Collector Found Rare 1972 Road Runner for $150

A buyer uncovered a factory 440 Six-Pack Road Runner that Chrysler long insisted never existed.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Auto Parts

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage muscle car engine in mustard, rust, and teal, capturing the heritage of 1970s automotive design. — Collector Russell Morgan recently purchased a rare 1972 Plymouth Road Runner for $150, a vehicle long considered nonexistent by Chrysler due to emissions standards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should car manufacturers be held legally accountable for uncertified vehicles sold to the public?

In August 1971, a rare 1972 Plymouth Road Runner rolled off the St. Louis assembly line featuring a factory 440 Six-Pack engine. Russell Morgan later purchased the vehicle for $150 at a salvage yard, identifying it by the V-code VIN.

Why it matters

Chrysler denied these vehicles existed for decades because the high-performance engine failed to meet new Clean Air Act emissions certification standards. The manufacturer even issued a cancellation notice to dealers in 1972 to distance itself from the potential compliance violation.

The 440-cubic-inch engine produces 330 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The car also features a factory electric sunroof and an Air Grabber hood scoop.

The players

Russell Morgan

He is the collector who discovered the rare Mopar vehicle in a salvage yard.

Chrysler

This automaker produced the Road Runner line and canceled the high-performance engine option to address emissions standards.

The details

The buyer identified the rare vehicle by checking the VIN on the dash, which contained the V-code designating the high-performance powertrain. These cars were built during a brief window between initial dealer order-taking and the final cancellation of the option.

Dealer literature first promised the 440 Six-Pack option in Spring 1971.
The subject vehicle was produced at the St. Louis plant in August 1971.
Chrysler officially canceled the 440 Six-Pack engine option for the 1972 model year.

Roadmap

This vehicle represents a turning point in automotive history when stringent emissions standards forced the decline of high-output muscle engines. Manufacturers like Chrysler pivoted away from these powertrain configurations to comply with federal mandates.

For enthusiasts, this discovery highlights the importance of decoding VIN plates when evaluating potential classic car investments. Buyers should confirm the factory specifications on older models to identify hidden value before purchasing salvage projects.

The takeaway

The existence of this Road Runner proves that some factory experimental models reached the public despite manufacturer denials. Collectors should continue to look for documented anomalies in serial numbers to verify rare vehicle provenance.