Plymouth Road Runner 2. Generation 440 Six Pack 6BBL Hardtop 1971
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Car producer : |
Plymouth |
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Model: |
Road Runner 2. Generation 440 Six Pack 6BBL Hardtop 1971 |
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Year: |
1971-1974 |
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Type: |
Coupe |
In 1971, the coupe bodywork was completely changed to a more rounded "fuselage" design in keeping with then-current Chrysler styling trends, including a steeply raked windshield, hidden cowl, and deeply inset grille and headlights. In a departure from previous thinking, the B-Body two-door bodies shared little if any sheet metal, glass, or trim with the four-door bodies. The convertible was canceled. The interiors could be ordered with 6-way power leather seats, thick deep-pile carpeting, and additional sound-proofing was installed. A/C, and power steering could be had, except on the Hemi. 1971 was a high-water year for ride and handling for the Road Runner. The overall length was increased, but the wheelbase was shortened an inch. It also saw the introduction of the 340-4bbl option, and a detuned 383 "Road Runner" engine with 8.7:1 compression, hardened exhaust valve seats, and power dropping to 300hp (224 kW). In return, Road Runners with the 340 and 383 engine received a standard insurance rating without the costly premiums normally tacked onto muscle cars. The 383 would now run on regular gas. The 370hp 440 4-barrel returned to the option list, and the 440+6 and 426 Hemi were available, though this would be the last year for them. The tall axle ratios with the 8 3/4" Dana rear ends, as well as the wide and close ratio 4-speed transmissions could be had with any of the engine choices, though few cars were built with the six-pack or Hemi engines. Aerodynamics were much improved over the first generation Road Runners, resulting in much-improved high-speed handling.
