Is this a real '74 RoadRunner in France?

[cruisbrothers]

Ok sorry all. I am so ashamed. I was just so happy to find a RR not to far away for a price I could pay.
I must have mixed up a picture of the VIN from another RR which I used for comparison.
Ik just got the correct VIN: RP23 G4G
Which makes it a 74 Satellite Sebring Plus with 318
So as you all mentioned. NO RR

On the outside, the coupe and hardtop looks the same to me. Can you tell if it got rolldown rear windows or popout rear windows?

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Well, now the cluster matches… but it must be a roll down quarter glass.

No pop up glasses on this body. The non roll down glass gets same hardtop look but just a shorter glass mounted fixed on a bracket. No B pillar post either. Same vertical molding on glass than the roll down glass. Just can tell it by the window crank or not inside the cab.

The couple therm is a generic way to call it as a fixed glass, althought originally coupes gets a B pillar post and a fixed or pop up glass ( like earliers RRs were originally )

The Sebring plus was the top of the line model… just no a Roadrunner sportier decor look and no 440 option. But far superior to the RR in several options.

 

[cruisbrothers]

So you have a premium car that they’re trying to make look like a mid-range model.
I think Road Runners are worth more today than the Sebring Plus, right?

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Just because the sportier/performance look. But talking about performance itself, the only difference really is the lack of the 440 option on the RP23. Suspension performance could be added on the Sebring Plus (rear sway bar and stuff) code A56.

3.55 with SG was only for RR thought

 

[Nacho-RT74]

On the other hand and something really important to me, the fact that the Sebring plus got roll down quarter glass windows and RRs not is more important. Performance parts could be added EASIER now than the quarter glass setup LOL.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Although, here says the 400 4bbl HiPo could get 3.55 SG axle… and that engine was optional also to the Sebring Plus. So I guess could be ordered separately and not just on package

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Anyway, being already in Europe you don’t have too many options to choose from except if you want to proceed with your own RR importation just because you want the real deal still being a “mid class” car.

It’s a 318 anyway, which it was also the RR base engine, but already dual exhaust, which was just like that on RRs. It’s not anymore stock anyway. Would be great if still matching numbers to the car!

And got the Hood!

So just if you want a real RM21 car I’d pass, but this is a good deal to begin with into the Mopar world in Europe ( dunno about your cars background thought)

Needs some fixing around thought… it seems it got some body filler around, match the seat covers (rear bench looks in good conditions and is original… legendary auto interiors could get that same finish to the fronts)… I guess fix the cluster (I can’t stand the aftermarket gauges down the dash, maybe added because originals got damaged)… look at those weird added switches down the A/C controls… upper door panels, ugly steering wheel.

I’d reinstall the A/C it came with!! Nowdays comfort and performance doesn’t need to be divorced.

Dash pad with a crack… while dash caps are available, I would go with a remanufactured unit.., not 100% perfect, maybe 90% but WAY better than a really visible crack (and an ugly cheap looking cap)

Well, is column shifter also… not my cup of tea thought. But was also a base equipment on RRs. Not with that luxury bench but basic bench

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I have being editing my last reply several times adding more LOL.

OH, AND RACING CHROMED MIRRORS! They are available as repro!

 

[RR Fan Dan]

OH, AND RACING CHROMED MIRRORS

Or painted body color.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

So you have a premium car that they’re trying to make look like a mid-range model.
I think Road Runners are worth more today than the Sebring Plus, right?

BTW, it happens the same with the Charger SE and any Hardtop with Rallye Package… SE was the premium, but nowdays a Hardtop Rallye is more desireable and valuable (with same drivetrain side by side)

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Or painted body color.

I thought on that too… hard to decide on THIS specific car..

Body color but… Gray matching the body? Or better semi gloss black matching the stripe it sits over (and hood) just like the ones actually has? That could make it look cool too!!!

Since I don’t like a fully blacked out grill, I’d refinish the front clip as any original RR grill must be, and keep chromed mirrors, matching the bumper still chromed.

But that’s just me.

 

[RSMS]

I'm not sure if all would agree with this but my take is this, a 74 road runner with a 318 is not the most collectible car out there. The original poster is in france and the car is already there and he can visually inspect it in person. This car being a satelitle and being made to look like a RR might be a better purchase if the car checks out body wise. If you are 100% set on buying a real RR you will probably have to import one from the states which I'm sure you have thought about and the issues it entails. !st you have to find your desired car in the states, you have to trust the pictures you get of it and or the inspection done by others. You have to arrange shipping to the port and then to France. You have to pay duties and VAT on it once it lands at your port of choosing and the pick it up either by you or by transporter. I have never directly imported into France but I have several vehicles there, mainly that came thru the tunnel out of england after imported to and registered in england. Do you have something similar to a MOT, if so there could be many issues with getting it to pass that as I know england can be a pain in the *** sometimes so I'm assuming france could be also (Poland isnt as bad but I've had issues there also). I'm not one for "cloned" cars but in some instances, like yours it could possibly be a better option especially if a 318 RR would be a satisfactory yank car for you. My point being, I've sold numerous cars in europe and in doing so I've heard countless stories of people being taken advantage of by less than honest sellers and also buyers that didn't realize the issues importing cars can entail. I would suggest to inspect that car and do it very closely, these cars are prone to collect rust and finding a solid body is very important even here in the states. If that car has one and you can make a reasonable deal, this might be a good alternative to having a real RR for you. If you are set on a RR they are available here, but you have to ask a lot of questions to find a good one

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Oh! And one of the coolest exhaust tips ever made on any car in the world!

