A highly uncommon 1970 Plymouth Road Runner equipped with the sought-after Six-Barrel 440 engine is set to cross the auction block at Mecum’s Indy 2026 event, drawing attention for its rarity, restoration quality and unusual mileage reading.
The Road Runner’s 440 cubic-inch V8, known widely as the Six-Barrel configuration, featured three two-barrel carburetors and was originally introduced as part of the A12 performance package aimed at drag racing enthusiasts. That package appeared mid-year in 1969 and was installed in 1,412 Road Runners. By 1970, the Six-Barrel setup became a standalone option, and despite a sharp drop in overall Road Runner production to fewer than 37,000 units, demand for the high-performance engine grew to 1,815 examples.
The car heading to auction represents an even narrower slice of that production. It is a coupe model with B-pillars, a body style significantly less common than the hardtop. Only 651 coupes were built with the Six-Barrel engine in 1970. This particular vehicle becomes rarer still when factoring in its drivetrain configuration. Equipped with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, it is one of just 222 examples produced with that combination.
Finished in the vivid FJ6 high-impact green known as Sassy Grass, the car stands out visually as well. The color was offered only during the 1970 and 1971 model years, adding another layer of exclusivity. The finish seen today is the result of a comprehensive restoration that also refreshed the interior and engine bay to near-show condition.
The odometer currently reads 36 miles, though that figure reflects mileage accumulated after restoration rather than original use. The vehicle was reset during the rebuild process and shows only minimal testing miles since completion.
Previously offered at auction in Monterey in 2025, the car did not sell despite a high bid of $75,000. Its upcoming appearance in Indy on May 16 raises questions about whether it could now command a significantly higher price.
The event will also feature two additional Road Runners, both 1969 Hemi-powered hardtops, highlighting the continued collector interest in Plymouth’s classic muscle car lineup.
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