1970 Plymouth Road Runner 1970 brought new front and rear end looks to the basic 1968 body, and it would prove to be another success. The "Six Pack" hood was dropped, but all Road Runners were now available with an optional Air Grabber Hood. This consisted of a under the dash switch which would open a power operated trap door on the hood, revealing a shark cartoon with the words "Air Grabber." Just what you need to psyche out the competition at the stoplight. The "Air Grabber" would automatically close when the engine was turned off, to keep out the elements. The engine choices remained the same, although the Hemi went from solid to hydraulic lifters for improved durability and the standard four speed manual became an option as a strengthened three speed manual was made standard. The 1970 Road Runner and GTX continued to be attractive and popular cars. The engine lineup was left unchanged.
Production:
2D Pillared Coupe: 15,716
2D Hardtop Coupe: 24,944
Convertible: 824
Engines:
383 V8 335 bhp @ 5200 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm.
426 Hemi V8 425 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
440 V8 375 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 480lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
440+6 V8 390 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
383/335: 0-60 in 7.1 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.0 sec @ 96 mph.
426/425: 0-60 in 5.3 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.49 sec @ 105 mph.
1970 Superbird
With success of the aero-warrior NASCAR Dodge Daytona against fastback Ford Torinos and Mercury Cyclones, Plymouth would get its own version of this winged wonder. This model added a goalpost spoiler to catch wind well above the body, and a shark shaped nose cap. It would also lure Richard Petty back to Plymouth after defecting to Ford for a year. While spectacular on the track, consumers did not purchase Superbirds that were produced, one for each dealer, leading to some dealers converting them back to normal Road Runners. In the 2000s, these would fetch among the highest prices of any muscle car at auctions.
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