There have been many thousands of pages written about the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a homologation special for NASCAR competition. However, I am sure if you scroll through those articles, you will struggle to find the word “subtle” used to describe its appearance. The Superbird is about as “in your face” as a classic get, and its appearance typically divides opinions. This one presents beautifully, possessing the muscle to match its looks. It is begging for a new home and has attracted a surprising amount of auction action for a classic in this price bracket.
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird is no oil painting, but that’s a personal opinion. However, the company had a single purpose in mind when creating this classic. Vehicle marketing during the period was driven by a “win on Sunday sell on Monday” mentality. Racing success drew potential buyers into showrooms, and Plymouth sought to maximize its chances by creating the Superbird as a NASCAR homologation special. The target was the superspeedway like Daytona and Talladega, where aerodynamic efficiency and downforce were key considerations. Therefore, the chiseled nose was designed to slice through the air, the scoops atop the front fenders reduced lift, and that enormous rear wing ensured the wheels remained firmly planted on Terra Firma. Our feature car presents superbly in Sublime with a Black vinyl top. That brings us to a fact that might dissuade some potential buyers. The original Broadcast Sheet and Fender Tag confirm that the first owner ordered this classic in Alpine White, meaning a color change forms part of its backstory. That will probably impact the sale price, which is a factor worth considering. The panels are laser straight, and the distinctive aero additions are in good order. The seller supplies a comprehensive range of images, confirming that this Superbird is rust-free.
The seller’s listing implies that this Plymouth received a refresh of some description, but there is no information revealing when or how in-depth the process was. The car’s presentation suggests it hasn’t seen much active service, because its interior is spotless. The Black vinyl is free from wear and stretching, while the dash and pad appear flawless. The carpet is excellent and, as befits a high-performance homologation special, the only visible creature comfort is an AM radio.
The king of drivetrain combinations for the 1970 Superbird was undoubtedly the 426ci Hemi, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. However, this was not a cheap option, helping to explain why only fifty-eight buyers ticked those boxes on their Order Form. Our feature car represents an excellent compromise, courtesy of its 440ci Six-Pack and a four-speed manual transmission. The Six-Pack placed 390hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot. Therefore, its ability to scorch the ¼-mile in 14.1 seconds on its way to 127mph is unsurprising. The Hemi was undeniably faster, but the gap between the pair is surprisingly small. The color change is not the only modification potential buyers must accept with this Plymouth, with the VIN confirming it started life powered by the 440 4-barrel engine. This engine also features Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads, making ownership a compromise. The listing suggests it is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately.
Cars like this 1970 Plymouth Superbird don’t appear on the market every day, and this one has attracted interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Allen, Texas. Fifteen bids have pushed the price to $155,100, which is below the reserve. The color and mechanical changes will impact its potential value, although it is hard to determine how profound the impact might be. Values have softened considerably over the past year, but I would be shocked if it changed hands for under $220,000. A higher price is undoubtedly possible, but what do you think that figure could be?
Ready for take-off 🚀
I always thought these looked stupid with the nose cone and wing. I know they’re aerodynamic for racing but on the street they’re worthless. Amazing the values are in six figure territory.
Yep Fox owner…..you and 14 more missed it.
A clear commitment to racing when the factory wasn’t really racing. Took a certain commitment to buy and drive on the street.
Police to eyewitness: “Did you get a look at the getaway car?”
Eyewitness: “It was bright green, had substantial damage to the front and a carrying handle on the back. Oh, one more thing- it had some writing on the side of it that referred to the Pilgrims.”
Not to mention fitting it in any parking spot.
It’s at $165+K and it started life as a base Alpine white Superbird…I don’t understand what’s driving the price
Kinda the way it’s been re-built but agree….it didn’t sell at Mechum but Dallas is a hard market to gauge.
Rare, valuable, iconic- and ridiculous
Very nice love the color the history and memories connected are great. That said I would not own one because why tie up that kind of money if your not a millionaire? We all know what a risky market high dollar cars are , if you can’t afford to loose money don’t it’s like gambling. Also consider the costs of insurance up keep security and the reality are you really gonna drive it and enjoy it without the thought in the back of your mind what if something happens. Car jacked or some uninsured moron T-boneing you. For me I’ll just enjoy and appreciate them at shows speaking with the dedicated owners and other like minded fan’s of this great hobby 😂
Not really agree with all the hate – if you’ve seen a King Cobra – there was two made – it didn’t get any better from Ford. Really liked the earlier Nascar built Ford Torino’s look and the 1969 Charger 500……clean stuff.
I’m sorry please point me to the statement of hate l made ln my comments FRED 😂
I really do not see a lot of difference in owning one of these and a Cybertruck, which is about the same cost. Both are over the top, love/hate stying, make-a-statement vehicles. I would love to own one of these. There is no way I will ever own a Cybertruck. I will never spend this kind of money on a car while I live in New England.
No, you don’t, but there’s more to this car than visibility. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday was a real thing fifty and sixty years ago. This car was built to meet production requirements to qualify to race. I find it sad that stock cars are now basically a templet body with the appearance painted on.
Bye the way there where 3 proto types built a boss 429 a 429 cobra jet and a super cobra jet 429. The program was canceled because NASCAR changed the rules from 500 to 3000 production models. Moody bought one for $1200. One was recovered in a barn some were. The third I haven’t heard anything about its fate? Very interesting and cool car, would have loved to see how that car ran in a crowd at Dayton and Talladega
😂
SUPER COBRA up date First BUD Moody purchased 2 for $1200! The third I found information on Uncle Tony’s Garage (UTG) youtube. It’s a Yellow Mercury the owner shears a great story of the history of the car. I found it under ford super 😂
Super cobra Steve Honnell Google him there is a lot of info and history about the cars 😂