Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack

Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six Pack represents the mid-range engine option in the Superbird lineup, sitting between the base 440 four-barrel and the top-line 426 Hemi. The Six Pack (also called Six Barrel by Plymouth) used three Holley two-barrel carburetors to feed the 440 cubic-inch V8, producing 390 horsepower -- only 15 horsepower more than the base 440 but with significantly improved throttle response and mid-range power delivery.

The 440 Six Pack was a compelling choice for Superbird buyers. It offered approximately 90 percent of the Hemi's performance at a fraction of the additional cost, and the 440 was a more tractable, easier-to-maintain engine than the temperamental Hemi. For the majority of driving scenarios -- including drag racing, where the Superbird's aerodynamics provided minimal benefit at quarter-mile speeds -- the 440 Six Pack delivered the muscle car experience that buyers wanted.

The Superbird's aerodynamic modifications were identical regardless of engine choice. The extended nose cone, flush rear window, and towering rear wing were all present, creating the same dramatic visual impact. At street speeds, these devices were purely cosmetic, but they transformed the car into a rolling piece of automotive art that commanded attention wherever it appeared.

The 440 Six Pack Superbird was available with either the TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic or the A833 four-speed manual transmission. The automatic was the more popular choice, as the Superbird was primarily a straight-line performance car, and the TorqueFlite's torque multiplication and consistent launches made it the quicker option in drag racing.

Production of 440 Six Pack Superbirds was limited within the already-small total production of 1,935 units. The Six Pack option was more expensive than the base 440 but less expensive than the Hemi, placing it as a relatively niche choice. Exact production figures by engine option are debated, but estimates suggest that Six Pack cars represent a minority of total Superbird production.

Today, the 440 Six Pack Superbird occupies an interesting position in the market. It offers the same dramatic visual impact as the Hemi car at a lower price point, while providing performance that is impressive by any standard. For collectors who want the Superbird experience without the premium and maintenance demands of the Hemi, the 440 Six Pack is an excellent alternative.