The times were changing in 1971, and for lovers of American muscle, this would be a last hurrah in a lot of ways. Indeed, Chrysler/Plymouth would find just 28 buyers that year for the newly redesigned Road Runner equipped with the ultimate 426 Hemi/4-speed manual transmission driveline, and this engine option disappeared at the end of that model season. The stunning car here has received a recent extensive restoration, with a factory broadcast sheet and original fender tag for provenance. Of course, little needs to be said about the body reconfiguration, though few understood at that time it was almost as aerodynamic as the previous year’s Superbird, a fact Richard Petty proved in winning the 1971 NASCAR crown. The powerplant under the hood features a factory warranty replacement 426 CI Hemi block, topped with those trademark hemispherical cylinder heads, dual inline 4-barrel carburetors, free-flowing dual exhaust and the very desirable Air Grabber hood. This is backed by the A833 New Process 4-speed manual transmission and, since coded for the A34 Super Track Pak, this car also came with a Dana 60 differential with SureGrip and 4.10 final gearing, power brakes with front discs, and extreme duty cooling accessories. The outside of this car is highlighted with its Sassy Grass Green paint, which is accented nicely by the hood treatment, opera-style vinyl roof and wrap-over strobe stripe with Road Runner icons, all in black. Inside this car came with a black vinyl bench seat interior, the Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, A01 Light Group, Rally dash with tach, and AM/FM Stereo. Of course, the other outside touches beyond color are exceptional here—Go Wing rear spoiler, hood pins, dual body-color outside mirrors, turbine-theme exhaust tips, grille-centered Road Runner head emblem and HEMI decals over the front fender marker lamps. Dressed up one step more means Rallye wheels and fat Goodyear Polyglas GT G60-15 tires, with a matched spare and the jack in the trunk. Yes, the wrap-around grille, streamlined shape and colorful appearance here showcase the last hurrah of the Hemi Road Runner.
