1-Owner Time Capsule, #s Drivetrain, 21,931 Miles, 3-Broadcast Sheets, IBM Card.

Plymouth Road Runner 1973 Description

As to myself, I am a (67) year old kid that loves muscle cars. For my work, I am retired from managing a Correctional Facility here in Maine and had worked for the Maine Department of Corrections for (40) years. I am also a respected member of my community. I mention this only because of the value of this car and so that prospective buyers will have some idea as to who they are dealing with. Also, please check out my eBay feedback that is 100% after (1,160) transactions. Many of my transactions have been muscle cars, which I have sold to individuals all over the country as well as Canada, England, France, Switzerland, Australia and the Netherlands. My reputation for honesty is well known amongst muscle car lovers.

Here is a little history on the 1973 Road Runner.

Yes, the Road Runner was based on the cartoon, and came complete with a horn that went beep beep! And an ad campaign featuring Wiley Coyote. The idea behind the Road Runner had been running around Highland Park for a while, but management had turned it down. Reportedly, it was eventually produced “despite”management opposition. The Roadrunner was not fragile. Unlike some sports cars (such as the Corvette), it was built for serious street work, which might be why so many have survived. The Roadrunner was reportedly a favorite of moonshiners, faster than almost any police car and tough enough to take practically any bump, with good ground clearance to boot.

The 1973 Road Runner received completely new sheet metal and had more conventional squared-up front-end styling, which resembled the four-door models and actually increased sales by 40%.

No 440ci cars with 4-speed manual were built. The 400 was the biggest engine Plymouth offered with the 4-speed, which could also be had with the 318, 340 (1973), and 360 (1974) engines. The 440 was still available, but with the TorqueFlite.

Those who know and appreciate what the Road Runner has meant in the past will be glad to learn that the 1973 Road Runner has lost none of its sporty appeal. Its basic equipment proves it is still a well-put-together performance car with the emphasis upon the basics. Front and rear sway bars. Front disc brakes. A performance hood. Heavy-duty springs. Rallye instrument cluster. Special Road Runner Dress-up body stripe and identification. And the distinctive “Beep-Beep" horn lets everyone know it’s a Road Runner.

The Road Runner comes with a standard simulated wood-grain Rallye cluster. Switches and controls are located on the left, while gauges and indicators are on the right. Space is provided for either an optional tachometer or clock.

Check out the video of my 1973 Road Runner starting for the first time in over two decades:

Here is a video of the 1973 Road Runner now. FYI, during the video, I neglected to show the seat belt warning light/buzzer and beep-beep horn that are also working and functional.:

Haggerty Values NADA Classics Values

1 Concours $42,800 $42,770

2 Excellent $31,100 $25,740

3 Good $20,500 $10,985

4 Fair $14,000 $3,115

1973 Plymouth Road Runner Production Numbers:

19,056 1973 Road Runners were produced;

2,740 1973 Road Runners were produced with the 400ci P-Code engine;

1,991 1973 Road Runners were produced with the 400ci P-Code engine and Automatic Transmission.

The following is simply my own extrapolation figure and should not be used as an accurate number.

Extrapolation by numbers:

14.4% of all 1973 Road Runners were produced with the 400ci P-Code engine.

10.4% of all 1973 Road Runners were produced with the 400ci P-Code engine and Automatic Transmission.

Here is the owner history as I know it:

Name Owned From Street Address City Zip

·Bouldin Motor Co. Inc. New Car-08/17/73 Unknown Eden, NC 27288

·Roy …. (1st Owner) 08/17/73-10/10/16 VA

·Dan …. (2nd Owner) 10/10/16-03/08/17 NH

·Al Barlow (3rd Owner) 03/08/17-Present 261 Main Street Thomaston, ME 04861

*NOTE: This car was never registered or titled by the 2nd or 3rd owner so it is by all accounts, a 1-owner car.

Here are a few neat facts regarding my Road Runner:

·1-Owner Car;

·21,931 documented original miles;

·Matching numbers throughout;

·Unmolested with no modifications;

·Excellent original bench seat interior;

·Excellent instrument panel;

·Original engine compartment;

·Virtually rust free body panels, floors, trunk, rocker panels, frame rails;

·One repaint at some point in its life, driver quality only;

·Three Original Broadcast Sheets (Decoded in ID Photos);

·Original and rare IBM (Punch) card;

·Original Fender Tag (Decoded in ID Photos);

·Original owner’s manual;

·Many original grease pencil markings;

·Four Original (used) Goodyear GT G60 x 15” tires on Rally rims (on the car);

·One Original (never used) Goodyear GT G60 x 15” spare tire and rim (in the trunk).

Here are a few items that I changed to make Rip Van Winkle come to life after his long sleep:

·New gas tank;

·New gas;

·New gas tank sending unit;

·New gas tank filler neck grommet;

·New gas fuel filter;

·New rebuild kit installed on the original 6321S carburetor;

·New electronic ignition control module;

·New voltage regulator;

·New battery;

·New plugs;

·New plug wires;

·New oil;

·New oil filter;

·New wiper blade refills;

·New antifreeze;

·Checked transmission fluid (still fine).

