1969 Plymouth Road Runner

Plymouth's new 1969 Plymouth Road Runner was as quick as the cartoon bird and far cheaper than other muscle cars. Convertibles were the only thing fans might have wanted. Plymouth obliged for 1969.

The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner was an affordable option for muscle car lovers.

Plymouth's new 1968 Road Runner was the first "budget" muscle car and an instant hit. A "Beep-Beep" horn and Warner Bros. cartoon-bird insignia identified it. So did a refreshing absence of costly, speed-robbing frills. Instead you got a 335-horsepower 383 V-8, four-on-the-floor, big boots, and firm suspension. A testosterone-packed 426 Hemi was optional. Taxi-plain interior? Who cared? The starting price was just $2896.

The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner featured a 335-horsepower 383 V-8.

But success tends to breed excess in Detroit, and some plushing up occurred for 1969. Among the additions was a $3313 convertible that attracted only 2126 leadfoots versus some 82,000 coupes and hardtops. Today, the '69 ragtop Runner is an even rarer bird, and collectors pursue it like Wile E. Coyote.

For more classic convertibles of the 1960s and 1970s, see:

• Classic Convertible Cars: See profiles on more than 70 classic convertibles.
  
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
• Consumer Guide New Car Reviews: Looking for a new car? Get the Consumer Guide rating.
• Consumer Guide Used Car Reviews: Considering a used car purchase? You'll want to check the Consumer Guide used car rating.