Lot 2148

Auburn Spring 2017

1970 Plymouth Superbird

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$91,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
RM23U0A165439
  • Super Commando 440-cid V-8 engine
  • Three-speed automatic transmission
  • Reported to be a “survivor” car with one repaint
  • Reported to have original drivetrain
  • Data Tag confirms original specs of colors, engine, interior, vinyl roof and transmission
  • Black interior featuring a bench seat with headrests and seatbelts
  • Tachometer / clock
  • Chrysler solid state AM radio
  • Power brakes and steering
  • Goodyear Polyglas GT tires and factory Rallye Road Wheels
  • Only 1,935 reported as built in total

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, 440 Super Commando with a single four-barrel, and a 440 Super Commando Six Barrel with three carburetors.

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

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 1,935 cars, all built in 1970.

Reported as being a “survivor,” this Tor Red finished Superbird has a black bench seat interior and runs with the four-barrel Super Commando 440-cid V-8 engine; just as designated when you decode the Data Tag of this exciting car. The high rear wing, pop-up headlights, Plymouth script on the rear flanks and the caricature of the famous Warner Bros.© Road Runner lets you know that this car has many special qualities seldom seen. The car is reported to run with its original drivetrain and has had only one repaint, but is otherwise described as "all original" and "bone stock." The approximate 50,000 miles on the odometer are also thought to be original to the Superbird according to the owner.

The Data Tag provides information that this is a V19 vinyl roof car, V88 delete of the Transverse Sport Stripe above the taillight panel, EV2 Tor Red, H2X9 Black interior with bench seat, plus 115 indicates the 440 Super Commando with four-barrel carburetor with automatic – all as this car appears. Other equipment includes dual sideview mirrors with driver’s side remote, Chrysler solid state AM radio, hood tie-downs, factory Rallye Road Wheels, Goodyear Polyglas GT tires; power steering and brakes. The trunk has the plaid, vinyl floor liner, spare and jack.

Special and distinctive from day one, the Plymouth Superbird legend will only continue to grow. Those found in this “survivor” state is limited and represents a motivating opportunity.