The History of Road Runners: Year-by-Year Highlights from 1968 to 1975

TLDRA year-by-year overview of the iconic muscle car, the Road Runner. From its origins as a no-nonsense sedan to its transformation into a full-blown image car, the Road Runner has captivated car enthusiasts for years. Learn about the key features and changes in each model year, including engine options, design updates, and special editions. Join us on a journey through the history of this legendary vehicle.

Key insights

🚗The Road Runner originated from a columnist's suggestion for a no-nonsense car with a killer drivetrain.

💯The 1968 Road Runner was a pure car, available only in two-door post configuration with basic interior features.

💯In 1969, bucket seats and a floor shift automatic became available, while the post design and minimal styling remained.

💯The 1970 Road Runner marked a shift towards a full-blown image car, featuring vibrant high-impact colors and stylish design cues.

💯The 1971 Road Runner continued the trend of a bold and attention-grabbing design, incorporating features like the air grabber hood.

Q&A

What was the origin of the Road Runner?

—The concept of the Road Runner was suggested by a columnist named Brock Yates, who advocated for a no-nonsense sedan with a powerful drivetrain.

What were the key features of the 1968 Road Runner?

—The 1968 Road Runner featured a basic interior, a bench seat, automatic transmission, and two engine options: the 335 HP 383 and the 426 Hemi.

How did the 1970 Road Runner differ from previous models?

—The 1970 Road Runner became an image car, with vibrant high-impact colors, stylish design cues, and options like the air grabber hood.

What changes were made to the Road Runner in 1971?

—The 1971 Road Runner continued the bold and attention-grabbing design, incorporating features like the air grabber hood and offering a wider range of engine options.

What made the Road Runner a popular choice among car buyers?

—The Road Runner offered a perfect balance between everyday usability and high-performance capabilities, allowing it to appeal to a wide range of car enthusiasts.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction and overview of the Road Runner.

04:49The 1968 Road Runner: The purest and most basic incarnation of the car.

07:50The 1969 Road Runner: Introduction of bucket seats and floor shift automatic.

10:30The 1970 Road Runner: A shift towards becoming an image car with vibrant colors and stylish design cues.

12:30The 1971 Road Runner: A continuation of the bold and attention-grabbing design.

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