73 Road Runner "Driveway Find" -- Thoughts on Value?

mrmolding · Oct 31, 2021

So I've seen this Road Runner for a few years and finally decided to stop and talk to the owner. Looks like he wants to sell. It has not moved and I now understand why -- see pics. Driveshaft missing for starters, open grommets on valve covers, nothing covering up carb, lots of dust and leaves everywhere, drip moldings same as body color, etc. The car does have a VIN plate that starts with RM21H3G followed by six numbers. The vin plate is cleaned off/painted silver. My biggest issue is there does not seem to be a fender tag -- it was not present.
After close inspection, it needs tons of work, but seems to be a fairly rust free CA car. Mainly wondering if it winds up being a clone, what it might be worth.

Thanks and any help is welcome!

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mpgmike · Oct 31, 2021

The 5th VIN digit "H" means it's a 340 car. That strongly suggests it's a genuine Road Runner.

T2R9 · Oct 31, 2021

RM21 is a Road Runner. Maybe 5k in that condition, it could bring more in this stupid market though.

blue69runner · Oct 31, 2021

Sad to see a car just wasting away. Carb with no cover is not a good thing either. Hope you can get it and bring it back to life. :thumbsup:

Darter6 · Oct 31, 2021

He will most likely want $10K. But I agree on the $5K offer.
Rear sway bar, 8 3/4, nice. If the 340 is correct,another +

91r/t · Oct 31, 2021

Yup I would climb around and make sure it is a 340 and all that jives before anything, but all depends on if you're gonna keep the car for yourself too. Don't mind being a bit backwards in a car if you love it and wanna keep it, but if its a flipper it gets tough.

barbee6043 · Oct 31, 2021

You can determine how good the body is, the engine is pure guess! Solid body, non runne, like said $5000 and if you want it bad, go from there.

mrmolding · Oct 31, 2021

mpgmike said:
The 5th VIN digit "H" means it's a 340 car. That strongly suggests it's a genuine Road Runner.

Thanks! My experience is with 68-70 RRs. Mainly worried that the dash was popped in from another car or is the suspension and everything thing else too much that it has to be a RR?

mrmolding · Oct 31, 2021

91r/t said:
Yup I would climb around and make sure it is a 340 and all that jives before anything, but all depends on if you're gonna keep the car for yourself too. Don't mind being a bit backwards in a car if you love it and wanna keep it, but if its a flipper it gets tough.

I would definitely keep it. I’d have figure out where to put it. Always loved that style and year.

91r/t · Oct 31, 2021

mrmolding said:
Thanks! My experience is with 68-70 RRs. Mainly worried that the dash was popped in from another car or is the suspension and everything thing else too much that it has to be a RR?

Should be body numbers stamped on the car somewhere with the year, assembly plant, and the last 6 of the VIN to match the dash with the car. I remember the E bodies had it on the cowl and trunk lip but not sure if its the same on the newer B bodies. Someone familiar with those years will have to chime in to dish out where those stampings are on a 71 and newer B body.

Potts · Oct 31, 2021

If you have $, go for it.
No regrets.

WileERobby · Oct 31, 2021

RM21 is a RR vin. From the few pix, I see indicators that it is so. Look on the cowl under the weatherstrip. Don't go crazy if you're thinking $$$. Go for the car if you're thinking to restore & enjoy.

DeltaV · Oct 31, 2021

4 speed car? Not many were made (956 per Google search). I don't see an air conditioning compressor...4 speed car? I don't see a trans shifter on the steering column...4 speed car?
Can you slide under the car and read the small metal tag on the differential?
Broadcast sheet under the rear seat?
Mist green exterior in looks original, but engine bay and inside door looks like limelight green?

This car is nowhere near a #4 condition, but
Haggerty Valuation says:
#4 Fair $12,900
#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield
might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where
applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non-stock
additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4
vehicle.
__________________
What I see as Pro:
Looks very solid with virtually no rust.
Mist green and looks original.
Black exterior accent stripe...black interior.

What I see as Con:
Monies spent on drivetrain, interior restoration, and other work to get it roadworthy. You'll be upside down if you decide to sell it later.

Would I buy it?
Yes, for $5,000 or less.
Yes, for $10,000 if it is a factory original 4 speed car.

Good luck and let us know what you do!

dadsbee · Oct 31, 2021

Based on that big wide brake pedal.. I'd say automatic car.

DeltaV · Oct 31, 2021

dadsbee said:
Based on that big wide brake pedal.. I'd say automatic car.

Dang, I forgot to look there!! :BangHead:

Don Frelier · Oct 31, 2021

For me I would want to know if the engine is seized.
You could possibly make an offer for seized or free and then have the owner agree to a test.
If it was the owner that left it in this state he likely has almost no ability.
A 340 roadrunner is worth something. But 73 is not a real popular one. If you really love it then it's likely a good one to pick up.

Runcharger · Oct 31, 2021

I agree on checking for cowl and rad support #s stamped in that match the dash vin. It has an aftermarket booster and GM style aftermarket master cylinder so possibly aftermarket disc brakes as well and the fuel tank looks newer.
I doubt he would take $5k but really that's a fair value considering what it will take to bring it back. I think those cars are cool too but the following is smaller and if you ever have to sell it down the road that must be considered. I would assume the engine is going to need rebuilt and value it as such.

Darter6 · Oct 31, 2021

Don Frelier said:
A 340 roadrunner is worth something. But 73 is not a real popular one.

I've liked them since My buddy bought a 74 New! Spent many hours crusin and wrenchin on it. Typical wheels, tires,headers,glass packs,the stuff you did in the 70's. His was a 318,He bought a 68 340 but wrecked the car before it was installed.
One thing for sure it's a Road Runner that you just don't see often. Please let us know if you do get it.

#41 · Oct 31, 2021

If you are wanting a small block, auto, 73 RR.... it looks pretty decent. I would bring along a bar and see if you can turn the engine over as well as verify it is indeed a 340 and not a transplanted 318. Those two things, and if it has a clear title would greatly influence an offer.

440 PHIXX · Oct 31, 2021

I’m pretty sure I’ve read E bodies are rad support and cowl. That’s where they are on my ‘70 ‘Cuda. ‘69-‘70 B bodies have it on the rad support and the

91r/t said:
Should be body numbers stamped on the car somewhere with the year, assembly plant, and the last 6 of the VIN to match the dash with the car. I remember the E bodies had it on the cowl and trunk lip but not sure if its the same on the newer B bodies. Someone familiar with those years will have to chime in to dish out where those stampings are on a 71 and newer B body.

drivers side above the trunk gutter, under the weather strip. I never looked on a ‘71-‘74 B body, so not sure.

73 Road Runner "Driveway Find" -- Thoughts on Value?

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