Buzz
In 1968, Plymouth introduced a new kind of muscle car, sparking a wave of budget-friendly high-performance vehicles. However, the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi stood out with its raw, untamed power, making it one of the most formidable cars of its time. Discover more muscle car images.When it came to the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi, muscle car reviewers didn’t hold back on their enthusiasm.
"What does it feel like on the road? Absolutely stunning. The Hemi Road Runner exudes more raw mechanical energy than any other American automobile. ... Its idle is forceful and restless, making the entire car tremble. ... Open up the dual four-barrel Carters, and the exhaust roars like Krakatoa, with the deafening screech of air being sucked into the intakes that draws attention from blocks away. Oh, you know you're in the presence of something special."
That was the response from Car and Driver after testing the '69 Hemi Road Runner against five other budget-friendly racers that had emerged in the year following Plymouth's groundbreaking release. Such passionate reviews were common; anyone behind the wheel of a Hemi Road Runner seemed to share the same awe.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. For 1969, the Road Runner offered new options like bucket seats and a center console. Buyers could also choose power windows and a convertible body style.With the Road Runner making up 35 percent of Plymouth's midsize-car sales, the brand stayed true to the successful formula established by the 1968 model. The lineup expanded with a convertible, alongside the hardtop and pillared coupe. The grille and taillights were updated, and the bird logo was now in full color. Additional options included a center console, front bucket seats, and power windows.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 426-cid Hemi with 425 horsepower featured functional hood vents to enhance its performance.The 335-horsepower 383-cid four-barrel engine remained standard, with the 425-horsepower 426-cid Hemi once again available as the top engine choice. Midyear, a third option became available: the 440-cid V-8 with triple two-barrel carbs, a powertrain that had first appeared in the 1969 Dodge Super Bee.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Hemi option was priced at $812, with it being installed in 422 Road Runner hardtops, 356 pillared coupes, and 10 convertibles for the 1969 model year.Referred to as the "440+6," this version came with a large, lift-off fiberglass hood, Hurst shifter, and 4.10:1 Sure-Grip rear end. The 390-horsepower 440+6 offered acceleration similar to the Hemi, but at roughly half the cost. However, while it had the power, it didn’t quite deliver the same level of excitement. Motor Trend realized that after cruising down California's famed Sunset Strip in a striking blood-red 1969 model.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Plymouth largely stuck to the winning formula for the Road Runner, but made subtle changes, such as a revised grille and taillights, with the bird emblem now featured in full color."The rough, forceful idle pulses from beneath the car, bouncing off surrounding vehicles, and hitting the ears of both the driver and onlookers. You might hesitate before going for a 383 Road Runner, but with a Hemi, you only hesitate once – and then let it roar past you."
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