By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North America Archives, Muscle Car Plus and the St. Louis Car Museum
Published 7.10.2024
A 1968 Plymouth Road Runner ad (Stellantis North America Archives)
The popular 1968 Plymouth Road Runner was designed under the direction of Elwood P. Engel, who followed in the footsteps of the legendary designer Virgil Exner leading the Chrysler design studio. Engel left the Ford Motor Company design team and came to Chrysler with a great passion for automotive style.
Elwood Engel (Muscle Car Plus)
One popular design concept that Engel was a part of was the 1963 Chrysler Turbine car that many thoroughly enjoyed. Another great looking car Engel turned out toward the end of his career was the 1968 Road Runner coupe, which was priced at $3,034. A total of 15,359 units were produced that year.
The front end of the Plymouth Road Runner with Chrysler EVP Dick MacAdam (Stellantis North America Archives)
The 1960s were a great time when American automakers introduced many different muscle cars targeted to the younger generation. The 1968 Road Runner featured a 383 engine with a design logo 383 numerals that appeared on the air scoops hood design. It also offered a 426 Hemi Street engine.
Another 1968 Plymouth Road Runner ad (Stellantis North America Archives)
The Road Runner was a high-performance car named for the famed animated cartoon bird character. According to automotive historians, Chrysler’s Plymouth marketing division paid Warner Brothers studio $50,000 for the licensing of the name, which included the iconic “Beep Beep” horn sound recognized and beloved by Road Runner fans. The late Jack Smith of Chrysler worked with Warner Brothers to use the animated bird for the popular Plymouth car, however, it was Gordon Cherry who came up with the idea of using the Road Runner cartoon bird in conjunction with the vehicle. The resulting marketing campaign was very effective in 1968.
1968 Plymouth ad (Stellantis North America Archives)
In 1968, the Plymouth Division restyled its intermediates with more rounded lines than ever before. The Road Runner became one of the hottest models on the road with its hardtop or coupe design that most people admired. The Road Runner name plates were located on the sides and rear end of the car, creating a nice-looking design. The car also used black hood detailing.
A 1968 Plymouth Road Runner ad (Stellantis North America Archives)
I should also mention that one of the most famous NASCAR drivers, Richard Petty, drove a 1968 Plymouth Road Runner that carried his signature number 43.
Richard Petty's #43 Road Runner NASCAR racer
Plymouth advertising for 1968 created great illustrations of the 1968 Road Runner models using colorful images and the cartoon characters, along with that popular “Beep Beep.” Some of the artwork was created by artist Dale Dalton, who created a more widened and foreshortened look. One of the most popular advertisements that year featured a blue Road Runner illustration with headers smoking and racing slicks throwing a whirlwind of fire. This magazine ad was even made available in poster form.
1968 Plymouth Road Runner (St Louis Car Museum)
In conclusion, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner models were first introduced as a mid-year release with its unique hood and simulated air scoops, along with its 383 or 426 Hemi V8 engine. Some automotive historians have said that the 1968-1970 models were the most recognized and desirable among automotive enthusiasts. Plymouth named it after the famous Warner Brothers cartoon character. That move helped the model become very successful and part of our automotive history.
Lamm, Michael & Holls, Dave. “A Century of Automotive Style: 100 Years of American Car Design.” Lamm-Morada Publishing, 1996.
Butler, Don. “The Plymouth and DeSoto Story.” Motorbooks International. Crestline Publishing, 1978.
Holder, Bill & Kunz, Phil. “Chrysler Muscle: Detroit Mightiest Machines.” Krause Publications, 2003.
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection
Published 7.3.2024
Read more: An Inside Look at the 1963 Chevy Corvette Color & Trim Book
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Ferens Collection
Published 6.26.2024
Read more: A Look Inside the 1967 Ford Le Mans-Winning GT Mark IV
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ebony Magazine, Road & Track Magazine, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
Published 6.19.2024
Read more: Remembering Cheryl Linn Glass, One of the 1st Black Racers
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Stellantis North America Archives, Vlad Radu Auto Evolution, Steven Juliano
Published 6.12.2024
Read more: The 1970 Dodge Diamante, A Forgotten Hemi Show Car
By Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of Jack Teetor and the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 6.7.2024
Read more: EXTRA: "Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story" Film Debuts
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Heritage Archives
Published 6.5.2024
1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III design sketches (GM Heritage Archives)
One of the most stylish concept Corvette models that came out of the General Motors Technical Center was the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept. This concept was created under the direction of Charles M. “Chuck” Jordan (1927-2010), who was a part of the GM design team for many years.
Charles M. Jordan, VP of GM Design staff 1986-1992 (GM Heritage Archives)
Throughout GM history, Jordan contributed many great designs to the company’s various brands that were very successful. The 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept was introduced in a black cherry color scheme that many fans really liked. I remember seeing the model when it first debuted and was very impressed with its futuristic styling. It offered a great looking front-end with angled headlight styling features.
