Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi

Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi

The Plymouth Superbird is perhaps the most visually dramatic production car ever built by an American manufacturer. Created for the 1970 model year as a homologation special to allow Plymouth to compete in NASCAR with an aerodynamically optimized body, the Superbird featured a pointed nosecone that extended 19 inches beyond the standard Road Runner nose and a massive rear wing mounted on tall struts that stood nearly two feet above the rear deck. The result was a car that looked like it had driven straight off a race track and onto the street.

NASCAR's homologation rules required Plymouth to build one Superbird for every two dealers in its network, resulting in a production run of 1,920 units. This was significantly more than the 500 units required for most homologation specials, making the Superbird less rare than its predecessor, the Dodge Charger Daytona, but still extremely limited compared to standard production muscle cars. The high build number was a response to NASCAR changing its rules specifically to limit the advantage of aerodynamic specials.

Under the Superbird's wild bodywork lay the proven B-body Road Runner platform. Buyers could choose from three engine options: the 440 cubic inch V8 with a single four-barrel carburetor (375 hp), the 440 Six Pack with three two-barrel carburetors (390 hp), or the legendary 426 Hemi with dual four-barrel carburetors (425 hp). The Hemi was the ultimate choice, delivering devastating acceleration and a quarter-mile capability in the low-13-second range with a skilled driver.

The Hemi engine, officially designated the 426 Race Hemi, was a barely civilized race motor that happened to be available in street-legal form. With hemispherical combustion chambers, dual Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors, and forged internals throughout, the Hemi produced 425 hp at 5,000 rpm and 490 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. These were gross horsepower figures, and many believed the actual output was significantly higher. The engine demanded premium fuel, frequent valve adjustments, and careful maintenance, but rewarded its owner with performance that few cars could match.

On NASCAR superspeedways, the Superbird was dominant. Richard Petty, who had defected to Ford in 1969, returned to Plymouth specifically to drive the Superbird and won eight races in 1970. Buddy Baker set a closed-course speed record of over 200 mph in a Superbird at Talladega, cementing the car's legend. The combination of the Hemi's power and the Superbird's aerodynamic efficiency made it nearly unbeatable on the high-speed ovals.

Despite their incredible performance and NASCAR success, Superbirds were slow to sell when new. Dealers struggled to move the unusual-looking cars, and many eventually had the nosecone and wing removed and were sold as standard Road Runners. Today, of course, the Superbird is recognized as one of the most collectible and valuable American muscle cars ever built, with Hemi-powered examples commanding prices well into six figures.