Plymouth Volare Roadrunner (1976 to 1980)
Back in 1976, Plymouth introduced the Volare, a successful mid-size model produced in many variants and exported worldwide. It was the twin to the Dodge Aspen. The Volare featured rear-wheel drive, a wide range of engines, and a sleek design. Both Dodge and Plymouth had successful muscle models in the past and the heritage was still solid when the Volare was introduced. This was a perfect platform for a muscle car if it weren’t for grueling emissions and safety regulations that killed the performance. But Plymouth tried and presented the Volare Road Runner, which featured a 316 V8 engine and a measly 160 horsepower (via Motor Trend).
What it lacked in the performance department, Volare Road Runner compensated in looks. It had a complete body kit with rear window louvers, a spoiler, a graphics package, and sport wheels. Some versions even featured a T-top roof, which was an excellent choice back in the day. Later, Plymouth introduced the 360 V8 with 175 to 196 hp, which improved the performance but was still slow. Production ended in 1980 after four years on the market. Today, it’s a collector’s car since it has an interesting history, despite the fact it was regarded as a disgrace by classic muscle car fans. They thought that the Road Runner name should go on a better-performing machine. Also, all Volares had rust issues, so the number of surviving cars in good condition is low.