Meticulously Restored 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, an Irresistible Investment Opportunity

 Even though it wasn't on the market for that many years, the Plymouth Road Runner made such a big splash that it remains a sought-after model. A true collectible, it caters to petrolheads of all ages, though most of them weren't even born back when the Chrysler-owned brand, which was discontinued in 2001, made it.

The first generation lived from 1968 to 1970, and Plymouth gave birth to its successor the following year. Unlike the original, which came as a coupe and convertible, the second-gen was offered with a fixed-roof design solely, and so was the third generation, which entered production in 1975. The nameplate was dropped altogether in 1980, leaving a void that has yet to be filled.

We all know the automotive industry would be better with more muscle cars, so we won't even mention it. Oh, wait, we just did. And with that reference aside, it's time to present you with a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner that deserves your attention.

It is part of the first generation, and even if it was made back when man had yet to step on the Moon, this old-timer is in great condition all around.

The top-notch form is due to a complete restoration process, during which every part was given a new lease on life. Not only that, but it has a restomod twist as well, with several upgraded components such as the brakes, which feature cross-drilled discs.

The car is presented in a nice shade of green with a black hood that sports a large scoop and has several shiny accents on the outside. It rides on American Racing wheels with a five-spoke design and a chrome look, and it seems ready to take on whatever its next owner might throw at it.

Don't think it lacks in the power department because it doesn't. At its heart lies the 440-ci V8, a 7.2-liter unit that used to be the range-topping offering back in the day. We do not know how much it puts out, but it was good for 390 horsepower back in the day.

We now have punchier hot hatches, but remember that this car came out 55 years ago. Transmission options included a three-speed automatic and a four-speed manual, and this one is in the two-pedal configuration.

Pre-purchase inspections are welcomed, the GarageKeptMotors listing reveals, and to sign your name on the dotted line, you will have to pay new Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak money on it.

The modern-day muscle car has an MSRP of $87,295, and this old-timer with gorgeous looks costs $89,900. So, is this 1968 Plymouth Road Runner worth it, or would you rather get something newer instead for that kind of money?

A Journey of Hope: Stray Cat Finds Loving Family, Gives Birth to Bonded Trio of Tabby Kittens

A heartwarming tale unfolds as a fragile stray cat discovers an oasis of compassion in the yard of a kind-hearted family during a summer’s day. Drawn by her hunger, she returned time and again, and it became evident that she carried a precious secret within her. 

Stef and Johanne, dedicated animal rescuers from Montreal, Canada, emerged as the heroes, extending a helping hand to ensure the pregnant cat’s well-being. As her pregnancy advanced, the need for a safe haven became paramount.

Following a visit to the veterinary clinic, the expectant mother found herself embraced by the comforts of her new home, meticulously prepared by Stef and Johanne. A serene and cozy space awaited her, providing solace for the impending arrival. The gentle tabby indulged in a satisfying meal before settling into the haven, finally able to unwind and enjoy some much-needed rest.

Stef and Johanne took turns tending to her needs, fully prepared for the momentous occasion. A few days later, the cat went into labor, beginning a challenging yet awe-inspiring journey. Supported by unwavering care and assistance, she successfully gave birth to a litter of three robust mini tabbies.

Leelo, Elijah, and Jasper, the affectionately named trio, quickly formed an unbreakable bond, always huddled together in a heap of purrs that warmed hearts. Their connection provided solace and contentment, a testament to the power of sibling unity.

Under the nurturing guidance of their devoted tabby mother, the kittens thrived until they were weaned and ready to embark on their own explorations. The inseparable brothers ventured into the world together, an embodiment of harmony within their clowder. Playfulness filled their days as they mirrored each other’s antics, joyously engaging in adorable wrestling matches.

Their watchful eyes never strayed far from one another’s presence, for their bond was unyielding. If separated for too long, their plaintive cries would echo through the air. As the kittens grew, the former stray cat, having fulfilled her motherly duties, was ready to retire from her role. Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montréal expressed, “She has found a loving family who will care for her, and she will be spayed and adopted.”

This remarkable journey of hope showcases the transformative power of love and compassion. From a frail stray to a cherished family member, this cat’s story intertwines with that of her cherished offspring, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and unity.

1964 Dodge 330 Max Wedge Is A Super Rare Sleeper

 The Dodge 330 was produced briefly from 1962 to 1964 when it was part of the Polara line. Chrysler’s first full-size B-body sedan, the 330 wasn’t the most iconic Dodge from the 1960s, but it did spawn one of the rarest race cars of its time: the Max Wedge.

Dodge only built a few for the Super Class of stock, and the surviving cars are now some of the most valuable Mopars from the 1960s. 330 Max Wedges and examples of numbers are hard to come by. Low miles are extremely rare.

Amazingly, such a car appeared on eBay after it had been in storage for so long. There’s some bad news, though: the original Max Wedge factory is no longer in operation.

The cool thing about this powerful 330 is that you can’t tell it’s a race car. It looks just as mundane as the regular 330, fitted as standard with a 145-horsepower 3.7-liter inline-six. This example is no exception and it doesn’t even have flashy colors. It is finished in plain black, so it will fly under the radar.

