Whether you’re a big NASCAR fan or just a fan of classic American race cars in general, this 1971 Plymouth Road Runner would surely make a fine addition to your garage.
It was driven by Richard Petty himself, winning him the Grand National title in 1971. According to Mecum, this was the last car to win a NASCAR Grand National championship using a production-based body and engine.
This Road Runner is hitting the auction block next month, July 10-18 at Mecum’s INDY 2020 event (Lot K85), where it is estimated to fetch anywhere between $500,000 and $750,000.
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Another important attribute here is that this ’71 Road Runner was one of only two Chrysler fully sponsored factory cars for that championship year. Petty did however move to a Dodge for part of his 1972 campaign a year later.
Petty scored a total of 19 wins behind the wheel of this Plymouth, while also managing 38 top-five finishes in NASCAR’s final “long season.” The car even visited the White House that year by presidential invitation. Now that’s what we call a celebrity.
As for its status currently, it was restored to its 1971 configuration, featuring a rebuilt 426 CI Hemi NASCAR-detailed engine with a bathtub intake and cowl induction. Also available is a 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter, while the interior features a black plaid seat and Petty’s cushioned peace-sign headrest, to go with a customized dashboard.
Meanwhile, further body changes from stock include the blocked-off headlight and taillight openings, rear-bumper aero covers, a mesh grille and 15-inch steel racing wheels.
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