Words & photos: Gary Rosier
Bill Hendrix of Port Orange, Fla. refers to his car as Purple Haze, from that famous song released in June 1967 by none other than the rock star and legend himself, Jimi Hendrix (no relation). It was a time and period of our lives, said Bill, that we grew up in and remember vividly: fast cars, muscle cars, rock and roll, Vietnam and so much more!
At that time, Bill worked at Carrier A/C in Syracuse, NY (14 years) but switched gears and went to work for Chrysler Corp as a tool and cutter grinder for another 25 after that. Work was always a means to pay the bills and put food on the table. Cars had to take a back seat to life in general, but once retirement rolled around it was full speed ahead!
This 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner was found nearby in Brewerton, NY via the SWAP SHEET, a local newspaper for buying and selling various items. On the hunt for a clean '60's era Muscle car, particularly a MOPAR because of his Chrysler connections, Bill found this 1968 Roadrunner advertised. While it did tick all the boxes as far as year and make go, one problem remained - it was, mostly, in boxes!
Undaunted, Bill did almost all the work on it at home. He had a large pole barn with a hoist, making it a tad easier for sure. Bill installed the crate motor, a 500 Wedge Chrysler crate engine (400 block punched out-rated at 600 hp), and did all the assembly and painting of all the interior, engine bay and under-belly. Mel Severence was responsible for the actual paintwork. It's painted Chrysler Plum Crazy Purple with three coats of clear.
It took Bill from 2010, time of purchase, until 2014 before she (Purple Haze) was a living, breathing piece of artwork! A Six-Pack fiberglass hood helps put the fresh air in. Dual 2.5-inch exhausts help get the exhaust gasses out through custom mufflers. It rolls on a set of Chrysler Magnum 500's shod with BF Goodrich radials (P275/60R15's rear, P225/60R15's - fronts). Front wheel disc brakes/rear drums bring it all to a safe stop.
The engine features two four barrels (500 cfm's), MSD Ignition, Hooker Headers, a 4 speed Transmission with that infamous Hurst "Pistol Grip" shifter and a Dana 8-3/4 rear end with 3:23 gears. Bill has the original engine safely tucked away at home. An aluminum 4-core radiator keeps her cool (it maintains 150-160 degrees pretty much all day). A Sun-Pro 8k tach and Sun gauges monitor all the important vitals. A Legendary tuck and roll upholstery in white vinyl gives it that factory look.
This labor of love was transported down to Bill's new home in Port Orange, Fla. permanently in 2019. I caught up with Bill at a local car show and couldn't help but notice the flawless bodywork and paint! He even displays the Coyote and a Purple Roadrunner (stuffed animals) in the interior and exterior alike.
Shades of the '60's danced in our heads - muscle cars, Woodward Ave., Vietnam and visions of Woodstock and the Jimi Hendrix Experience all come flashing back! Jimi was often quoted about his song Purple Haze, saying that, "I dream a lot and put my dreams down as songs." Some thought it was all about the psychedelic experience's of the '60's, others about that girl who drove him wild!
This '68 Roadrunner has been Bill's dream and passion and driven him wild too, now, for many years. Purple Haze... No matter how you interpret the lyrics, it's a great fit!
