Canadian spent five years turning old Plymouth Road Runner into a HEMI tribute

A Canadian car enthusiast spent five years transforming his 1969 Plymouth Road Runner into a plum-colored HEMI-powered masterpiece. 

The Plymouth Road Runner was introduced in 1968 and went on to become a muscle car icon. 

The car was released with a number of engine options, including the coveted HEMI. 

But, only a handful of these HEMI Road Runners made it over to Canada – so one gearhead decided to make his own.

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A Plymouth Road Runner HEMI is a very rare car

As any muscle car enthusiast can tell you, a real-deal HEMI Road Runner is a very rare find these days. 

And it’s even more tricky to get your hands on one outside of the US. 

According to the Subdivision Auto YouTube channel, only around 17 or 18 make their way to Canada. 

But car-lover Terry wasn’t going to let that stop him getting his hands on his dream car – and he spent five years painstakingly making his own. How cool is that?

The project began with Terry buying a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner that had originally been fitted with a 6.3 liter V8 for around $10,000. 

When Terry bought the vintage vehicle, it was in pretty bad shape, but he didn’t care as he had a complete overhaul in mind.

The old Road Runner was given a complete transformation

With the shell all sorted, Terry then set about sourcing that all-important engine and he eventually found one: a 1967 426 HEMI. 

With the two main components sitting in his garage, Terry was ready to begin the transformation – and what a transformation it was. 

He stripped away the old silver paintwork and resprayed a majestic plum color. 

He installed the new engine and a four-speed manual transmission, as well as a Dana 60 rear end to make it almost identical to the factory HEMI Road Runner. 

Inside, the Road Runner has a sleek minimalist feel and black vinyl seats.

“It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s everything a HEMI should be,” he said. 

The raft of modifications Terry made to the vehicle meant it seriously increased in value, but for him, this was a labor of love and he said he had no intention of ever selling it. 

“It’s about the passion,” he said.