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There’s been a debate for decades over who came up with the idea for the
Road Runner. Automotive journalist Brock Yates claims that he was having a
conversation with some of his pals inside the design group at Plymouth and
suggested a goosed-up version of the Plymouth GTX, which was a dressed up
version of the Plymouth Satellite.
However, Plymouth product planner,
Joe Sturm claims that he received a phone call from a the Plymouth sales
division suggestion that they look into the possibility of offering a totally
stripped down Satellite loaded with every performance part they could put on to
the car - including, no rear seats, no carpet, no trim, radio, heater, etc.
Strum felt that such a car would have too narrow an appeal to buyers.
However, a similar theme, but with limited frills and maximum performance
hardware, all offered at the reasonable price of around $3,000, and capable of
doing 100 mph in the quarter-mile would have a lot of appeal for the street
scene buyers. Thus, the Road Runner was born.
Who's head the idea fell
out of isn't really important. The Road Runner fit the bill and filled the gap
between the expensive muscle cars and regular cars. For not much more the the
price of a Satellite model, Mr. Customer could have a Road Runner with a stout
383 engine, heavy-duty suspension, fat tires on rally-wheels, and one of the
coolest names of the ‘60s, the “Road Runner.” Finally, younger, Mopar fans could
buy a very cool genuine muscle car without all the extra frills but with most of
the thrills. The car even had a special horn that sounded like the Wiley Coyote
cartoon character.
Of course a set of headers and glass packs definitely
helped the cause.
MEEP-MEEP!
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