Let's face it, as much as we love the muscle cars of old, the advancements in technology that are available in a vehicle today are pretty nice and handy: Bluetooth, cruise control, climate control, and not to mention all the safety advancements that we have made over the years. But what if you could have both? Is there a way of combining the incredible look of yesteryear with all the technology of a modern day vehicle? Instead of performing a standard resto-mod on a '69 Roadrunner that was brought to them, West Coast Classic decided to make this particular Roadrunner set the bar for all future resto-mods by combining it with a 2008 Hemi Charger SRT8.
How would that even work you ask? Well the team purchased a used 08 Hemi Charger SRT8, stripped it down to the bare chassis, made a few tweaks, and then placed the Roadrunner body down on the Charger. The result is a 1969 Hemi Roadrunner like you have never seen before. Thanks to a 6.1L Hemi that cranks out 425hp, a gorgeous leather interior and extensive work to the body and chassis, this Roadrunner is a true 'modern' day muscle car.
Unlike most of its counterparts, the Roadrunner doesn't look so much muscular it looks indestructible. Fresh out of the extensive and unique build, the paint work is first rate and displays a level of depth that factory sprayed cars simply can't compete with. The color itself is made up of 6 coats of Lotus Calypso Red which is shot over impressively straight AMD panels. The car makes a great first impression. Panel fitment is equally good with even gaps all around. Looking at the car head on, a single strip of stainless wraps around four headlights and a square grille that keeps with the car's hard lines. A show quality chrome bumper houses turn signals and a recess for the license plate. At the start of the hood, Plymouth lettering is found just above the headlights and leads to an aggressive slick hood that wears two hood scoops that reveal the Hemi lying underneath. The side profile remains largely free of distractions with only front and rear marker lights, chrome door handles and Road Runner badges. Under the angled roofline, clean glass surrounds the interior, framed by dent-free stainless trim pieces that provide a nice contrast against the vibrant red paint. Out back, two square taillights are angled inward, framing the lower portion of the decklid. Another chrome bumper, two chrome exhaust tips, and one final Road Runner badge complete the look.
Lift the massive Roadrunner hood and you'll find the SRT8's 6.1L Hemi V8 that cranks out a stout 425hp at 6200 RPMs. Given the massive horsepower output you would be surprised to learn that, if you could tame your right foot, the engine was good for nearly 20mpg on the highway. At the top of the famous Hemi Orange block is the tall intake manifold that shoves the air fuel mixture into the hemispherical combustion chamber. The build team installed touches throughout that really speak to the heritage of the Roadrunner. On the air box is a Coyote Duster decal that catches everyone's attention, while also installed is the voice of the Roadrunner horn.
Underneath this Roadrunner is where you see it turn 100% Charger. Flip it upside down and you'll see the '08 Charger SRT8 chassis that West Coast Classic cut in half, and when it was all said and done, removed 4 inches from the chassis, and narrowed it another 4 inches to allow for perfect wheel placement in the Roadrunner. The process was extremely extensive and when finished, the team discovered they had used over 50lbs of welding wire to make the chassis a perfect fit for the Roadrunner. By doing so, the Roadrunner now boasts fully independent front and rear suspension, 4-wheel power disc Brembo anti-lock brakes, rack and pinion steering with hydraulic assist, and a five link rear fully independent suspension. Bolted to the Hemi is the 5-speed automatic AutoStick transmission with an overdrive. At the corners of the car, 20" Forged American Racing Wheels Torque Thrust rims have been wrapped in Nitto Invo rubber to provide incredible handling.
A luxurious black leather interior greets those that open the doors to this wild Roadrunner. Another benefit of placing the Roadrunner body on the new Charger is having all the luxuries of a modern interior. The power front bucket seats are some of the most comfortable seats we have ever sat behind, and it's still hard to believe that you get to look over that gorgeous '69 Roadrunner hood. In front of the driver is the leather wrapped steering wheel that sits just in front a white gauge instrument cluster. Between the two front bucket seats is a center console and the pistol grip shifter for the 5-speed automatic. Just above the shifter are the controls for the dual climate air conditioner, and the DVD based Navigation with Sirius satellite radio that includes a 6.5" touch screen. The audio inside is supplied by Kicker 13 Speaker audio sound system featuring 200-watt subwoofer and 322-watt amplifier. SRT8 badging can be found all over the interior and Hemi floor mats protect the like new carpet.
Included in the sale of this wildly unique '69 Plymouth Road Runner is a copy of the June 2013 issue of Mopar Action where this very ride was the cover story.
This incredible machine blends old school looks with modern power, convenience, and safety. It doesn't get much better than this '69 Plymouth Hemi Road Runner that features over 400 horsepower and a gorgeous yet aggressive look. Muscle cars don't tend to last long under our showroom lights, and as much as this Roadrunner has going for it, it won't be long before some lucky buyer snaps it up. Don't miss your chance to add it to your collection!