1970 Plymouth Superbird

1970 Plymouth Superbird
Chassis no. RM23U0A160720
440ci OHV V8 "Super Commando" Engine
Single 4-Barrel Downdraft Carburetor
375bhp at 4,600rpm
3-Speed Torqueflite Automatic Transmission
Independent Torsion Bar Front and Rear Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Two owners from new
*Unrestored example in EV2 High Impact Paint
*Numbers matching U Code
*2 Broadcast Sheets, Code Tag and original owners' manual

THE PLYMOUTH SUPERBIRD

Chrysler Products with wings first appeared in 1969 on the Dodge Charger Daytona, a car that won the first NASCAR race it competed in—the inaugural Talladega 500. When Plymouth decided to field Dodge's success of '69, they knew that certain streamlining options could vastly improve performance. Thus, for a handful of months in late 1969, Plymouth created one of the most complex packages to emerge from the muscle-car era: the code-A13 Superbird, a modified Road Runner with a smoothed-out body, retractable headlamps, and an aluminum nose cone. Unlike the Daytona, the Superbird's nose was 1" longer, and rear-facing fender scoops were added to allow wheel clearance while the iconic rear wing stood further back, inclined gently towards the body's centerline. The height of the wing, designed to allow the trunk lid to open without interference by coincidence, was the optimum level for maximum downforce, something that for nearly 30 years was thought to be a highly guarded Chrysler secret. Created from homologated components that brought Richard Petty back from Ford, NASCAR regulations demanded higher production numbers—one for every two manufacturer's dealers in the U.S. In the case of Plymouth, that meant having to build around 1950 examples in lieu of the initial 500.

For 1970, engine offerings widened to include a 440 6-bbl with three 2-barrel carburetors, alongside the Hemi and the 440 4-barrel. Inside, one could now option for a D21-code Pistol Grip 4-speed should one seek 3 pedals. Available colors were limited but exciting: Lemon Twist Yellow, Petty Blue, Tor-Red, Vitamin C Orange for example and with exterior decals along the quarter panels and the outside edges of the spoiler vertical struts featuring a picture of the Road Runner cartoon character holding a racing helmet, the car garnered attention. Truth be told, the limited-production code-A13 Superbird Package car's styling proved to be somewhat extreme, even for 1970's tastes. Consequently, many of the 1950 examples built, sat unsold into as late as 1972. However, in the decades since, Superbirds have become treasured by muscle aficionados.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Superbird offered here, completed manufacturing in Chrysler's Lynch Road assembly line on November 30, 1969. It was finished in extra-cost High Impact EV2 Tor-Red paint over H2X9 black vinyl interior with a high-back front bench seat. Our seller purchased the vehicle in the fall of 1978 from the original owner. Under the hood sits its original 440 4-bbl motor, which purportedly has never once been removed from the vehicle. The 375 HP Super Commando is backed by an A727 TorqueFlite D32-code heavy duty automatic transmission, along with a 3.55:1 Sure Grip 8 ¾ differential—part of the car's A36 Performance Axle Group. M & R Automotive of Menlo Park, CA comprehensively carried out the maintenance of 160720 over the last thirty years. Most recently, they have freshened components in the engine bay to factory-release specification and treated the car to a complete brake system rejuvenation.

From earning first in class awards at the 1989 La Carrera Classic to the 1999 Cannonball Reenactment, this Plymouth has been in the hands of a most loyal and responsible custodian up until his passing earlier this year. Two broadcast sheets accompany this 'Bird, as does the original Code Tag and owner's manual. Surely a perennial favorite of collectors and an undeniable presence on the street, this '70 Superbird is assuredly the one to get.