Plymouth Road Runner Superbird
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was created to lure Richard Petty back to Plymouth for NASCAR racing and to dominate the superspeedways. Built on the Road Runner platform, the Superbird featured a distinctive elongated nose cone and massive rear wing mounted on tall struts. These aerodynamic modifications were scientifically tested to achieve maximum straightline speed on NASCAR's fastest tracks. Street versions came with 440 or 426 Hemi engines, though most NASCAR examples used the Hemi. The Superbird's outrageous styling polarized opinion when new, but it's now one of the most iconic and valuable American muscle cars. It achieved its goal, helping Plymouth dominate NASCAR in 1970.
Authentication is absolutely critical due to extensive cloning. Verify with build sheet, fender tag, and VIN documentation. Hemi cars are worth significantly more than 440 versions. Original drivetrain and documentation are essential. Many were damaged or modified. Professional appraisal strongly recommended before purchase.
Plymouth needed to build 1,920 street Superbirds to meet NASCAR homologation rules but actually produced 1,935. Most came with the 440 engine as the Hemi added $700 to the price. The wing was mounted 23 inches above the trunk for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.