Zac Quinn 
Mecum has another legendary muscle car heading to its Kissimmee auction. Previously, we saw a 2022 Dodge Challenger retromodded into a modern Plymouth Cuda. Now, there will be a restored Plymouth Road Runner with some epic mods, including the magnificent Hellephant Engine.
1968 Hellephant Plymouth Road Runner: Details
In 1968, the Plymouth Road Runner had two engine options: the 383/335 horsepower V8 or the benevolent 426 Hemi. This particular Road Runner was equipped with a 383 CI 4-BBL and a 4-speed manual transmission. The car retains the original interior and is accompanied by a copy of the original window sticker and the original broadcast sheet for provenance. For this reason, it was selected to become something even more unique, as the motor was replaced with a supercharged 426 CI Hellephant Crate Engine, which is No. 17 of the 100 produced.
Rated at 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque, the Hellephant engine takes the Plymouth Road Runner to performance figures that people back in 1968 would only dream of within their personal vehicle. The engine conversion was completed in April of 2021. The front end was replaced with a Gerst tubular K-frame with power rack-and-pinion steering. Other modifications include TTI performance headers, an aluminum radiator, and the movement of the battery into the trunk to give the engine more space. Replacing the A833 transmission is a heftier 4L80E racing transmission with a TCI controller to handle all that power. Meanwhile, a Strange Engineering Dana 60 Sure Grip rear end with 3.54 ratio gears has been placed at the back, supported by a Street-Lynx triangulated 4-link suspension. Finally, Viking Performance double adjustable coil-over shocks, subframe connectors, and Wilwood power disc brakes make up the underpinnings for the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner.
The exterior features a blue paint scheme with black Hellephant icons on the front quarter panels, while “Hemi” dawns the hood inserts. Outside, the body remains untouched from when it first rolled off the assembly line. The inside has also been modified with Vintage Air, Dakota Digital VHX analog-look gauges, a Lokar floor shifter, and a thumb-roller radio. The final touch is color-keyed steel wheels with chrome lug nuts up front and extended studs on the rear axles.
If interested, the car will be at the Kissimmee 2024 Mecum Auction, which starts January 2nd and runs until the 14th. While waiting, you can register to bid at the auction for a chance to take home this beautiful classic muscle car with exquisite power.
