Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER RT: MECUM / HAMTRAMCK REGISTRY
The circus has come to town! Something like this had to think not a few motor enthusiasts when they saw the advertisements for the Rapid Transit Caravan. This rolling show toured the United States in 1971 with 100 stops at Chrysler dealerships, exhibits and races filled with the smell of gasoline. A rolling fair designed by the executives of the American giant to promote Dodge and Plymouth musclecars.
In addition, the Rapid Transit Caravan advertised different preparation kits sports offered by brands. Special wheels, more efficient carburettors, aerodynamic inserts ... But the thing was not here. Because right thereand they offered manuals to learn how to trick the engine, get a better point on straights or modify the angle of rotation in the direction. All this endorsed by the brand itself!
Surely this may sound crazy. A veritable macarrada endorsed by the Chrysler executives themselves. However… In the United States the years before the 1973 Oil Crisis were like this. An escalation of displacement, horsepower and bombastic car culture where The mighty muscle cars represented the object of desire from a youth fond of acceleration races.
In fact, the Rapid Transit Caravan was showing a movie about the history of dragster racing in America. Come on, just the opposite of the quiet and neutral dealership concept we see today (Dodge Charger Demon aside). Obviously all of this would be unthinkable today, but in the protean American excitement of the moment this touring show was a huge success, further boosting sales of models like the Plymouth Road Runner.
PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER RAPID TRANSIT. SINGLE EXEMPLARY
Part of this crazy caravan were the four musclecars prepared for the occasion. Four unique models exhibiting unique specifications. These were joined by other vehicles among which stood out a Road Runner Superbird. In fact, this mythical NASCAR car was presented in that same 1971 along with its unforgettable rear wing.
Among the sports cars prepared exclusively for Rapid Transit were a 440 Couda, 340 duster, Hemri Cuda and ... This spectacular Plymouth Road Runner Rapid Transit. Within the world of North American show cars this one is cataloged at the height of myth. A specimen built by the Chuck Miller customizer during 1970 commissioned by Chrysler.
Regarding the original body, the changes are notable in the front and rear. Front thanks to a finial that stylizes the front making the car longer, and behind in the new tail with integrated spoiler. In our opinion a true marvel, which unites to the body line what another designer would have put in the form of an exalted bulge.
The modifications also affect the mechanics, which is enhanced until the 335CV thanks to a higher compression ratio than expected in the original 8-liter V6. A rage that goes to the asphalt thanks to an automatic transmission. This is America you know!
PART OF CHRYSLER'S HISTORICAL LEGACY
For years the Road Runner Rapid Transit has been owned by Chrysler but hosted by the Steven Juliano collection, who has kept the car in show condition. In fact his odometer only shows 1.300 miles (2.092 kms), the general condition of the car being truly impeccable. A pure museum piece.
However, perhaps now is the time when you start to add more kilometers, since last May it changed hands at Mecum's Indy Car auction. The new owner got hold of this musclecar legend for $ 341.000 (304.000 euros), being part of a lot that also offered the other unique models that turned with the Rapid Transit Caravan in 1971. Who knows if we will ever see them together on stage again ...
