1968 Plymouth Facts, Figures, and Specifications
New Bodies for 1968 – The Road Runner Arrives
The Plymouth mid-size line was restyled for 1968. The cars were lithe and sexy. The model lineup was rearranged and expanded, and the economy wagon was deleted. A new medium-priced high-performance entry added called the Road Runner. It had its own unique base engine, a 383 CID V-8 with the 440 CID V-8 heads and cam.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Resources
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1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1968 Plymouth
| A Buffed Silver | |
| B Black Velvet | |
| C Medium Blue | |
| D Mist Blue | |
| E Midnight Blue | |
| F Mist Green | |
| G Forest Green | |
| H Yellow Gold | |
| J Ember Gold | |
| K Mist Turquoise | |
| L Surf Turquoise | |
| M Turbine Bronze | |
| P Matador Red | |
| Q Electric Blue | |
| R Burgundy | |
| S Sunfire Yellow | |
| T Avocado Green | |
| U Frost Blue | |
| W Sable White | |
| X Satin Beige | |
| Y Sierra Tan |
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1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car
Some New Models Added
The Plymouth intermediate line was restyled this year. The model lineup was rearranged and expanded as well. The economy wagon was deleted. The Belvedere I designation was no longer used for low-priced cars, and the Belvedere II and Belvedere Ill nameplates disappeared entirely. The Satellite was now above the Belvedere and the Sport Satellite Series was one level higher.
A new medium-priced high-performance entry was the Road Runner. It came between Belvedere and Satellite, in terms of price and features, except that its base engine was a 383 CID four-barrel utilizing the GTX 440 CID heads and camshaft. The GTX continued as the top sport model, including the special 440 CID 375 HP version with the Hemi being optional.
In the wagon line, the Satellite Sport Suburban Series was the top tier with a Satellite below and the Belvedere as the entry point.
Styling is New for 1968
General styling changes included a sleek new body for all these mid-size models. The old squared-off look was gone. The cars had smooth, flowing lines that emphasized lowness and width. This look is commonly called “coke bottle”. The grille was a low, horizontal opening with canted rectangles at each end housing dual headlights. The grille insert patterning differed with each model. The taillamps were set in sculptured fender extensions with a sideways “U-shaped” look. The rear deck lid was high and slightly “veed” along its horizontal plane. In the new look, exterior trim was kept to a minimum on all models – even the Sport satellite and GTX.
One of the major distinctions was the grille. The standard grille was used on Belvedere, Satellites and Satellite wagons. It had two horizontal rows of oval-rectangular openings framed in chrome. The GTX, Sport Satellite, and Road Runner had a blacked-out horizontal blade grille.
Historical
Model year production peaked at 682,193 units. Only 2,400 Chrysler products were sold with 426 cubic inch Street Hemi engines this season, and only some of those were Plymouth’s Road Runner and GTX models.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Factoids
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Plymouth paid $50,000 to Warner Bros. to use the Road Runner name & their Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons – as well as a “beep, beep” horn. The Road Runner was based on the Chrysler B platform containing the Belvedere, Satellite and GTX. It was a back-to-basics mid-size performance car. The interior was spartan with a vinyl bench seat, and without even carpets in early models, and few options were available. The standard transmission was a 4-speed manual with floor shift, with the 3-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission as optional.
The standard Road Runner engine was an exclusive 383 CID B-series V8 engine with a 4-barrel Carter Carburetor rated at 335 HP @ 5200 RPM and 425 lb⋅ft of torque @ 3400 RPM. Its extra power over the standard 4-bbl 383 V-8 was the result of using camshaft and cylinder heads from the GTX model’s 440 CID Super Commando V-8 and a raise in compression to 10.5:1. To learn about all the Chrysler Corp. B & RB engines click HERE and HERE.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Models Offered
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Belvedere – Belvedere models had a narrow rocker panel molding. Standard equipment included side marker lights, folding seat back latches (two-doors), padded dash, recessed controls, energy absorbing seat backs and steering column, safety arm rests, left-hand outside rear view mirror, Safety-Rim wheels, dual brake system with warning lamp, flashers, day/night inside mirror, seat belts, padded visor, two-speed washer/wipers, turn signals, horn ring and carpeting.
The Belvedere was offered in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 2-seat station wagon.
Satellite – Satellites had all Belvedere items, plus wider rocker moldings on wagons, upper belt moldings, chrome window frames and gutter rails, “Satellite” in script on the fenders, vinyl door panels, arm rests with ash trays, and dual horns.
