1969 Plymouth Road Runner
The 1969 model kept the same basic look and was slightly changed cosmetically. The Road Runner added a convertible option for 1969, although fewer than 2000 droptop models were produced for the year. Only nine of these convertibles were built with the Hemi.
While the 383 engine remained the standard powerplant, a 440 CID engine with three two-barrel carburetors, known as the "440 Six Barrel"(6-BBL), was added to the lineup at mid-year to qualify the engine for the "Super Stock" drag racing class. The Six Barrel Road Runners had no wheel covers or hubcaps and a lift-off fiberglass hood. Its 440 engine produced 390 hp and 490 ft·lb of torque @ 3200 rpm, very similar numbers to the Hemi and at a lower engine speed. This meant the cheaper 440 6-BBL was nearly as fast as the 426 Hemi, at least up to highway speeds. This option, along with the economical, yet fast 383 and the outrageously fast Hemi helped propel Plymouth, and corporate sibling Dodge, to the top of the dragstrip echelon.
The Road Runner was named Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1969. Sales almost doubled to 82,109.
Production:
2D Pillared Coupe: 33,743
2D Hardtop Coupe: 48,549
Convertible: 2,218
Engines:
383 V8 335 bhp @ 5200 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm.
426 Hemi V8 425 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
440 V8 375 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 480lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
440+6 V8 390 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
426/425: 0-60 in 5.3 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.55 sec @ 105mph.
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