Adrien Durban
Senior Specialist, Bonhams Cars
LOT 203
1971 Plymouth Roadrunner Hardtop Chassis no. RM23R1R114725
Sold for US$196,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 203
Offered from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection
1971 Plymouth Roadrunner Hardtop
1971 Plymouth Roadrunner Hardtop
1971 Plymouth Roadrunner Hardtop
Chassis no. RM23R1R114725
Chassis no. RM23R1R114725
426ci 'Hemi' V8
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
Power Brakes
*An extremely rare Hemi Roadrunner
*Believed to be 1 of 28 4-Speed cars out of 59 total built
*Factory black on black livery
*Restoration work by Scott Ewing of S&S Mopar Muscle
*Plymouth's dramatic swansong of the muscle car era
*Highly detailed and authentic presentation
*A certain highlight of the Golden State Muscle Car Collection
THE CAR OFFERED
Since the 1950s, Chrysler's 'Hemi' engine has become a virtual icon. Named for their hemispherical combustion chambers, the powerful V8s earned a reputation for formidable performance, regardless of the car they powered. After a brief hiatus, the Hemi returned in 1964 as one of the most fearsome muscle car engines to ever hit the streets. Displacing 426 cubic inches and rated conservatively at 425 horsepower, the Hemi was an absolute beast – gaining the nickname "Elephant" for its massive power and physical size.
Initially intended for NASCAR racing, Chrysler eventually added the 426 Street Hemi to its road car option sheet to homologate it for stock car racing. The Street Hemi found its way between the front fenders of an array of Mopar muscle, from Roadrunners like the one offered here, to Coronets, to Challengers and 'Cudas, and Hemi-powered cars remain among the most sought-after machines from the heady days of the muscle car era.
The 1971 Plymouth Roadrunner Hemi offered here from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection is believed to be one of a mere 59 examples of the intermediate Roadrunner with the 'Elephant' under the hood, and one of just 28 equipped with a 4-speed manual. It is one of the last of the hugely powerful muscle cars before emissions regulations, insurance costs, and the fuel crisis draped a big wet blanket over the fun.
Finished as-delivered in black over black, it has a sinister character, made all the more evident when you open the hood. White C-pillar stripes, small 'Hemi' decals on the front fenders, and an 'Air Grabber' intake hint at its potential. The car rides on factory-style Rallye wheels to complete the look. The interior features bucket seats, trimmed in black vinyl per the fender tag, a center console, and four-speed manual with the famous pistol-grip shifter.
Subject to restoration and detailing work by noted specialist Scott Ewing of S&S Mopar Muscle in Southern California, this car is beautifully presented and very well detailed inside, outside, and under the hood. As one of a reported 28 four-speed Hemi-powered Roadrunners, it is a significant and collectible muscle car that will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts, with the kind of presence that will make it a standout in virtually any collection.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the engine number for this lot is 1R114725, indicating an original block.
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