The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom stands as a brutal reinterpretation of the classic American muscle car formula. Originally designed as a budget-friendly speed machine, this specific build elevates the platform to elite restomod status. Every inch of the body has been refined through a comprehensive rotisserie restoration using fresh AMD sheet metal. Cloaked in deep DuPont Black, the car omits traditional chrome in favor of a monochromatic, stealthy appearance. Under the hood, the vintage iron has been replaced by a modern 6.4L Gen III Hemi V-8. This fuel-injected powerhouse ensures that the car performs with 21st-century reliability and aggression. It has traveled only 10 miles since the completion of its professional build. Scheduled for the Kissimmee 2026 auction as Lot J227, it carries an estimate of $120,000 to $130,000. It is a vehicle designed for the collector who demands both nostalgic silhouettes and contemporary mechanical excellence. This Road Runner is no longer a simple street brawler; it is a precision-engineered masterpiece. It represents the perfect marriage of Mopar heritage and modern performance technology.
Gen III Hemi Performance and Custom Drivetrain Specs
The mechanical heart of this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom is a 6.4L Gen III Hemi V-8 engine. To ensure peak efficiency, the motor was professionally tuned by the experts at Arrington Performance. A Holley Terminator X ECU and wiring harness manage the fuel injection system with digital precision. This modern mill is paired with a Tremec TKO 5-speed manual transmission for total driver engagement. Power is sent to the pavement via a narrowed Currie Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.73 gears. To accommodate massive rear tires, the inner and outer wheel tubs were widened by four inches. A triangulated 4-link rear suspension and Riley Motorsports front K-member provide modern handling characteristics. Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes offer immense stopping power behind the classic steel wheels. Additionally, TTP headers and a full custom exhaust system provide a thunderous, unrestricted Hemi soundtrack. The cooling duties are handled by a high-capacity Be Cool radiator and an Optima battery. This drivetrain is built to handle high-performance driving while maintaining excellent street manners. It offers a level of poise that the original 1968 engineers could only imagine.
Stealth Aesthetics and Shaved Body Modifications
The visual identity of the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom is defined by its “shaved” and smoothed exterior. All traditional trim, emblems, and side markers have been removed to create a clean, uninterrupted surface. Even the door handles have been replaced with Kindig-it flush-mount units for a streamlined profile. The front and rear bumpers were shaved and painted in matching DuPont Black to integrate with the body. To maintain a hint of factory identity, the hood retains its iconic “HEMI” inserts. The car sits low and mean on 15-inch U.S. Wheel steelies with OE-type hubcaps for a sleeper look. Underneath, the chassis is finished with Raptor liner for durability and a finished appearance. Fresh glass was installed throughout to ensure perfect clarity and a factory-new feel. This minimalist approach highlights the aggressive Coke-bottle proportions of the original Plymouth B-body design. It creates a presence that is both intimidating and sophisticated in its simplicity. Every panel gap and body line has been perfected to meet modern show-quality standards. This is a car that makes a statement through silence and shadow.
Custom Leather Interior and Modern Cabin Amenities
Inside the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom, the “taxi cab” utility of the original is replaced by pure luxury. The cabin features a custom leather interior with striking red stitching that provides a subtle pop of color. Front bucket seats are split by a bespoke center console, putting the white-knob shifter perfectly at hand. A Dakota Digital dash replaces the original sweep speedometer, providing accurate data in a vintage-style housing. For year-round comfort, a Vintage Air climate control system has been seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. An Ididit tilt steering column allows the driver to find the perfect position behind the custom wheel. American Autowire provided the body harness to ensure all modern electronics function with complete reliability. The interior serves as a quiet, refined sanctuary that belies the car’s aggressive exterior and mechanical soul. Every touchpoint, from the leather-wrapped surfaces to the precision switchgear, feels premium and deliberate. It is a cabin designed for long-distance power tours or local cruise nights in equal measure. This environment proves that a hardcore muscle car can also be an exceptionally comfortable place to be.
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom Summary
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Custom is a definitive example of the modern restomod movement. By combining a 6.4L Hemi with a 5-speed manual, it provides an analog driving experience with digital dependability. Its triple-black aesthetic and shaved bodywork make it one of the most visually striking Mopars on the market. Every mechanical component, from the Riley Motorsports suspension to the Wilwood brakes, was chosen for its performance. With only 10 miles since its rotisserie restoration, it is essentially a new car in a classic suit. The auction estimate reflects the immense amount of fabrication and high-end parts used throughout the build. It offers a turn-key opportunity for a collector to skip the years-long restoration process. This Road Runner is a functional piece of art that is ready to dominate both the street and the show field. It remains a tribute to the legendary B-body platform while pushing it into a new era. Bidders at Kissimmee 2026 will be competing for a vehicle that has no equal in its category. This is the ultimate expression of the Road Runner legend.
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Source: mecum.com