The Satellite models were 2-door hardtop, convertible, 4-door sedan, 2-seat and 3-seat stations wagons. , and 4-door sedan.
Sport Satellite – The Sport Satellite, moved upscale from the Satellite and added ‘B’ pillar and wheel opening moldings, accent striping, front foam seats on convertible, bucket seats, and on sedan, chrome door frames.
The Sport Satellite was available in 2-door hardtop and convertible. The Satellite Sport Wagon had exterior faux wood paneling.
Road Runner – The Road Runner had all Belvedere features, plus base ‘383’ four barrel V-8; heavy-duty suspension and shocks; four-speed manual gear box; F70-14 white streak tires; chrome roof drip rails; arm rests with ash trays; special ‘Beep-Beep’ dual horns; simulated air scoop hood; wider rim wheels; Road Runner identification and cartoon emblems and the Sport Satellite type grille.
The Road Runner was available initially as 2-door coupe, then later in the model year as a 2-door hardtop.
GTX – The GTX was equipped as a Sport Satellite with the same grille but had many standard extras. They included the ‘440 Super Commando’ V-8; heavy-duty brakes, suspension, battery and shocks; dual scoop hood and “GTX” identification.
The GTX was available as a 2-door hardtop and a convertible.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Engines
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- 145 HP 225 CID I-6
- 190 HP 273 CID V-8
- 230 HP 318 CID V-8
- 290 HP 383 CID V-8 AMT
- 330 HP 383 CID V-8
- 335 HP 383 CID HiPo V-8
- 375 HP 440 CID V-8
- 425 HP 426 CID Hemi V-8
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Solid valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 240°, Exhaust: 236°, Overlap: 16°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.394″, Exhaust 0.390″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-3921A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-3922A.
273 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 273 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.63 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 190 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 260 @ 2000 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4416S; (automatic transmission) Ball & ball BBD-4417S.
318 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 2400 RPM.
Camshaft: Hydraulic valve lifters.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4420S; (automatic transmission) Ball & Ball BBD-4421S.
383 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425″; (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Ball & Ball Two-barrel (automatic transmission) BBD-4423S.
383 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 256°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap: 32°; Lift: (intake) 0.425, (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AVS-4426S; (automatic transmission) AVS-4461S.
383 CID High Performance 4-barrel V-8 – Road Runner Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450, (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AVS-4428S; (automatic transmission) AVS-4429S.
440 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 375 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: One Carter Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) AVS-4428S; (automatic transmission) AVS-4429S.
426 CID Dual 4-Barrel Hemi V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Hemispherical heads. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 60°; Lift: (intake) 0.490″, (exhaust) 0.480″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model manual transmission: (Front) AFB-4430S, (Rear) AFB-4431S automatic transmission (Front) AFB-4430S, (Rear) AFB-4432S .
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All except wagons: 116.0 inches; wagons: 117.0 inches.
- Overall length: Wagons: (2-seat) 207.1 inches, (3-seat) 208.8 inches, All Others: 202.7 inches.
- Overall width: All: 76.4 inches.
- Height: Wagons: 56.4 inches, Sedans 54.7 inches, Hardtops & Coupes: 52.5 inches, Convertible: 54.0 inches.
- Front tread: 59.5 inches.
- Rear tread: All 59.2 inches.
- Tires: I-6 & 318 V-8: 7.35 x 14; 383 CID V-8: F78 x 14; 383 Hi-Po (Road Runner): F70 x14; 440-426 CID V-8: F70 x 14.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 2.95:1, 2nd – 1.85:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 on column.
- 273 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.76:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.95:1 on column.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 383 CID Hi-Po V-8: 1st – 2.66:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1:39, 4th – 1.0:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- 426 & 440 CID V-8: 1st – 2.65:1, 2nd – 1.93:1, 3rd – 1.39:1, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.57:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- I-6: 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1; wagons 3.23:1 standard, 2.93:1 N/A.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 273 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 2.94:1, Optional 3.21:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1.
- V-8 383 CID 2-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 2.94:1, 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 H-Po CID 3-Speed & 4-speed SMT & 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 4-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID All: 4-Speed SMT: 3.54:1.
- V-8 440 CID All: 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1, Optional 3.54:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios when dealer installed.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 273 CID 190 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine standard in V-9 engine models except Road Runner and GTX.
- 318 CID 230 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine ($32).
- 383 CID 290 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine ($105).
- 383 CID 290 horsepower two-barrel V-8 engine in Sport Satellite ($73).
- 383 CID 330 horsepower four-barrel V-8 engine ($176).
