The original Plymouth Road Runner was conceived as a relatively affordable way to get serious muscle-car performance. Naturally, it didn’t take long for Plymouth’s options catalog to turn that simple formula into something far more exotic.
Start with a 1970 Road Runner, remove the roof, add one of Chrysler’s nastiest big-block engines, and send its power through a four-speed manual. Finish everything in retina-searing Lemon Twist yellow, and you’ve arrived at a configuration very few buyers actually ordered.
How few? Plymouth built only 34 V-code 440 Six-Barrel Road Runner convertibles for 1970, according to Richmond Auctions, and just 20 of those were equipped with a four-speed manual.
One of those 20 is now looking for a new home. The numbers-matching, award-winning Road Runner will cross the block at Richmond Auctions’ Fall Spectacular at the Savoy Automobile Museum in October, and it’s being offered with no reserve.
Six Barrels And A Pistol Grip
Under the hood sits the numbers-matching 440-cubic-inch V8 topped by three Holley two-barrel carburetors. The engine is paired with its numbers-matching New Process A833 four-speed manual, complete with one of Mopar’s unmistakable pistol-grip shifters.
Its original specification also includes the A33 Track Pak, bringing a Dana 60 rear end with 3.54:1 gearing. Other desirable equipment includes the N96 Air Grabber induction system, hood pins, power brakes, and heavy-duty suspension hardware.
MMC Detroit has inspected the car and verified its engine and transmission, along with its confidential body VIN stampings. Richmond Auctions says the engine has numerous correct components and date-appropriate parts.
Lemon Twist Is Hard To Miss
Subtlety clearly wasn’t part of the order sheet. The Road Runner wears High Impact FY1 Lemon Twist paint, contrasted by a black convertible top, black reflective rear stripe, and black premium bucket-seat interior.
Inside, you’ll also find a wood-grain center console, tachometer with integrated clock, and an AM radio. The original fender tag and broadcast sheet document the car’s factory configuration, while its history includes a 1972 purchase agreement from Sandy Boulevard Dodge in Portland, Oregon.
The odometer showed 70,451.1 miles during an MMC inspection in 2025. That inspection found no observed issues with the repaint, interior, engine compartment, suspension, chassis, and trunk.
An Award-Winning Mopar With No Reserve
Rarity isn’t the only thing working in this Road Runner’s favor. Following a professional restoration, the Plymouth earned Concours Gold honors at the 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals.
Steve Magnante recently highlighted the car ahead of the auction, pointing out its combination of the 440 Six-Barrel, Air Grabber hood, and four-speed manual. For serious Mopar collectors, it’s difficult to assemble a much more appealing specification.
Richmond Auctions hasn’t provided a pre-sale estimate, and the Road Runner will be offered without reserve. With only 20 four-speed examples originally produced, however, anyone waiting for another identical one to come along could be waiting quite a while.