Beep Beep: 1973 Plymouth Road Runner GTX – Sold?
October 12th Update: We confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ’73 Plymouth GTX we first featured in August 2020 expired. With no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car “Sold!” This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.
By 1973, consumers and manufacturers alike were moving away from muscle cars. However, hold-outs such as this 440-powered 1973 Plymouth Road Runner GTX currently listed on Craigslist in Dewitt, New York (Syracuse) were still available for those willing to wait in line for gas. The third owner of this restored Road Runner for nearly forty years has his car listed for $40,000. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his GTX priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $44,100 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $30,100.
Here’s a Hagerty Insurance Synopsis of the ’73 Road Runner:
The year 1973 saw a rebound in the U.S. auto industry with production rising 9.5 percent over 1972. Plymouth increased sales a surprising 21.2 percent, but the division remained in the sixth spot. The mid-sized Satellite two-doors, including the Road Runner, were extensively redesigned to be shorter and wider. Front bumpers had to meet 5 mph impact regulations.
Gone was the polarizing fuselage style with its loop front bumper and horizontally layered styling. It was replaced by a blockier shape, with a downwards curving style line, two-level grille, and horizontal twin headlight pods. The 1973 Plymouth Road Runner had a broad power bulge on the hood, but not much power under it. Broad curving side stripes echoed the Starsky & Hutch Ford Gran Torino. The base price for the Road Runner was $3,115.
A four-barrel 318 cid V-8 was the Road Runner’s base engine. Also available was the 235 bhp, 340 cid V-8 ($85), the 260 bhp, 400 cid V-8 ($186) and 280 bhp 440 cid V-8 ($153). The last high-performance engine, the 440 cid “Six-Pack” V-8 was gone.
Popular options leaned towards luxury and convenience and included air conditioning ($369), electric sunroof ($171), power disc brakes ($65), vinyl roof ($101), and AM/FM stereo tape ($363). A 3-speed manual gearbox was standard, with optional 4-speed manual (except with the 440) or automatic transmission for about $220. Quarter-mile times were in the 16-second range, and the muscle car boom was over.
Plymouth offered 24 mostly metallic colors and seven interior shades. The colors and codes were Silver Frost (A5), Blue Sky (B1), Basin Street Blue (B3), True Blue (B5), Regal Blue (B9), Rally Red (E5), Mist Green (F1), Amber Sherwood (F3), Sherwood Green (F7), Forest Green (F8), Autumn Bronze (K6), Sahara Beige (L4), Coral Turquoise (Q5), Mojave Tan (T6), Chestnut (T8), Hemi Orange (V2), Spinnaker White (W1), Formal Black (X9), Lemon Twist (Y1), Sunflower Yellow (Y2), Honey Gold (Y3), Golden Haze (Y6), Tahitian Gold (Y9), and Medium Light Argent (not coded). Interior colors included Bright Blue, Dark Green, Honey Gold, Black, White, Bronze, and Parchment. Vinyl roofs tended to be White, Black, Dark Green, Neutral, or Tan.
Plymouth sold 746,821 units in 1973 and remained in the sixth position in U.S. sales, with 7.69 percent of the market.”
MyMopar.com has this 1973 Dealer Promo Film for the Road Runner and Satellite line posted on their YouTube Channel:
Not only is this Road Runner a nicely restored and well-documented example, the extensive comfort and convenience options illustrate the direction consumer and manufacturers were heading towards. Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s description:
“Very rare 3 third owner for 36 years. Matching number total  restoration in late 1990s including the matching #manifolds. This rare bird has the RM21U code vin number which gives it all the options including power windows and A/C ,factor tint , tuff steering wheel etc… all original parts. 440 power plant is the correct matching number motor which is only included when purchasing the top of the line Roadrunner GTX package. Not another RR GTX out there with this original color option and package. This car is hardly ever driven nor seen since its stored year round in heated garage. Have all the information from the original owner who purchased this car in northern NY. This is a rust free car. Quarter panels where replaced with original quarter panels off another roadrunner purchase in Alabama. Not today’s newly pressed panels SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!“
Do you have a Plymouth Road Runner GTX story you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!
I have a 1973 gtx roadrunner I’ve owned for 47 years. The gtx has been in my garage for 43 of those years. It’s all original matching numbers.still have original window sticker in window with warranty cards to.
I just came across this car on your website. The link/email address listed above to email the seller is no longer active. Do you know how I could contact the seller to see if this 1973 Plymouth Roadrunner GTX is still available? I would appreciate any assistance you could give me. Thank you in advance, Bill
Hi Bill, unfortunately, the only contact information we have was the email link provided in the Craigslist post. With that GTX first featured in August and no replacement listing found, I’m afraid that car is likely sold.