- 383 CID 330 horsepower four-barrel V-8 engine in Sport Satellite ($144).
- 3-speed automatic transmission, with Six ($299); with ‘273’ V-8 ($217); with other V-8s ($227).
- 3-speed automatic transmission in Road Runner only ($39) – 3-speed manual transmission is standard.
- 426 CID 425 horsepower Hemi dual four-barrel V-8 engine in Road Runner ($714).
- 426 CID 425 horsepower Hemi four-barrel V-8 engine in GTX ($605).
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission, with 383 CID V-8 or 426 CID V-8 only ($198).
- 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift, standard in Road Runner and no charge in GTX.
- Sure-Grip positive traction axle, heavy-duty in Road Runner and GTX only ($146).
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle, others ($45).
NOTE: Some V-8s listed above were standard in certain models; not available in others. Prices varied from one version to another. Some engines required specific transmission.
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($355).
- Arm rest with ash tray ($8).
- Automatic speed control ($53).
- Bumper guards front and rear, except wagons ($14).
- Deluxe wheel covers, 14 inch ($22); 15 inch ($26).
- Electric clock ($16).
- Firm Ride shocks, standard Road Runner and GTX ($4).
- Left and right head restraints ($44).
- Power brakes ($44).
- Power steering ($94).
- Power windows, hardtop/convertibles only ($105).
- Rear window defogger ($21).
- Remote control left outside rear view mirror ($9).
- Right manual outside rear view mirror ($7).
- Road Runner and GTX performance hood finish, black-out ($18).
- Road Runner body accent stripes ($15).
- Road Runner, Satellite, Sport wagon custom sill molding ($21).
- Road wheels, except with Street Hemi ($102).
- Solid state AM radio ($60).
- Solid state AM radio with stereo tape ($195).
- Special buffed paint ($22).
- Sport style wheel covers, except Street Hemi ($38).
- Station wagon luggage rack ($49).
- Tachometer, V-8 only ($51).
- Tinted glass, all windows ($42); windshield ($22).
- Two-tone paint, except convertible ($15).
- Upper belt moldings, two-door coupe and hardtop ($18).
- Vinyl roof, except station wagons ($79).
- Vinyl trim, Belvedere sedan and wagon ($26).
- Vinyl trim, Satellite sedan and hardtop ($26).
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Cars Downloads and Images
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Plymouth Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Brochure
1968 Plymouth All Lines Brochure
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Print Ads
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Test and Expose – Car and Driver Magazine
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Test and Expose – Car Life Magazine
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Test and Expose – Hi Performance Cars Magazine
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Test and Expose – Hot Rod Magazine
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Test and Expose – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
1968 Plymouth GTX Hemi vs 440 CID Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Plymouth Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
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1968 Plymouth GTX Convertible
The 1968 Plymouth GTX Convertible was a rare piece in 1968. Only 1,026 were sold.
1968 Plymouth GTX Hardtop
The 1968 Plymouth GTX Hardtop was popular even though it was the 2nd most expensive Plymouth 2-door this year. 17,914 were delivered.
1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite Convertible
The 1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite Convertible was not a big seller with only 1,523 delivered.
1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite Hardtop
The 1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite Hardtop sold well with 21,014 finding happy buyers.
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hardtop
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Hardtop was an instant success 15,359 in sales, even though it was introduced later in the year.
1968 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner Coupe was an instant success and 29,240 buyers opted for this model.
1968 Plymouth Satellite Convertible
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite Convertible was a low to moderate seller with only 1,771 produced.
1968 Plymouth Satellite Hardtop
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite Hardtop was the line’s best-seller with 46,539 finding happy customers.
1968 Plymouth Satellite 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite 4-door Sedan was the line’s second best-selling model with 42,309 delivered.
1968 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door Sedan was a moderate seller with only 17,214 delivered.
1968 Plymouth Belvedere Coupe
The 1968 Plymouth Belvedere Coupe was a moderate success as 15,702 were produced.
1968 Plymouth Satellite Sport Wagon
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite Sport Wagon was the upscale wagon in the line this year. No specific production numbers are available as the wagon production was combined.
1968 Plymouth Satellite Wagon
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite Wagon was the mid-level wagon in the line this year. . No specific production numbers are available as the wagon production was combined. We do know that 22,980 Satellite wagons were produced in total including the Sport Wagon.
1968 Plymouth Belvedere Wagon
The 1968 Plymouth Belvedere Wagon was the entry level wagon in the line this year. 8,982 were sold.