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A Millenial Reviews a 1972 Road Runner

3:07 - Plymouth paid WB for the right to call the car "Road Runner". That's when I quit listening.
 
3:07 - Plymouth paid WB for the right to call the car "Road Runner". That's when I quit listening.
Well, just about every article runs the "Road Runner" name and the WB character together into one combined thought process from Chrysler, so I'm guessing that's where he got the idea. They didn't need to pay WB to name the car, as it's an actual animal like an Eagle, Barracuda, etc. However, in reality they used the WB character along with the introduction of the Road Runner, which I'm pretty sure is why there is this misconception that the $50k also paid for the rights to use the name, and not just for the character use.

In retrospect, it kinda bugs me that so many writers don't clarify that information and make it sound like just naming the car required payment, which it technically didn't.
 
I think he did a fine job indeed. Lots of respect shown.
 
I do believe they had to get permission to use the likeness of their cartoon bird as real road runner looks nothing like that. As for money being paid or how much I have no idea, but nothing is free.
 
I always thought In 68 they didn't have licensing for the use of the road runner. This is why they were black and white. And in 69 they had licensing and the color came into play. But after looking into advertisements of the day it seems Warner Bros might have backed it.

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WGOPCar_Collector2.jpg
 
Jeez, let's not nitpick the poor guy.... he's not 60+ like most of you so he's likely just stating what he's learned falsely or not.

Thanks for sharing.
 
I always thought In 68 they didn't have licensing for the use of the road runner. This is why they were black and white. And in 69 they had licensing and the color came into play. But after looking into advertisements of the day it seems Warner Bros might have backed it.

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If I remember correctly, It was licensed in 68, it was someone’s choosing in the marketing department who wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about a cartoon going on a car. Source is Jack smith’s story of the Roadrunner.

https://www.allpar.com/corporate/bios/jack-smith-roadrunner.html
 
I did some work for a guy named Dennis P. who worked in advertising in the detroit area who was then retired about 15 years ago, he stated he helped negotiate projects such as the road runner concept up to the like a rock for chevrolet.
 
The story of the B&W bird I heard was that the project manager didn't want any cartoons on the car and one of the development guys (maybe PR), snuck in at the last minute before the unveiling and taped a xeroxed copy on it.
 
Jeez, let's not nitpick the poor guy.... he's not 60+ like most of you so he's likely just stating what he's learned falsely or not.

Thanks for sharing.
Hell, some of the 60 year old guys here who have been in the hobby for the last 40 years don't know what they're talking about sometimes or come here to ask questions about certain details.
 
And some of the 60-year old’s here, that have been around these cars since teenagers, do know what we are talking about. I found the video difficult to watch, several pieces of misinformation presented as fact, likely sourced from the car’s owner. Original 440 “U” code car? Really? That would make it a Road Runner GTX, no mention of that fact, no badging. Hard time taking this particular Miata driving youngster seriously.
 
I think he did a great job, much better than I expected. (Nice car as well).
 
Hey atleast itwasn't a video of a volkswagen GTI golf! Give him some props for jumping into a hobby more suited for the older generation. I should know I am 30 and see it all the time. My age usually rolls with the cobalt or civic. I think it was Chrysler had to pay the 50k to Warner Bros. to use the special Roadrunner horn.
 
Hey atleast itwasn't a video of a volkswagen GTI golf! Give him some props for jumping into a hobby more suited for the older generation. I should know I am 30 and see it all the time. My age usually rolls with the cobalt or civic. I think it was Chrysler had to pay the 50k to Warner Bros. to use the special Roadrunner horn.
They spent $10k to develop the horn, but I think the $50k went for licensing for the WB Road Runner image/likeness and the "beep beep" sound.
 
I drove my parents new '71 Road Runner to high school for two years 71-73 and I like the kid's commentary and enthusiasm (whatever errors he may have made during his commentary were innocent mistakes).

I am one of the old-timers learning something new every week regarding these cars. For example, just found out why the idle speed was recommended to be set 50 or 100 rpm lower on new cars (first 100 miles or so). Chrysler found the idle speed would increase during the first few hours of operation due to overcoming initial break-in friction of moving parts. By setting the idle a little lower at the dealership, the idle would rise up a little (to specs) all on its own after driving awhile longer.

I also read this week that camber specs were set a little different left and right to compensate for the weight of the driver.

The "new" knowledge tidbits mentioned above were gleaned from the official Chrysler Master Tech filmstrips/study guides and the factory service manual.
 
They spent $10k to develop the horn, but I think the $50k went for licensing for the WB Road Runner image/likeness and the "beep beep" sound.

Yea I have heard multiple different versions. I know they spent a boat load of cash to use the stuff and it is a kickass ride.
:thumbsup:
 
Whatever innocent errors or misinformation are miniscule compared to the youngsters enthusiasm and joy. I could only hope youngsters like him were more plentiful !
 
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