According to the seller, who bought the car in 2008, the 330 has been in the garage for the past 12 years. The black two-door car has not been repainted, so it retains the original paint color. The exterior shows various signs of wear and tear, but no rust and it really isn’t too bad as this 330 is 57 years old as of 2021.

The story is the same inside the cabin. The all-red vinyl and fabric upholstery is still original and it looks absolutely beautiful except for some discoloration. The floor has a bit of surface rust, but that’s an easy fix during a light restoration.

Now comes the disappointing part. This 330 no longer has the original Max Wedge under the hood. The owner doesn’t seem to know the whereabouts of the original engine and transmission; they have been replaced by slightly more modern units.

The original Max Wedge came with a large 7.0-liter RB-type V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. It is rated to have a huge capacity of 425 horsepower, on par with a muscle car from the early 1970s.

These cars were the fastest factory-built vintage cars over a quarter-mile when they debuted. Especially since they are equipped with lightweight, aluminum front clamps.

For example, the 330 here is one of only 23 built. It’s also one of only two examples that combine a black exterior with red interior trim and optional heating.

So what will replace the iconic Max Wedge engine under the hood? The owner says it draws its juice from a “more modern” 7.2-liter V8, which is connected to a “1965+” transmission and rear end. He doesn’t know how much output it produces but says the engine will run, despite having been idle “for years.”

The 1966 Plymouth Belvedere: A Discreet Exterior Hiding a Powerful HEMI V8 Engine

 When talking about Plymouths from the golden muscle car era, we usually remember the Barracuda, Road Runner, and the GTX. But the Belvedere and the Satellite, which are often overlooked, are just as cool. In fact, they make even nicer sleepers when finished in plain colors and fitted with the mighty 426 HEMI under the hood.

Yup, the bottom-line Belvedere also got the muscular 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8. The nameplate actually joined the muscle car market as early as 1962, when Mopar rolled out the race-bred Max Wedge mill, but the Belvedere got the HEMI as soon as it became available in 1966.

But the HEMI-powered Belvedere wasn't particularly popular that year, because Plymouth sold only about 700 of them. Come 2022 and they're quite difficult to find.

Especially if you're looking for low-mileage, unrestored and unmolested survivors. It's the kind of classic many of us won't get to see in the metal very often, but Mark O'Malia was lucky enough to get his hands on one.

Spotted by Lou Costabile at Carlisle Events 2022, this 1966 Belvedere II Hardtop is one of 531 made that year with a HEMI V8, but its condition and odometer reading make it an incredible classic.

That's because this car is an all-original survivor that hasn't been restored and boasts an odometer that shows only 23,776 miles (38,264 km).

How is that possible? Well, let's just say that this Belvedere was pampered since day one and the previous owners treated it like a garage queen. According to Mark, who bought the car in 2021, the first owner drove it for only 16,000 miles (25,750 km) until 1973.

The second owner gave it even less time on public roads, enjoying it for just 7,000 miles (11,265 km) in 38 years.

But low mileage and fabulous condition aren't the only features that make this Belvedere a great classic. It's also one of the coolest sleepers out there. Painted white and fitted with a black interior with a front bench, this Mopar is anything but mean as far as looks go.

But all that changes when the 426 HEMI roars to life and sends 425 horsepower to the rear wheels. Definitely not your grandma's Sunday driver.

Speaking of spinning the wheels, the HEMI V8 reaches the rear axle through a three-speed automatic, which narrows the production numbers down to only 251 units.

How many of them were finished in this combo and are still around today? Fewer than 20, perhaps? So not only a cool sleeper and an amazing survivor, but this HEMI Belvedere II is also a six-figure collectible.

Did you also notice the blue line tires? That's a one-year-only feature, so you won't see it on Plymouths from different model years unless it's an aftermarket add-on.

Anyway, hit the play button below to take a walk around what has to be the finest 1966 HEMI Belvedere survivor out there.

Timeless Elegance: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, 46 Years Unspoiled, Boasts All-Original Condition

 While Dodge joined the muscle car market in the mid-1960s with cars like the Charger and Coronet, it didn't offer a proper competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro until 1970. That's when the Challenger arrived alongside the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda.

We could say that the Challenger was a bit late to the muscle car party, but the two years it spent on the market before high-performance V8 engines became extinct was enough to turn it into a legend. Come 2022 and the 1970 and 1971 Challengers are among the most sought-after classics from the golden muscle car era.

The HEMI version is the one that gets a lot more attention and the bigger bucks at public auctions. And that's not only because it's the most powerful Challenger at 425 horsepower. The HEMI is also a very rare bird. For instance, Dodge sold only 356 of them in 1970.

The 440-equipped cars are also hard to find. Yes, Dodge built 2,035 of them for the 1970 model year, but many got lost on the way and unrestored, unmolested examples are scarce and quite expensive. But there's a third 1970 Challenger version that's worth collecting and it's just as rare as the 440.

