Rare 1972 Road Runner Discovered at Salvage Yard
A collector uncovered a rare V-code vehicle that Chrysler once denied building.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Auto Parts
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In August 1971, a rare 1972 Plymouth Road Runner rolled off the assembly line equipped with a high-performance 440 Six-Pack engine. While Chrysler long denied these specific vehicles existed, a collector recently identified one in a salvage yard.
Why it matters
The vehicle represents a unique intersection of classic automotive engineering and regulatory history as Chrysler sought to avoid Clean Air Act compliance violations. The engine was pulled from production after failing to meet new federal emissions standards, leading the company to suppress records of its existence.
Only three to five V-code vehicles are confirmed to exist today, out of a total 1972 Road Runner production of 7,628 units. The collector purchased this specific unit from a salvage yard for just $150.
The players
Chrysler
An American automaker known for its history of high-performance engines and muscle car design.
Russell Morgan
A classic car collector who identified the rare vehicle in a salvage yard.
The details
The V-code engine designation is identified by the fifth digit of the vehicle identification number (VIN). These cars were built during the brief window after dealers took orders but before the company issued a formal cancellation memo for the engine option. The 440 Six-Pack engine features 330 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with the model also sporting an electric sunroof and an Air Grabber hood scoop.
Timeline
Spring 1971: Dealers began taking orders for 440 Six-Pack models.
August 1971: The subject vehicle was produced in St. Louis.
1972: The model year for the V-code Road Runner production.
The Home Front
This discovery highlights how federal regulatory changes often force manufacturers to cancel engine configurations mid-production. These historical shifts remain a primary driver of rarity and collector value for vintage automobiles today.
Collectors should look for the fifth digit of the VIN to verify the legitimacy of high-performance engine claims on classic vehicles. Consult an official brand archive or a licensed appraiser to confirm production history before making any restoration investments.
The takeaway
The history of this Road Runner serves as a reminder that official company documentation may not always reflect actual production figures. Always verify a vehicle's authenticity through physical components like VIN plates and date stamps rather than relying solely on catalogs.
Further reading
For more on identifying parts and history, visit Auto Parts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
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