Released in February 1969, Plymouth offered their potent 440 ‘Six Pack’ engine in the Road Runner with a package called A12. This included the potent 440 in³ engine, Edelbrock manifolds, three Holley carburetors, a distinctive fiberglass hood and bare H-Series wheels. With these simple changes, the Roadrunner was much more than its Warner Brothers roots would suggest. Motor Trend named it “Car of the Year” in 1969.

While the 440 was cheaper option compared to the HEMI Road Runner, it was no slouch. With a ‘big block’ 440, this Runner was rated at 390 bhp and bridged the gap between the HEMI and basic 383 in³ model. But the A19 package was much more than an engine swap. It also included upgrades to the intake system, drive line and body. For $462.80 it was a much more economical option than the much more expensive HEMI.

The A12 engine was typical of the other 440 Six Packs found on other Mopars and included a sweet set of upgrades. Aside from the three dual-throat Holey carburetors, the 440 included an aluminum Edelbrock intake manifold, chromed valve stems, magnafluxed connecting rods and heavy duty valve springs. As an option customers could order different pushrods with a more aggressive camshaft. Unfortunately, this engine was only produced in 1969 over a three month period. NHRA rated the engine at 410 bhp. The fitted Edelbrock intake manifold was the first production OEM manifold produced by by Edelbrock.

All A12 440s received a signature lift-off fiberglass hood which was fastened by hood pins. It was the only Mopar to receive such a treatment from the factory. Other goodies included rare G70-15 Goodyear Polyglas tires with red stripes, 15×6 H-Series wheels with chrome lug nuts, a Dana 4.11:1 differential and 11-inch drum brakes.

Speed and Supercar magazine tested an 1969 A12 Road runner and got a 1/4 mile time of 13.88 seconds at 106.13 mph.

Sold as a $462.80 option on the base $2,945.00 Road Runner, the A12 was a popular choice. Production of the A12 Road Runner finished after 615 were built, 227 with automatics and 388 with 4-speed manuals. Color options for the Road Runner included Performance Red, Bahama Yellow, Rallye Green and Vitamin C Orange. Later in production all the Dodge colors became available and some were finished in White, Limelight and Sunfire Yellow. Interior was restricted to just black or white with an option vinyl top.

In Detail

submitted by	anonymous
type	Series Production Car
production years	1969 – 1969
built at	Detroit, Michigan, USA
production	615
engine	A12 V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
block material	Cast Iron
valvetrain	Pushord OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	3 Holley Carburettors (990cfm) w/Edelbrok Manifold
displacement	7210 cc / 440 in³
bore	109.7 mm / 4.32 in
stroke	95.3 mm / 3.75 in
compression	10.5:1
power	290.8 kw / 390 bhp @ 4700 rpm
specific output	54.09 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	250.16 bhp per tonne
torque	528.8 nm / 390 ft lbs @ 3200 rpm
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	RWD w/A12 Dana 60 Diff
wheel type	Stamped Steel H-Series
front tires	G70-15 Goodyear Polyglas Redstripe
rear tires	G70-15 Goodyear Polyglas Redstripe
front brakes	Bendix Drums
rear brakes	Bendix Drums
front wheels	F 38.1 x 15.2 cm / 15 x 6 in
rear wheels	R 38.1 x 15.2 cm / 15 x 6 in
steering	Worm & Sector
f suspension	Torsion Bars w/Telescopic Shock Absorbers
r suspension	Live Axle w/Leaf Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
curb weight	1559 kg / 3435 lbs
wheelbase	2946.4 mm / 116 in
front track	1511.3 mm / 59.5 in
rear track	1503.7 mm / 59.2 in
length	5148.6 mm / 202.7 in
width	1940.6 mm / 76.4 in
height	1389.4 mm / 54.7 in
transmission	A833 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.65:1, 1.93:1, 1.39:1, 1.00:1
final drive	4.10:1
0 – 60 mph	~6.6 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~13.88 seconds
fuel capacity	71.92 litres or 19 gal.