I'm talking about the T/A, a one-year wonder that was put into showrooms to homologate the Challenger for the Trans Am series. It doesn't have a big-block V8 like the 440, but it comes with many special features and saw daylight in only 2,399 units. Many of which, of course, are no longer around. The DY3 Cream example you see here is one of those that survived and it's perhaps the finest unrestored specimen out there.

The owner shares that the bought the car in 1976 in excellent shape and with only 46,000 miles (74,030 km) on the odometer. He pampered it ever since and drove it for just 18,000 miles (28,968 km) in 46 years. That's only 391 miles (629 km) per year on average, which means one thing: this Challenger T/A has been a garage queen all this time.

And that explains why the factory paint still looks gorgeous apart from a few chips and some patina and why the car is still original from bumper to bumper. Yup, this includes the 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) V8 and the four-speed manual gearbox. The latter, by the way, turns this T/A into a one-of-989 gem.

If you're not familiar with the T/A, it also features a black fiberglass hood with a large air scoop, side-exiting exhaust pipes, and a heavy-duty suspension. It was also one of the first muscle cars to use different size tires in the front and the rear.

The Challenger T/A failed to win any races in the 1970 Trans Am championship dominated by the Ford Mustang but scored three podiums. Dodge finished the season in the fourth position, behind Ford, AMC, and Chevrolet. As a road car, the T/A was Dodge's alternative to the Ford Mustang Boss 302 and the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

1957 Pontiac with Rare Feature Unchanged for Half a Century Draws Attention

 Initially used to describe rare and valuable classic cars found in derelict condition, the term "barn find" is now more loosely applied to all sorts of vehicles that sat for as little as ten years. It's not necessarily wrong, but it dilutes the whole thing. Because let's face it, a 1955 Chevrolet Tri-Five is no match for a 1931 Duesenberg Model J in terms of rarity and value.

On the flip side, every single classic car that spent decades in a barn, shed, or carport is entitled to be part of this category, regardless of whether it's a 1950s Ferrari or an AMC Gremlin. At the same time, not all barn finds that seem mundane at first glance are, in fact, common and worthless. The 1957 Pontiac Star Chief you see here is the perfect proof.

Initially introduced in 1954, the Star Chief arrived as a pricier version of the Chieftain. Slotted right below the Catalina, it used the same A-body platform as the Chieftain but sported a longer wheelbase for enhanced comfort.

The second-gen version (1955-1957) was Pontiac's take on the Tri-Five-based Chevrolet Bel Air (but limited to V8 power).

The Star Chief was nowhere near as popular as the Bel Air. In 1955, for instance, Chevrolet delivered more than 800,000 Bel Airs (all body styles), whereas Pontiac sold only 203,404 Star Chiefs. The gap remained similar through 1957 when both nameplates were redesigned. But that's not to say that the second-gen Star Chief is a rare classic.

Sure, many of them did not make it into 2023, having been abandoned in junkyards or sent to the crusher, but 433,941 units is a lot of cars for three model years. That's how many Star Chiefs were built from 1955 to 1957.

The four-door sedan you see here is one of 103,212 examples sold in 1957, which is also a lot. But here's the catch: this Star Chief is of the Custom Sedan variety, a body style that's much rarer than two- and four-door Hardtop models.

While the four-door Hardtop was the most popular iteration at 44,283 units made, the Custom Sedan didn't draw as many customers into showrooms. This body style moved only 8,874 units, which is less than nine percent of total Staf Chief production in 1957.

Sure, it's nowhere near as rare as the Bonneville Convertible, built in 630 units, but you'd have to be very lucky to see a four-door post car in the metal nowadays.

And that's not the only spectacular thing about this 1957 Star Chief. You're also looking at an all-original survivor put back on the road after several decades in storage. Specifically, this Poncho was parked in a barn sometime in the 1970s and spent about 50 years on cement blocks and covered in dirt.

And yes, it's a low mileage example, too, with the odo showing only 16,478 miles (26,519 km) as of this writing.

And check out that gorgeous shade of green, the kind you don't see on American production cars nowadays. It's called Limefire Green Metallic, and it was exclusive to the 1957 model year. Making things even better, the interior is the same color, including white accents matching the roof and the side trim.

The owner shares that he spent a couple of years putting it together again. But while he had to fetch a few replacement parts, he had only one rust hole to sort out. And that's mighty surprising for a car that sat for 50 years in Indiana.

The Poncho isn't 100% complete just yet. The rear bumper is still missing, but that's part of a puzzle that makes this Star Chief even rarer than the average four-door sedan. That's because the original owner specced the hauler with a continental kit.

If you're unfamiliar with this feature, it's an extended rear bumper with a spare tire to provide extra room in the trunk. There's no information on how many Star Chiefs were ordered with continental kits, but we're probably talking about fewer than 500 cars for the 1957 model year.

Add in the fact that the original 347-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 is still under the hood, and you're looking at a fine piece of Pontiac history. One that's highly original and an authentic barn find. Check it out in the video below.

1967 Pontiac GTO Hardtop