A genuine, matching-numbers Superbird

Model RM. 375 bhp, 440 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and disc-front, drum rear power hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 116.0 in.

Conceived for NASCAR racing, the Superbird was a follow-on project from Dodge’s Charger Daytona of 1969, one of the so-called “aero cars” competing that year. Taking advantage of the Daytona experience, engineers worked from the Road Runner, itself a no-nonsense performance version of the Satellite. Further refining the nose cone and wing from the Charger Daytona, they were able to achieve greater efficiency.

Three engine options were available, a 426 Hemi, a 440 Super Commando with a single four-barrel, and a 440 Super Commando Six Barrel with three carburetors. According to factory records, just 135 examples were built with the Hemi, which was expensive to produce.

NASCAR had raised the production requirement for homologation, requiring not 500 but one for every two dealers in the U.S., and for Plymouth that meant 1,920 cars. Best estimates for production put the total at 1,935 cars, all built in 1970.

However, one of the specific objectives of the Superbird was to lure Richard Petty back to Plymouth. Petty had left for Ford in the fall of 1968, but he succumbed to the Superbird’s charms in 1970, winning eight races and finishing well in many more. For 1971, however, NASCAR limited the engine size of the aero cars to five liters, or 305 cubic inches. Larger engines were penalized for carrying more weight, which quickly deflated the intended aero effort. The cars quickly became orphans, and even the street versions were difficult to sell because of the extreme styling. Some were even converted back to Road Runners to make them more saleable. In recent years, however, soaring prices for original Superbirds has begotten a cottage industry in conversion kits for Road Runners and Satellites.

This genuine 440 Super Commando Superbird has been fully verified, with matching numbers on the engine, transmission, core support, trunk rail, title, and original fender tag, during a recent restoration. The drivetrain is original to the car, including the alternator, starter, and distributor. During the course of the restoration, every mechanical element was rebuilt, including the steering box.

The rear quarters and trunk floor were replaced during the restoration, but all other sheet metal is original. Impressively, the nose cone and wing are the originals from the car, they are not reproductions, and while the front seats have been repaired, the rest of the interior remains all original and in outstandingly well preserved overall condition.

The car is equipped with power steering, power brakes, windshield washers, and an AM radio with a proper 8-track player. It is painted in Hemi Orange with black vinyl interior and carpet, all in exceptional condition. The bodywork and paint are excellent, and the engine compartment is correctly detailed and is in show worthy condition. Included in the sale of the Superbird is a comprehensive dossier of information with photos outlining the extent of the exhaustive restoration. This is a rare example of an increasingly rare car that all Mopar enthusiasts will take note of, in appreciation and admiration, and notably, this example is eligible for entry and display at the Winged Warrior meet held annually at Talladega.