Another 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III sketch (GM Heritage Archives)
Some automotive historians have said that the 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept was reminiscent of the popular 1960s Corvette models. Jordan was very pleased that the Sting Ray III concept generated a lot of buzz and recognition when it was introduced at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show.
A black and white aerial shot of the 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The Sting Ray III was designed by a GM stylist from its advanced concept center located in Southern California. Automotive historians have said that this concept was considered for production, however, its $300,000 price tag made that idea a responsible no.
The 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III design concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The concept was built using carbon fiber, which provided strength and flexibility. An adjustable steering wheel was added along with a great-looking sloping windshield design. John Schinella, who was in charge of the California-based studio, said, “After the structure and drivetrain placements were determined, sketches were made, presented, debated and finalized. The completed shape had to look new.”
1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The Sting Ray III used advanced technology, including optical sensors. The model also featured all-wheel steering and cast-aluminum wheels. In addition, the concept featured an analog and digital instrument gage panel, and the interior design provided a fighter jet feel when driving.
A rear view of the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
Michael Lamm & Dave Holls, the authors of “A Century of Automotive Style: 100 years of American Car Design,” said, “GM’s California Concept Center, under John Schinella, developed the 1992 Sting Ray III as one possible answer to the Dodge Viper. John Mack did most of the exterior design, while Jon Albert designed the interior. The running metallic purple prototype carried a 300-hp Corvette V8.”
1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept interior (GM Heritage Archives)
In conclusion, GM Design staff were shaping the future when they introduced the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept to the public in 1992. It also received several awards for best design concept. Finaly, this model will always have a place in our automotive history as a great-looking show car that Corvette fans and historians will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Car Styling News. “1992 Sting Ray III Concept.”
Teeters, Scott K. “1992 Sting Ray III Concept, AKA: The California Corvette.” Motor Trend Magazine, February 17, 2016.
Rosenberg, Diego. “1992 Corvette Sting Ray III Concept, Melding the Past and the Future.” October 10, 2014.
Lamm, Michael & Holls, Dave. “A Century of Automotive Style 100 Years of American Car Design.” Lamm-Morada Publishing, 1996-97.
by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Director of Communications
Images Courtesy of the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 5.29.2024
Read more: Remembering Ralph Teetor, Inventor of Cruise Control
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of The Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 5.22.2024
Read more: A Brief History of Automotive Leader William Clay Ford Jr.
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Packard Illustrations from the Robert Tate Collection
Published 5.15.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of Stellantis North America Archives, GM Media Archives, and Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 5.8.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Petersen Museum, AllCarIndex, and Custom Rodder magazine
Published 5.1.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1956 American Motors Astra-Gnome Concept Car
by Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images by Bob Sadler, MotorCities
Published 4.24.2024
Read more: Ye Ole Carriage Shop Preserves Jackson Auto History
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Media Archives
Published 4.17.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection and The Henry Ford
Published 4.10.2024
Read more: The 1932 Fords were Popular during the Great Depression
By Jeffrey D. Brasie
Images Courtesy of the Sloan Museum of Discovery
Published 4.3.2024
Read more: When GM Was in the Decorative Ceramic Tile Business
by Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of the Ford Piquette Plant Museum
Published 3.27.2024
Read more: The Ford Piquette Plant Museum & Its First Floor Renovation
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection
Published 3.20.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Della Woods, Replicas West/Tom West, Drag Racing Hall of Fame
Published 3.13.2024
Read more: Remembering Della Woods and Her Great Racing Career
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian & Researcher
Images courtesy of GM Media Archives
Published 3.6.2024
EDITOR’S NOTE: Today, we continue our observance of Black History Month with a look at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn's Achievement exhibit, which opened one year ago.
by MotorCities Staff
Image Courtesy of MotorCities National Heritage Area
Published 2.28.2024
Read more: One Year Later: The Award-Winning Achievement Exhibit at AHF
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives and the Detroit Free Press
Published 2.21.2024
Read more: Chris Young: From Collecting Matchbox Cars to Ford Designer
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the GM Media Archives
Published 2.14.2024
Read more: The 1954 Oldsmobile Cutlass: A Forgotten Concept Car
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives, Robert Tate Collection, ClassicCars.com
Published 2.7.2024
Read more: The 1956 Plymouth Models Offered Aerodynamic Styling
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Ferens Collection
Published 1.31.2024
Read more: The Ormond Garage and the Early Days of Racing on the Beach
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Hot Rod Archives, Motor Trend Archives, Wallpaper.com and Chrysler Archives
Published 1.24.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, Which Became Popular
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Paula Murphy Archives
Published 1.17.2024
Read more: Remembering the Great Legacy of Race Car Driver Paula Murphy
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Malcolm Bricklin Archives. A special thanks to Historian Ron Konopka for this story.
Published 1.10.2024
Read more: Remembering Malcolm Bricklin and the Bricklin Automobile
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives and the Ferens Collection
Published 1.3.2024