A true “Time Capsule”, my 1973 Plymouth Road Runner was only registered once and that was by the original owner. It is a completely numbers matching “SURVIVOR” car with three (3) original Broadcast Sheets and the super rare original IBM (Punch) card. It is powered by the High Performance and desirable P-code 400ci/260hp HP V8 and 4BBL engine backed up with the original A-727 automatic transmission. Putting the rubber to the road is the 8¼ Sure-Grip rear axle with a 3.23:1 ratio.

This is a wonderful specimen of a very rare and unmolested Road Runner. Brought up to New England from Virginia in the fall of 2016 after being purchased from the widow of the original owner. This fine automobile was originally ordered back in 1973 from “Bouldin Motor Co. Inc.”, a Plymouth dealer in Eden, NC. It spent the next 43 years in a small town in Virginia with the original owner. This Road Runner decided not to start sometime in 1995 so the owner left it sitting beside his house under a covered side roof on a cement slab. It sat there and sat there and the original owner passed away sometime in 2002. The widow would not sell her husband’s pride and joy for another 14 years. Fast forward to the car being purchased and coming north to NH in 2016. What happened to it? It sat in a storage area, never started or even washed. That’s where I come in being a true lover of these scarce and rare original Mopars, I purchased it in hopes of breathing new life into it after being asleep for some 22 years. And bring it back to life I did.

This unmolested beauty has all the good stuff you want and expect from a survivor. Like all original drivetrain, three (3) original Broadcast Sheets, the original IBM “Punch” Card, the original Warranty paperwork, the original inspection stickers from new to February 1995, original 15” rally rims, original (used) Goodyear GT G60x15” tires, the original (never used) Goodyear GT G60x15” spare tire and rim, the original owner’s manual, original stickers, original grease pencil markings, and so much more.

All interior and exterior lights work. This Road Runner was repainted once back in the day with all of its original body panels and all of the original interior. The car needs to be repainted at some point, the dash needs to be fixed/replaced, front/rear bumpers and door handles should re-chromed at some point as they are also original to the car.

As an FYI, the 400ci B engine blocks, due to their large factory bore size, short deck height, and bottom end strength (greater than any other production B or RB engine due to extra material added around the main bearing caps),have become a popular choice for high-performance engine build ups.

I drove the car home today in 5 degree weather. It started somewhat hard in the cold weather, road on the highway somewhat hard (with the bias ply tires that need to be updated to new radial tires), idled very good, runs and drives good (steering off a little and could use a front end alignment), with the heavy-duty suspension, front and rear sway bars, it feels very firm and solid and I assume it goes down the road like it did back in 1995. The car has no leaks and does not leave drops of fluid or stains on the floor below. There is a gassy smell and I believe it is either the float adjustment on the rebuilt original thermoquad or the original charcoal filled vapor canister (rare to see) that is still hooked up.

This is simply a no excuses, wicked nice and super rare Mopar and I urge any perspective buyer to look at all of the information, photos and the video and decide for themselves whether this is what they want and need. What I would hope for is to have a true Mopar enthusiast continue on with the Road Runner and make it the true collector car that it deserves to be. I honestly believe that you will not find another 1973 Road Runner as original as this one is.

For all of you numbers people like me, immerse yourself in the following:

VIN Number: RM21P3A296525

VIN Number Decode:

·R Plymouth Satellite

·M Medium Price Class

·23 2-Door Hardtop

·P 400ci, 1-4bbl, HP, 8cyl, E68, B Family

·3 1973 Model Year

·A Lynch Road, MI Assembly Plant

·296525 Sequence Number (VIN)

Body Plate:

GB5

GB5 C2B5 GB5 724 281286

E34 D68 RM21 P3A 296525

Body Plate Decode:

·E34 Stamp Error - Should Be E68 400ci/260hp, 1-4bbl, 8cyl

·D68 Stamp Error - Should be D34 Standard Duty Automatic Transmission

·RM21

§R Plymouth Satellite

§M Medium Price Class

§21 2-Door Coupe

·P3A

§P 400ci, 1-4bbl, HP, 8cyl, E68, B Family

§3 1973 Model Year

§A Lynch Road, MI Assembly Plant

·296525 Sequence Number (VIN)

·GB5 Bright Blue Metallic Lower Body Color

·C2B5

§C Custom Trim

§2 Vinyl Bench Seat

§B5 Medium Blue

·GB5 Bright Blue Metallic Upper Body Color

·724 Tuesday July 24, 1973 Production Date

·281286 Body Number

·GB5 Medium Blue Upper Door Frame Color

Important Casting Numbers and Stampings:

·Original 1973 400ci Block; Casting Number: 3698630-400

·Original 1973 400ci Block; VIN Stamping: 3A296525

·Original Automatic Transmission: Driver’s Side: PK3681055 4330 5080 A-727-B

·PK

·3681055 1973 Plymouth 400ci 4bbl 727 B-Body

·4330 Wednesday, June 6, 1973 10,000 Day Calendar

·5080 Sequence Number. 5,080th Built This Day

Passenger’s Side: A296525 VIN Number

·Rear Axle Casting Number:2381489 8¾ Rear Axle. 1973 Only;

·Rear Axle Ratio Tag: 3:23

·Original Cylinder Heads;Did not see ID numbers but positive they are original.

