A rare 1979 Plymouth Volare Road Runner, one of only 400 ever made, recently turned heads at a car event in Pennsylvania. Sporting a sleek black paint job, gold stripes, and matching wheels, this iconic muscle car showcased its unique charm.
The Volare Road Runner, a limited edition trim level, was introduced in 1976 and offered a distinctive appearance with its bold graphics and performance enhancements. Under the hood, the car typically featured a 318-cubic inch V8 engine, although a more powerful 360 V8 was available as an option.
To enhance its handling and performance, the Volare Road Runner borrowed suspension components from police spec models of the era. The Volare Road Runner’s rarity and distinctive styling have made it a highly sought after collectible among muscle car enthusiasts.
Its appearance at the Pennsylvania car event was a treat for fans who had the opportunity to admire this iconic vehicle up close. The car’s history, combined with its limited production numbers, has solidified its place in automotive history. Despite the Volare Road Runner’s popularity, production was discontinued in 1980.
This limited production run has contributed to the car’s value and desirability among collectors. The Pennsylvania car event provided a look into the past and showcased the enduring appeal of the Volare Road Runner.
The Plymouth Volare Road Runner, a rare and sought-after classic, has been owned by its current enthusiast for the past five years. This particular model holds a special place in his heart as it’s a recreation of the one he drove during his high school days. After acquiring it with his first paycheck, life’s demands led him to trade it in for a more practical family vehicle.
The car’s exterior has been refreshed with a new coat of paint, while its striking gold stripes, adorning the hood, trunk, and doors, are aftermarket additions from Arizona. The owner assures that he has spare sets on hand to replace any that may peel over time. The 14-inch wheels evoke the iconic Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Snowflake style, adding a touch of retro flair.
Inside, the original interior and carpets, dating back to 1976, showcase the Road Runner cartoon theme. The low odometer reading of 26,260 miles indicates that this Plymouth has been carefully preserved and rarely driven.
Under the hood, a Slant Six engine with a two barrel carburetor provides power, while power brakes and air conditioning enhance comfort.
This Road Runner, originally priced around $6,500 with all the options, is a testament to the era’s automotive design. In the 1960s, Plymouth secured the rights to the Road Runner name, image, and signature “Beep beep” horn from Warner Bros for a significant fee of $50,000.