Of course, it’s easy when you’re working with 100% original sheet metal that’s already in great condition, as is the case on this car, and the results speak for themselves. This is one seriously nice looking car.

Details that make the Road Runners special include the N96 Fresh Air Hood, which feeds the 383 underneath through two vents with signature red grilles. The grille and headlight surround is in excellent condition and appears to be an original piece, while out back, the taillights and bezels also appear to be original, further proof that this is a well-maintained car. The chrome is excellent and all the stainless shows well. The dazzling white convertible top is brand new, installed by RK Motors to replace the original, which, after 42 years, was starting to show its age.

Open that trick hood and you’ll find the original, numbers matching 383 cubic inch “Coyote Duster” V8. With a singe 4-barrel carburetor, it was rated at 335 horsepower, which was more than enough to move the lightweight Roadrunner with real authority. The engine was rebuilt to stock specs in 2004 and has been driven sparingly since then, and still runs like new. Highly detailed, that HEMI Orange big block looks especially attractive sitting in the green engine bay. Many original parts, including the water tank, horns, and windshield wiper motor remain with the car, attesting to its well-kept history. Other components, such as the hoses and clamps, battery and much of the hardware, are reproduction pieces that look exactly right and make this engine bay show-ready. The car starts easily and runs very well under all conditions, exactly as you’d expect from such a well-maintained car.

The transmission is the original, numbers matching 4-speed, and RK Motors Charlotte just resurfaced the flywheel and installed a new clutch while we were putting a new front bearing in the transmission. Out back, the original 8.75-inch rear carries 3.55 gears, which are ideal for a ragtop like this, offering a great compromise between acceleration and cruising ability. The bottom of the car has never been restored, and still carries the original undercoating, meaning that this car has never needed a full-blown restoration. Everything is functional and shows excellent maintenance, from the suspension to the brakes to the exhaust, and there are no hidden issues for a new owner to worry about. The beautiful chrome Magnum wheels carry recent F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas Red line tires.

The tan bucket seat interior is absolutely spectacular, and even more amazing when you bear in mind that it’s mostly original. There’s some slight wear to the tops of the doors where someone might rest their elbow when cruising, which indicates that it has never been freshened. Given that, the seats are absolutely amazing, with no tears or rips in the seams and very little stretching, with excellent patina. The foam underneath is still firm and comfortable, and all the chrome trim pieces are very good for their age. The back seat looks like it has seldom been used, and the carpets are almost too nice to be original—it’s possible that they are correct reproductions done some time ago. The console shows excellent care and no signs of fading on the original woodgrain, while the dash and gauges are in good condition. Everything works properly, including the Music Master AM radio, making this ragtop ready for this summer’s cruising season. The trunk has been freshened with recent paint on the floor simply to clean it up, a new mat, and a jack assembly with full-sized spare tire.

Documentation consists of receipts for some of the recent work, as well as portions of the original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet.

Rare, fast, and beautifully preserved, this car is a fantastic cruiser for the guy who likes to have something a little different. With an upscale color combination and a 4-speed, it will be the hit of any cruise night and will probably draw a crowd even at the Mopar Nationals. With its outstanding original features and top-quality restoration work to areas such as the paint, it is a car you’ll be proud to own and show. I’ve seen Road Runner coupes going for similar money, so this convertible represents an awful lot of show and go for the money. I can guarantee you won’t see yourself coming and going at every show, and getting there will be twice as fun with the big block under the hood. Call now!