Road Runner Nest

Does anyone here actually PREFER the '73-'74 models to the '71-'72?

Just wanted to do a survey. I have a '73 and if it wasn't a real Road Runner and a big block (or a 340 anyway) and a four speed, I would have probably gotten rid of it PRESUMING I could find a '71-'72 to replace it with.

It is my first four speed car and only my second big block car so I'm pretty stoked, but I always find that I lust after the prior years...

The 71/72 are the only models years I'd be interested in.
But I wound's kick a 69/70 440 +6 out of the garage.

With the HP ratings gong down and the style becoming more conservative I just prefer the early models.

I've seen some 73/74 on this site that ROCK and I guess I would upgrade to a quality 73/74 for my 71 but no one is going to make that offer.

If you enjoy the car thats all that counts.

Big blocks in 71-74 are only
383/400/440/426

small blocks in RR 340/ I have to look and see if any 72/73/74 had the 360 SB.

My favorites are the 68-70,because of the horsepower and compressions,in 68 they had 3-383's,they had one engine that had 440 heads.Those were the days. Cheaper gas to! But I love the bodies on the 71-72's.

One thing I personally like is that the technology and styling really started happening after 1970. Sure, 1970 got the locking steering column, but '71 got a lower dash, hidden wipers, unique two-door styling, and by '72, all had mandatory disc brakes. It would've been a great time sans the gas crunch, higher insurance rates, and lower compression, but nowadays that's not an issue and can always be rectified!

71-72 style for me....

Personally I prefer the 73/74 line. I suppose I have an emotional stake in the question, as my first Mopar was a 74 Road Runner I bought and restored in the eighties. I had looked at a 71 Charger that started knocking while idling in the guy's driveway, and a 71 Vitamin C 383 Road Runner that was all over the road on the test drive. This Runner was Rallye red with black stripes, for $1300. I was in love right away. I drove it until '93 when babies and responsibilities (read poverty) came along. I always missed the car and the great times that went with it. Just this year I was finally able to buy another one, and found one here in my town with some rare options. Shoot, I get comments on it and it hasn't even left my garage yet!

I do of course love all Mopars, and 71/72 Runners are my second favorite...BUT....I love the grill on the 73/74 cars. That being said, all 4 years have AWESOME sheet metal, especially those cool c-pillars and rear ends!

Definately 71-72......buts its great all them 73-74 interior parts will work in them

I have a '73 with a 400, but would prefer a '71 with a '73/74 hood...

I say the same thing about Satellites. Whatever gets my Road Runner going.

blakbirdz wrote:Definately 71-72......buts its great all them 73-74 interior parts will work in them

patrick wrote:I say the same thing about Satellites. Whatever gets my Road Runner going.

blakbirdz wrote:Definately 71-72......buts its great all them 73-74 interior parts will work in them

Hotwheelsjr wrote:I have a '73 with a 400, but would prefer a '71 with a '73/74 hood...

I love the hood on a 1971!!!!!!!!!

Hotwheelsjr wrote:I have a '73 with a 400, but would prefer a '71 with a '73/74 hood...

That's not bad looking...and I usually don't like the 73-74 hood.....
Hey Hotwheels, from your sig. pics it looks like you're the king of different year hood swaps

Eric wrote: Hey Hotwheels, from your sig. pics it looks like you're the king of different year hood swaps

I like to be different. If I didn't like my '73 RR hood so much, I'd swap it for maybe dual scoops like on Dusters, Demons, Bees, etc... I DO have a '73 flat hood....hmmmmmm. Nah, maybe just a TR sticking through a hole, yeah, that's the ticket!!

actually i frickin love the hood scoop from the 73-4 and wanted to find a hood to cut up and weld on to mine...they are so cool lookin, but then again, i have a hard enough time seein past the dash in this beast

I prefer 73-74 also.