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I'm not sure if all would agree with this but my take is this, a 74 road runner with a 318 is not the most collectible car out there. The original poster is in france and the car is already there and he can visually inspect it in person. This car being a satelitle and being made to look like a RR might be a better purchase if the car checks out body wise. If you are 100% set on buying a real RR you will probably have to import one from the states which I'm sure you have thought about and the issues it entails. !st you have to find your desired car in the states, you have to trust the pictures you get of it and or the inspection done by others. You have to arrange shipping to the port and then to France. You have to pay duties and VAT on it once it lands at your port of choosing and the pick it up either by you or by transporter. I have never directly imported into France but I have several vehicles there, mainly that came thru the tunnel out of england after imported to and registered in england. Do you have something similar to a MOT, if so there could be many issues with getting it to pass that as I know england can be a pain in the *** sometimes so I'm assuming france could be also (Poland isnt as bad but I've had issues there also). I'm not one for "cloned" cars but in some instances, like yours it could possibly be a better option especially if a 318 RR would be a satisfactory yank car for you. My point being, I've sold numerous cars in europe and in doing so I've heard countless stories of people being taken advantage of by less than honest sellers and also buyers that didn't realize the issues importing cars can entail. I would suggest to inspect that car and do it very closely, these cars are prone to collect rust and finding a solid body is very important even here in the states. If that car has one and you can make a reasonable deal, this might be a good alternative to having a real RR for you. If you are set on a RR they are available here, but you have to ask a lot of questions to find a good one

Agreed.

If searching for a matching RR GTX or 400 HiPo (maybe even a 360 HiPo), this is not the one to get and better go for the right one you dream with. But if thinking on import ANY RR available, still with a 318, this one could be a better option being already in Europe.

And being not a real RR, you still can customize it even more OR GETTING EVEN BETTER without guilt LOL

Note: car is in France, but poster is in Netherlands.

( damn, I love to have roll down quarter windows LOL )

 

[RSMS]

Agreed.

If searching for a matching RR GTX or 400 HiPo (maybe even a 360 HiPo), this is not the one to get and better go for the right one you dream with. But if thinking on import ANY RR available, still with a 318, this one could be a better option being already in Europe.

Note: car is in France, but poster is in Netherlands

my mistake on his location, here is one of my cars in the UK, I have many more there but this one made it to a magazine cover, basically their version of Hot Rod magazine, it's the crown vic on the bottom left of the page. I thought that was pretty cool

 

[Nacho-RT74]

By the way, another option could be a nice 73 340.

Oooooor… any 71/72 RR if he is not fixed into the 73/74.

Maybe we are fixed into 74 making comparisons with USA 74s just by the initial inquire

 

[RSMS]

There are a lot of American muscle cars and collector cars in the UK, it's a very big market for American muscle cars there. I would also suggest looking in the UK if the car posted about isn't what you want or to the quality you want. You need to visibly inspect the car and ask here about what needs extra looking at, if you cant find your car already landed in Europe and you want to import one, be careful, these are old cars and most have been fixed several times potentially hiding a lot of issues. A cheaper car usually isn't really a cheaper car, it's better to by a quality example in the beginning unless you are aware of what you are getting and weighed the cost of fixing it. Ask RR Dan Fan, he will tell you his real world experiences. Being you are in the Netherlands, you do have 2 of the easist ports in Europe to import into as I'm sure you already know. That helps alot. By the way, Amsterdam has got to be the worst city I have ever driven in. The bicycle riders are out of control, hahaha

 

[cruisbrothers]

Wow, that’s a lot of response. Thanks Nacho-RT74 and RSMS.


At the moment I own a ’66 Mustang Coupe 289 (and a ’97 Jeep Wrangler). I bought the Mustang because parts are easy to find, even here in the Netherlands. Although I think it’s a beautiful car, I’d like something with a bit more “muscle” — mainly in terms of looks.


The Plymouth in France might be a nice option since it shares so many similarities with the Road Runner, though the price would have to come down a bit. It’s still a 10-hour drive for me just to go and see it.


RSMS, do you have experience shipping cars within the USA to a port and then overseas to Europe? Is that something you could possibly assist with?


I’ll also introduce myself on the forum shortly. Nice to be here!

 

[RSMS]

Wow, that’s a lot of response. Thanks Nacho-RT74 and RSMS.


At the moment I own a ’66 Mustang Coupe 289 (and a ’97 Jeep Wrangler). I bought the Mustang because parts are easy to find, even here in the Netherlands. Although I think it’s a beautiful car, I’d like something with a bit more “muscle” — mainly in terms of looks.


The Plymouth in France might be a nice option since it shares so many similarities with the Road Runner, though the price would have to come down a bit. It’s still a 10-hour drive for me just to go and see it.


RSMS, do you have experience shipping cars within the USA to a port and then overseas to Europe? Is that something you could possibly assist with?


I’ll also introduce myself on the forum shortly. Nice to be here!

I have been in this business for myself since 1989 and grew up in it before that. Without getting into all of it I'll just answer with a yes, I've done all of that before (lol) . I have cut back my operation a lot in the last few years so I can play with my old cars and enjoy myself, more so than being in the rat race I've lived in for so long. Feel free to send me a private message with any questions you might have.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I’ll have to ship my 74 Charger from Venezuela to Spain… hoping this year!