Lot 4140

Auburn Fall 2014

1970 Plymouth Superbird

{{lr.item.text}}

$103,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

{{internetCurrentBid}}

{{internetTimeLeft}}


language

At the time of the Superbird’s introduction, Chrysler decided their best chance of beating Ford on the NASCAR superspeedways might be accomplished by reducing aerodynamic drag. While the Charger 500 was an improvement, something more uncompromising was needed. In response, Chrysler released the bullet-shaped Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird, igniting the “aero wars”. While Richard Petty did not win the 1970 Grand National championship, he did win 18 of Plymouth’s 21 victories in NASCAR’s 48-race season in 1970; and the distinctive Superbird, with its sloped nose and enormous rear wing, first became a stock car racing icon, and it is now a coveted addition to anyone’s collection.

This model won in its first race at the 1970 Daytona 500 with Petty Enterprise driver Pete Hamilton at the wheel. Hamilton would also drive a Petty Superbird to victory at both Talladega races that year; further illustrating the advantages of this streamlined profile with its high downforce levels and the advantages it brought.

The legendary Sox & Martin drag racing team contested the quarter-mile strips with a Hemi-powered Superbird in C/Modified Production competition as well, with Herb McCandless at the wheel, further solidifying Plymouth’s performance image.

NASCAR had raised the production requirement for homologation, requiring not 500 but one for every two dealers in the U.S. For Plymouth that meant 1,920 cars. Best estimates put the total at approximately 1,935 cars, all built in 1970. This immediately recognized vehicle is legendary because of its racing heritage, the successes it achieved on the track, and the pure audaciousness of the concept being made into a production car that one could drive daily.

This beautiful Superbird is finished in attractive Blue Fire Metallic with black interior and is powered by 440-cid V-8 engine with a four-barrel carb, dual exhaust and a console-shift TorqueFlite automatic transmission; one of 618 similar cars with these drivetrain components. Equipped with bucket seats and a rally dash, this Superbird also benefits from a black vinyl roof, hood pins, factory wheels and trim, plus power steering and brakes with front discs. The car benefits from a light restoration and has replaced front seat covers. It is accompanied by its factory build sheet and is fully registered with the Wing Warrior Club. With an extensive racing background, the Superbird model continues to be well-recognized for its power, signature wing, Road Runner character graphics and horn note. This provides a wonderful opportunity to own an icon of 1970s automobiles.