1969 Plymouth Road Runner: Muscle Cars In Detail No. 5
Explore the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner inside and out with this resource that showcases the wildly popular, affordable muscle car, its big-block engine options, and the brilliant marketing strategy that featured cartoon graphics and a beep-beep horn.
The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner attempted to appeal to potential buyers with a low-cost, lightweight, and potent bare-bones package. It also added a brilliant marketing strategy of partnering with a famous studio and a popular cartoon character.
The late 1960s was an interesting time in the automotive world. Muscle cars, as we now know them, were well established with all manufacturers joining the horsepower race. You could walk into the showroom for any brand from any manufacturer and find a variety of performance models. Competition being what it was, the manufacturers were looking for ways other than winning races to lure buyers into the showrooms and entice them to buy their products. Some tried to accomplish this with fancy marketing schemes and graphic paint packages and decals, and for the first time, some tried to win over buyers with price.
All In Detail series books include an introduction and historical overview, an explanation of the design and concepts involved in creating the car, a look at marketing and promotion, and an in-depth study of all hardware and available options, as well as an examination of where the car is on the market today. Also included is an appendix of paint and option codes, VIN and build-tag decoders, as well as production numbers.rn
Explore the 1969 Plymouth Road Runner inside and out with this resource that showcases the wildly popular, affordable muscle car, its big-block engine options, and the brilliant marketing strategy that featured cartoon graphics and a beep-beep horn.
The 1969 Plymouth Road Runner attempted to appeal to potential buyers with a low-cost, lightweight, and potent bare-bones package. It also added a brilliant marketing strategy of partnering with a famous studio and a popular cartoon character.
The late 1960s was an interesting time in the automotive world. Muscle cars, as we now know them, were well established with all manufacturers joining the horsepower race. You could walk into the showroom for any brand from any manufacturer and find a variety of performance models. Competition being what it was, the manufacturers were looking for ways other than winning races to lure buyers into the showrooms and entice them to buy their products. Some tried to accomplish this with fancy marketing schemes and graphic paint packages and decals, and for the first time, some tried to win over buyers with price.
All In Detail series books include an introduction and historical overview, an explanation of the design and concepts involved in creating the car, a look at marketing and promotion, and an in-depth study of all hardware and available options, as well as an examination of where the car is on the market today. Also included is an appendix of paint and option codes, VIN and build-tag decoders, as well as production numbers.rn
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction and Historical Overview
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973 and 1974
1975
1976 and Beyond
Chapter 2: Designs and Concepts
The Players
Saturday Morning Cartoons?
Lamancha . . . What?
Warner Brothers
Beep Beep
383 Road Runner Engine
The Death of the Road Runner . . . Almost
Success!
1969
The Final Verdict
Chapter 3: Marketing and Promotional Tools
Marketing Strategy
Magazine Reviews
Dealerships
Partnering with Plymouth
Promotional Campaigns
Racing Road Runners
Performance Clinics
Chapter 4: Hardware Abounds
Engines
Rear Axles
Brakes and Suspension
Exterior
Standard Equipment
Option Packages
Interior
Wheel Covers, Wheels and Tires
Trunk
Cosmetic and Structural Changes
Chapter 5: Road Runner Legacy
Road Runner Club
Day 2 Mods
Bottoming Out
Rebirth
Road Runner Values
Survivor Cars and Original Owners
Race Cars
The Future
Appendix
VIN Decoding
Broadcast Sheet
Fender Tag(s)
Vehicle Order Number Decoding
Window Sticker Decoding
Standard and Optional Equipment