·Original Intake Manifold Casting Number; 3671879 1973 400 4BBL

·Original Carburetor; 6321SA 1973 400ci 4BBL Automatic HP Thermo-Quad

479 Carburetor Code

73 1973

·Original Distributor; 3656802 1973 B-Body 400 4BBL With Automatic Transmission

18 3 March 18, 1973

·Original LH Exhaust Manifold; Believed to be original but the number is covered by the heat shield.

·Original RH Exhaust Manifold Casting Number; 3751071 1973 400 4BBL

·Original Radiator: 3673098 1973 B Body 28” Both Manual or Auto With Heater

·Original Wiper Motor; 3431665 73692 1873

§3431665 1973 3-Speed Variable

§73692 Mopar Part Number

§1873 Friday July 6, 1973 365 Day Calendar

·Original Rims: 3580071 M4 5 17

3

§3580071 1973 15x7” Rally Rims

§M Motor Wheel

§4 4th Plant

§3 1973

§5 15”

§17 7” Rim

·Original Spare Rim: 3580070 M4 5 7

3

§3580070 1973 15 x 7” Stamped Steel Wheel

§M Motor Wheel

§4 4th Plant

§3 1973

§5 15”

§7 7” Rim

·Water Pump: 3751186 198 73

§3751186 Correct for 1973 Road Runner (Could Not Get a Photo)

§198 73 Tuesday July 17, 1973 365 Day Calendar

·Oil Pan: 971 Part # 3614970 1973 B-body 400ci 5-quart pan

·Pitman Arm: 3402730 1973 B Body Power Steering Large Sector

·Steering Box: 3643012 1973 Steering Gear Box

Exterior: One repaint on all original body panels, driver quality only. Has the following:

·Original Front and Rear Bumpers (Both especially the rear bumper should be re-chromed);

·Original door handles; (should be re-chromed);

·Original glass;

·Original tires;

·Original 15” rims;

·Original, perfect 15” trim rings;

Interior: All original. Excellent with the exception of two (2) dash cracks. The following are functional:

·Headlights;

·Tail Lights;

·Back-up Lights;

·Overhead Interior Light;

·Trunk Light;

·Blinkers Front, Rear, Top of Front Fenders;

·Heater;

·Horn;

·Speedometer (makes a noise at some speeds, may need new speedometer cable);

·Tachometer;

·Oil Pressure Gauge;

·Temperature Gauge;

·Alternator Gauge;

·Fuel Gauge;

·Radio;

·Wipers;

·Wiper Washer;

·Cigarette Lighter.

Engine: All original 400ci P-code. (See photos): "Times New Roman";color:#222222;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">

Trunk: All original with a never used spare tire/rim and jack assembly:

Undercarriage: All original and virtually rust free. May be original exhaust and exhaust tips:

ID Photo Documentation: All of the important information that a buyer wants to see is here and decoded for their convenience.

I am an individual and do not claim to know everything there is to know about these cars. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of you questions or concerns are resolved prior to bidding and not after.

WINNING BIDDER DOES NOT HAVE THE OPTION TO LOOK THIS CAR OVER AFTER THE AUCTION CLOSES TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO BUY. ALL INSPECTIONS "MUST" BE DONE PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE AUCTION WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.

In fairness to all, I am not revealing the reserve price. If you are interested in owning this car, please place a bid TO OWN ONLY AND NOT TO PASS TIME. If it does not make reserve, I may contact the high bidder depending on what the highest amount was on the last bid.

Terms of Sale:

This car is sold “as-is/where is” with absolutely no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied. The information I have given is what I believe to be true, but since I haven’t owned this particular vehicle since it was new, I do not guarantee any of the information to be 100% accurate. Everyone has different opinions of things, especially automobiles. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. My description is done in as accurate a manner as possible in my opinion. If there is any particular area of this vehicle that is of concern to you, it is understood that you have satisfied yourself enough to make the purchase.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required at the close of the auction via Paypal. (If you do not have Paypal let me know through eBay ASAP.) The remainder of selling price is due within (5) business days of the auction end. All funds must be in the form of a cashier’s check, certified bank check or wire transfer. If there is no confirmation, the seller has the right to offer the vehicle to other bidders. The buyer is responsible for all transport costs. This auction and your bid/participation in this auction are binding contracts and will be dutifully, lawfully enforced.

FYI: There is no Maine title for this 1973 Plymouth Road Runner as Maine does not issue titles for vehicles that are more than (15) years old. I have sold cars all over the country as well as Canada, England, Switzerland and Australia and have never had a problem. The car will come with a Bill-of-Sale, the current Maine registration signed over to the new owner and a copy of the Maine law regarding titles which is on a form issued by the Maine Motor Vehicle Department.

Seller reserves the right to end the auction early without any liability to the seller.

THANKS FOR READING THIS LENGTHY AD. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING.