Buzz
Plymouth's mid-sized models concluded their 1968-70 design phase with updated exteriors and a redesigned interior dashboard.
©Featuring a refreshed look, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi played a key role in Plymouth's "Rapid Transit System," the marketing slogan for its boldest muscle cars. This lineup included the revamped 'Cuda, the debut of the Duster 340, and the updated GTX. The Rapid Transit campaign embraced vibrant colors, psychedelic art, and flower-power themes, capturing the spirit of the era.
One advertisement showcased the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi with a striking image of its cartoon mascot bursting through a hood-mounted trap door. The caption, "The loved bird," cleverly highlighted the car's widespread appeal while introducing the new Air Grabber hood feature.
The Air Grabber hood came standard on 1970 Plymouth Road Runners equipped with the 426-cid Hemi engine and was optional for the 440 models. A dashboard switch activated the hood's trap door, unveiling a scoop adorned with a fierce shark graphic—perfect for intimidating rivals at traffic lights. The iconic "beep-beep" horn sound originated from a purple module under the hood.
The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi featured a redesigned exterior with loop-themed front and rear designs and faux rear-fender scoops. Mechanically, the powertrains remained largely the same, though the 426 Hemi engine transitioned to hydraulic lifters for improved durability and emissions. The standard four-speed manual transmission became optional, replaced by a robust three-speed manual. Sales dipped slightly from 43,400 to around 39,600 units, with 75 hardtops, 74 pillared coupes, and three convertibles equipped with the optional 426 Hemi engine.
Performance remained uncompromised. A 1970 Plymouth Road Runner with the Hemi engine could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 13.49 seconds at 106 mph.
A cartoon Road Runner graphic adorned the rear edge of the trunk.
©Return to Classic Muscle Cars Library.
- Plymouth muscle cars ranged from whimsical to powerful, often blending both traits in a single model. Explore profiles, photos, and specifications of these iconic vehicles.
- Muscle cars came in various forms and sizes. Discover features on over 100 muscle cars, complete with photos and detailed specifications for each.
- Muscle cars shaped a unique culture. Dive deeper into their history by reading How Muscle Cars Work.
These profiles of muscle cars feature detailed photos and specifications for each model:
- Fastbacks were already popular, but none could match the speed of the 1966 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi.
- The 1970 Ford King Cobra stands as a testament to a failed fusion of muscle cars and NASCAR racing.
- Improving on an original is tough, but the 1965 Pontiac Tempest GTO achieved it with enhanced styling and increased power.
For additional car-related information, check out these articles:
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car, defining its bold character. To understand everything about car engines, visit How Car Engines Work.
- Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars. Learn what it truly means in How Horsepower Works.
- NASCAR race cars embody the essence of muscle car power. Discover their mechanics in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- Considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car or another vehicle? Explore Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 116.0
Weight, lbs: 4,000
Number built: 152
Base price: $5,000
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 426
Fuel system: 2 x 4 bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 425 @ 5000
Torque @ rpm: 490 @ 4000
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.6
1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 13.49 @ 106
