1970 Plymouth Superbird
The Plymouth Superbird is one of the most iconic American muscle cars, renowned for its unique aerodynamic design, powerful performance, and deep ties to NASCAR racing. Developed as a homologation special to compete on the stock car racing circuits, the Superbird was Plymouth’s answer to the fierce competition of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With its extended nose, towering rear wing, and distinctive graphics, the Superbird has cemented its place as a legend in automotive history, symbolizing an era when manufacturers pushed design and engineering limits for racing glory.
The Plymouth Superbird emerged from the competitive “aero wars” in NASCAR during the late 1960s. After the success of the Dodge Charger Daytona in 1969, which featured radical aerodynamic enhancements, Plymouth sought to create its own contender. The result was the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, designed to bring NASCAR champion Richard Petty back to Plymouth from Ford. Petty’s defection to Ford in 1969 had been a significant blow to Plymouth, and they needed a car that could lure him back and secure victories on the track.
The Superbird was built specifically to meet NASCAR’s homologation requirements, which mandated that at least 1,920 street versions of a car be produced for it to be eligible to race. Approximately 1,935 units of the Plymouth Superbird were produced for the 1970 model year, making it a rare and desirable car today. These production numbers not only satisfied NASCAR’s rules but also helped create a strong mystique around the Superbird as a special and limited-edition muscle car.
The design of the Plymouth Superbird is one of the most recognizable in automotive history, marked by its dramatic aerodynamic features. The massive rear wing, which stands nearly two feet tall, was not only a striking visual element but a functional one designed to provide maximum downforce and high-speed stability. Contrary to popular belief, the height of the wing was determined to place it in undisturbed airflow, rather than just clearing the trunk lid. This innovation allowed the car to remain stable at high speeds, particularly on NASCAR’s superspeedways.
The front of the Superbird is equally distinctive, featuring a pointed, aerodynamic nose cone that replaced the standard front end of the Plymouth Road Runner. This extended nose reduced drag significantly, allowing the car to slice through the air more efficiently and increase its top speed. The nose cone also incorporated retractable headlights, a unique feature that further streamlined the car’s profile.
While based on the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, the Superbird had several unique features, including a sloping rear window and flush-mounted rear glass, which contributed to its improved aerodynamics. The car also sported unique decals, such as the Road Runner character and the “Superbird” name on the rear wing, connecting it to Plymouth’s popular Road Runner muscle car brand.
The Plymouth Superbird was available with some of the most powerful engines of its time, each providing impressive performance that was well-suited to both street and track. The standard engine was the 440 cubic inch (7.2-liter) V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, producing 375 horsepower, known as the “440 Super Commando.” For those seeking even more power, an optional 440 Six-Barrel (6-BBL) V8 with three two-barrel carburetors delivered 390 horsepower.
However, the most coveted option for the Superbird was the legendary 426 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8 engine. The “Hemi,” named for its hemispherical combustion chambers, was rated at 425 horsepower, though actual output was often higher. Known for its incredible power and durability, the 426 Hemi made the Superbird a formidable force both on the road and the racetrack. With this engine, the Superbird could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 140 mph—impressive figures for a car from the early 1970s.
The Superbird’s engineering went beyond just straight-line speed. It featured heavy-duty suspension components derived from racing, including torsion bars at the front and leaf springs at the rear, providing stability and control during high-speed driving. The car was also equipped with power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, essential for safely handling the car’s substantial power and speed.
The Plymouth Superbird was built to dominate NASCAR, and it quickly proved its worth. After its debut in 1970, the Superbird achieved considerable success on the track, particularly with Richard Petty behind the wheel. Petty, who returned to Plymouth from Ford, drove the Superbird to eight victories and numerous top-five finishes during the 1970 NASCAR season. The car’s advanced aerodynamics gave it a significant advantage over the competition, allowing it to achieve higher speeds on NASCAR’s long, fast tracks.
However, the Superbird’s dominance, along with the Dodge Charger Daytona, led NASCAR to introduce new rules for the 1971 season that aimed to level the playing field. These rules included engine restrictions and weight penalties for “aero cars” like the Superbird, effectively ending their competitive edge. Consequently, 1970 became the only year the Superbird raced in its original form, marking the end of the “winged car” era in NASCAR.
Despite its short-lived racing career, the Superbird’s impact on NASCAR was profound. It demonstrated the importance of aerodynamics in stock car racing and set the stage for future innovations in car design. The Superbird, alongside its Dodge counterpart, the Charger Daytona, is often credited with helping to modernize NASCAR by highlighting the critical role of aerodynamic efficiency.
Today, the Plymouth Superbird is considered one of the most valuable and collectible American muscle cars. Its rarity, distinctive design, and strong association with NASCAR history have made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. As of 2024, the market value for a Plymouth Superbird varies significantly based on its condition, originality, and engine configuration.
Models equipped with the 440 V8 engine generally range from $200,000 to $400,000, depending on their condition and provenance. However, examples fitted with the more desirable 426 Hemi engine can command substantially higher prices, often ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million, particularly if they are well-documented, restored to concours condition, or have a significant racing history.
The increasing rarity of the Superbird, coupled with its legendary status as a “winged warrior,” ensures its desirability continues to grow. For many collectors, owning a Plymouth Superbird is not just about having a muscle car; it is about possessing a piece of automotive and racing history that represents the pinnacle of an era when creativity, competition, and engineering innovation were at their peak.
The Plymouth Superbird remains an enduring symbol of the golden era of American muscle cars and the fierce competition that defined NASCAR in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its radical design, characterized by the towering rear wing and elongated nose, continues to captivate car enthusiasts and the general public alike. The Superbird has also appeared in various forms of popular culture, from movies and television shows to video games, further solidifying its place as an automotive icon.
The car is celebrated not just for its performance and design but for its role in shaping the future of NASCAR and stock car racing. It represents a time when automakers were willing to push the boundaries of what was possible to gain an edge on the racetrack and capture the hearts of enthusiasts. The Superbird remains a reminder of the glory days of NASCAR and the spirit of innovation that defined an era in American automotive history.