More often than not, classic muscle cars are rare because of their engines, production numbers, or unusual factory options. This 1971 Plymouth Road Runner, however, is something entirely different. What you’re looking at here is a one-off promotional show car built to attract attention during the golden age of American muscle.
Known as the Road Runner Rapid Transit System (RTS), this unusual Plymouth was created for Chrysler’s traveling promotional campaign in the early 1970s. Its wild styling made it stand out even when muscle cars were at their most outrageous.
The car has survived for more than five decades without undergoing a full restoration, retaining its distinctive custom bodywork and striking Orange Candy paint. It also has an interesting ownership history involving one of the Mopar world’s best-known collectors.
Now, seven years after its previous auction appearance, the Road Runner is looking for another owner. It’s scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction on January 16, 2027, without a reserve price.
Built To Turn Heads In The 1970s
Plymouth launched its Rapid Transit System Caravan to promote performance models at dealerships, auto shows, and racetracks. The traveling display featured heavily customized versions of familiar muscle cars, including the Road Runner, Duster, and ‘Cuda.
This particular Road Runner was built by Chuck Miller of Styline Custom for Chrysler in 1970. Its front end was molded and extended by over six inches, with a hand-formed steel mesh grille and integrated roll pan replacing the conventional front-end treatment.
Other modifications include Ram Air hood scoops, a molded rear spoiler, and a trunk lid recessed by over four inches. The car also features unusual three-dimensional Road Runner heads serving as side marker lights, earning it the nickname “Chicken Head.”
A Wild Exterior Hiding Familiar V8 Power
Despite its radical appearance, the mechanical package is relatively conventional. Under the hood sits a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 paired with an automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.
The exterior combines Orange Candy paint with pearl accents, custom black wheel covers, and concealed rear lighting. Inside, the black cabin features bucket seats and a center console, keeping much of the original Road Runner’s character.
Mecum lists just 1,300 miles on the odometer, although that reading shouldn’t be mistaken for verified lifetime mileage. The car’s unrestored condition is quite impressive considering its age and unusual construction.
A Rare Mopar With An Interesting Past
Unlike many promotional vehicles that disappeared after their campaigns ended, this Road Runner survived in private ownership. Miller reportedly kept it until the early 1990s before selling it to prominent Mopar collector Steven Juliano.
Following Juliano’s death, the car sold for $236,000 at auction in 2019. Its upcoming Mecum appearance will offer another chance to acquire a genuine piece of Plymouth’s promotional history.
Mecum hasn’t published an official price estimate, making the final result difficult to predict. Given its one-off status, distinctive styling, and documented history, this Road Runner should attract serious interest from dedicated Mopar collectors.