FYI: Dennis Collins has unearthed a gem from the past: a 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX, one of the rarest muscle cars from that era, hidden in an airplane hangar.
Mopar Muscle Car Hidden in Plain Sight in an Airplane Hangar
Dennis Collins has done it again. In his latest video, Collins takes us on a thrilling journey to uncover a hidden treasure – a 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX, one of the rarest Mopar muscle cars of its time. Found in an unlikely storage spot, an airplane hangar in Texas, this remarkable discovery came alongside two other classic cars: a vintage Buick and an old Ford Model A. Yet, it’s the 1974 Road Runner GTX that truly stole the spotlight.
Exciting Rescue Mission
The 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX retrieved by Dennis and his team is not just any muscle car. This low-running B-body model is a significant piece of Mopar history and an incredibly rare find. Despite sitting dormant for decades, the car remains in surprisingly good condition. The original owner had aspirations to restore it but was unable to do so, leaving it to gather dust instead.
This particular model is distinguished by a host of features such as bucket seats, rally dials, and other luxury options. What makes it extraordinary is its status as one of only 25 program cars, complete with the original paperwork verifying its rarity.
Genuine 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX
The Plymouth Road Runner made its debut in 1968 as an economical muscle car designed for enthusiasts who wanted big performance without the hefty price tag. It quickly gained popularity among those seeking speed and power on a budget. Its more sophisticated sibling, the GTX, combined luxury with high performance, offering the best of both worlds to discerning drivers.
1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX Trivia
The 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX symbolizes the end of an era for high-performance Road Runner models. Here are some intriguing facts about this iconic car:
- The 1974 GTX was an engine package on the Road Runner, not a separate model.
- GTX models featured exclusive badging to differentiate from standard Road Runners.
- Only 386 units of the 1974 Road Runner GTX were produced, making it extremely rare.
- This model retained performance-oriented suspension tuning.
- The 440 engine, detuned to meet emission standards, still produced substantial power with approximately 400 lb-ft of torque and 275 horsepower.
By 1974, muscle car popularity was waning due to stricter emissions laws and rising insurance costs. Yet, the 1974 Road Runner GTX remains a standout, holding onto its muscle car glory with its powerful V8 engine. Its high torque of approximately 400 pound-feet made it especially remarkable, with only 386 units ever made. The car found by Collins is even more exceptional being one of the 25 program cars, adding an extra layer of historical significance.
Conclusion
The discovery of this 1974 Plymouth Road Runner GTX underscores the lasting appeal and significance of classic muscle cars in automotive history. Thanks to Dennis Collins’ diligent searching and rescue efforts, this rare gem is now brought back to the limelight, where it belongs.
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Written by Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
