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Winged Warrior: 1970 Plymouth Superbird

1970 Plymouth Superbird

When I got up this morning, I knew it was going to be a good day! I’m not sure if I have some type of Barn Finds sixth sense, but every once in a while I wake up knowing there is going to be a very special find that day. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be today, but I knew something special would cross my path. As I was going through user submissions, I opened an email from Jeff L about a few interesting finds. One of the links he provided took me to the holy grail of Mopars! This 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird has been well cared for its entire life and other than an old respray, is claimed to be original. It is now up for grabs here on eBay, without a reserve! Special thanks to Jeff for this tip!

1970 Plymouth Superbird Sideview

It isn’t every day that you stumble across a Superbird, these things are rare. Chrysler built them for one purpose, homologation. They were required to build so many street going versions of the cars they wanted to race. Nascar changed their homologation rules for ’70, requiring manufactures to build at least two cars for each dealership, which did increase the total number of these built. In total, Chrysler built just 1,920 Superbirds. Given their dramatic looks and purpose built nature, many of these cars were driven hard and put away wet. Somehow, this example ended up in a home where it was enjoyed, but cared for.

1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 V8

Throughout this car’s history it has been maintained, but it isn’t perfect. There are a few issues, such as a few incorrect parts under the hood and some regular wear inside. The majority of the issues are small ones and can easily be corrected, but I am a bit curious about the engine VIN stamp. Don’t worry, the numbers look right. I’m curious about why the block is two different colors. It doesn’t take much investigating to discover that the engine was clearly blue at some point and then painted orange. It isn’t a huge issue, but it makes me wonder how original this car really is. On the upside, it could mean the engine has been gone through and is well sorted. Given the mileage, it could be a good thing if the engine has been rebuilt.

1970 Plymouth Superbird Interior

The Superbird and its winged brother the Daytona are, for the most part, just visual and aerodynamically upgraded versions of the Road Runner and Charger. The street going versions aren’t really any faster than their none winged brethren, although the added down force will help get more of the power to the ground at high speeds. There are plenty of stories of these being converted to standard Road Runners, so as to move them off the dealer lots. While it wasn’t all that common, it happened, which seems ironic considering that there are now companies building kits to convert standard Road Runners into Superbirds.

1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird

While the seller did a good job presenting the car and all the numbers, I would still be cautious with this one. Given the none original paint and the lack of documentation, it isn’t completely inconceivable that this is a Superbird clone. I’m sure it wouldn’t be the first time a Road Runner with an aftermarket nose cone and spoiler has been marketed as the real deal. If it turns out to be the real thing, it could be an incredible buy. I will give it to the seller, it sounds like they have been driving and enjoying this car, which is exactly what I would do with it (real or fake)! Even if this turns out to be a clone, seeing it got my heart pumping a little harder and reminded me that there are still lots of incredible finds out there waiting to be discovered. So do you think this winged Mopar is the real deal or a clone?

Comments

  1. Avatar Jeff Lavery Staff

    Yeah, I thought it was pretty special too. Glad you wrote it up!

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Keith

    Why does this engine have an A/C compressor on it (When Daytona’s/Superbirds didn’t come available with A/C) and their are no A/C fittings on the firewall? I’m also pretty sure, the A/C and Alternator should be belted together with 2 belts (at least every one I’ve ever seen/owned has) The only one belt A/C I have ever seen, was a Chrysler dealer add on A/C.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Rees Klintworth

    These are definitely very cool, but I would probably prefer a regular Road Runner, honestly. Either way, I’d drive the heck out of it, and I feel like a normal muscle car might be more conducive to that. I’d also definitely want a 4-speed equipped car. All that said, this is a very cool car. There’s no angle that looks anything less than fantastic

    Like 0
  4. Avatar sir mike

    nice looking…but still an ugly bird….not original wheels though.looks good in white.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar PaulG

    The comment about this might be a cloned RR deserves some clarification. The rear window area of a Superbird is completely different than a RR, hence the reason that every SB came from the factory with a vinyl top. In the early 70’s these were amazingly cheap, even dealerships had a tough time selling them, at drastic discounts.
    The dealer installed A/C on a SB is something I’ve never seen before though.

    Like 0
    • Avatar rspcharger

      The listed VIN checks out as an original bird.

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Vince Habel

    It will probably pass 100K

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Jamie Staff

    I still remember in high school (early 80’s) when there was a metallic green Daytona on the local used car lot. I stopped to ask how much, and I can’t remember the exact number, but I do remember the difference between it and what he would give me for my ’66 TR4A was $800. Horrible financial mistake on my part to not make the trade…but I really loved that 4A. Never should have sold it. If anyone out there knows of a metallic chestnut brown over original red TR4A with wires, non-OD, especially if it’s in the Southeast, let me know. I’d love to have it back.

    Boy, I birdwalked on that post, didn’t I…

    Like 0
  8. Avatar jim s

    at the price this is going to bring it would be wise to pay for an inspection by someone who knows these. i too remember when these were new and did not sell. cost a lot of salespersons time/up’s. getting insurance back then on one of these was hard. i wonder why this is not at a highline auction. great find

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Jim

    Given the choice of this or a Road Runner, I’d opt instead for a 1968 or 1972 GTX. Always loved the classier looks, trim and the groovy name!

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Alan (Michigan)

    Not going to quibble over the wheels, or the AC, etc….

    But by todays standards, I can’t imagine calling the steering “precise”. LOL

    Fun to cruise The Woodward Avenue area here all summer, though, especially during “Dream Cruise” week. Fun also to do a 150 mph run on a deserted highway….

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Moparmann Member

    @Alan: This thing you speak of “deserted highway” where does one find it?? LOL!! Unlike you, IMO the wheels are awful (but then I’m a stickler for OEM look) but I LOVE everything else. Unfortunately, seeing as how I could NEVER afford to buy it, oh well!! (LONG heartfelt drawn out SIGH!) :-)

    Like 0
  12. Avatar BenG

    Very cool car. I can vouch for the sellers. I recently bought a Porsche from them and they epitomize everything a classic car dealer should be. True enthusiasts, knowledgeable, candid, honest, and responsive. If you are interested in the car, or anything in their inventory, pick up the phone and call them. I could not be more satisfied with my experience and purchase. They are the best.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Pat A

    I remember when those Centerline rims were all the rage. You don’t seem to see them much anymore, and now they just look kind of goofy no matter what they’re on.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Pat A

    Looks like it sold. Anybody know how much?

    Like 0

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