I’ve mentioned before that the word “survivor” is a term I try to be careful not to overuse, simply because most cars with decades of age on them just don’t fall into the true meaning of that category. But the seller of this 1970 Plymouth Superbird calls it an original low-mileage survivor, and I’m really not seeing a whole lot upon first glance that would lead me to believe otherwise, although it’s quite unusual to find a wing car that qualifies as such. So let’s check it out together and see what we come up with! Currently located in Denver, Colorado, the car is being sold by VanDerBrink Auctions and can be seen here on their website, with bidding already up to $51,000. You’ve got until June 10th to give it your best shot.
A big thank you goes out to reader PRA4SNW for sending us this great tip! Some credibility comes in right off the bat, as the previous owner was the late Mopar muscle lover Jay Soneff, owner of Soneff’s Master Garage in Denver for over 40 years and also an avid car collector. But the traceable history of this Superbird goes back even further, as before Jay acquired the Plymouth it was owned by a couple in Missouri, who refused numerous offers from people wanting to buy the car but they always refused, saying they wanted their son to inherit it upon their passing. He did, then sold it to Jay.
To be a real survivor, a car needs to have the factory paint still present, and while I can’t say for sure this is the original Tor Red finish it sure looks 50+ years old, in a good sort of way if you ask me. With all the over-restored Superbirds running around, it’s refreshing to see one with a dented beak and faded scoops, yet an example that doesn’t appear to be plagued with rust as so many of these cars developed. Another nice touch is the Shepherd Chrysler Plymouth tag on the trunk, which if it’s the same dealer is still operating in Auburn, Indiana, so maybe this is where the car was purchased new.
The good news keeps coming, as the fender tag is still there, with the 123 on the second line indicating a 440 six-barrel with an automatic transmission. With only 57k original miles as the seller states, I don’t have any reason to question that it’s not the original motor, with another possible indicator being that the factory chalk markings remain in the engine compartment, so perhaps the block has never been out of the bay. The car is said to be running and driving, and a peek down below shows what seems to be a solid underside.
The black interior is decently preserved and has some goodies like bucket seats and a Tic Toc Tach, with the condition looking like I’d hope for a 57k mile car. I may be in the minority here, but as long as they’re not rusty I’m really keen on unrestored wing cars and feel like the fading and imperfections are a reminder that they’re only original once, plus I haven’t spotted much that leads me to believe this one isn’t a survivor. Have you? OK, maybe the exhaust has been replaced and that’s not the factory radiator cap! But seriously, it’s hard for me to even try and speculate how much a car like this will end up selling for. Any guesses?
I want it!! I want it!! But I would be in the dog house at home!! 😂 My family would not understand. Being 65 years old they are still waiting for me to grow up!! 🤣 🤣 Anyway I would clean up and detail the Bird. Major tune-up on the 440 and if this is factory it should have dual points distributor. Get the carbs rebuilt and setup correctly. As for the quarter panel dent. Prep it and shoot it with clear. Leave the front bumper alone as long the head lights work. And drive it proudly. 25 days to go and I won’t be surprised if it comes close or over $100,000. Good luck to the next owner.. 🐻🇺🇸
You are still a youngster BB. My family are still waiting for me to give up my motorcycle No. 53 and I’m coming up 84 in August! Still time for another two or three bikes before I call it a day, I hope!
God willing; keep the rubber to the road! still riding my 1974 Shovelhead FXE (couldn’t kick it if i HAD too!) 31 yrs. owning it. gonna ride it till i can’t. be 65 in Nov.
At 65, you need to start living your life for you, Never mind your family, I’m sure they are grown up by now. Buy the car and enjoy the freedom as your family leaves lol jk
Are you kidding? This car will bring double that, easily.
Automatic? Really? Why?
Because the 727 is no slushbox.
Especially in this case: it would be the Hemi 727 which shifts faster than most anyone could shift a standard trans.
Because you couldn’t order a Superbird, they were all optioned the way the factory optioned them. Being a homologation car for racing there was no time to wait for orders to come in, so the factory spec’ed them out according to what options were popular. Same was true for AAR ‘Cudas and T/A Challengers.
same with the Ford Talladega, only a C6, a bench, no tilt, no AC..
and as G.C. commented, doubt most can shift faster anyway.
Pushing a clutch is tedious, and not of any real benefit, especially in a big car, a lil sports car.. but, had an M3 with paddle shifters, antiquates a clutch.
All the comments griping and moaning about cars not being manuel and i bet 90+ % or those arent gonna buy anyway.
You don’t get out much do you Derek? 😂
Afraid of three pedals, Harry?
Not at all Tom. Apparently my comment went over your head. To clarify my point was that many of these muscle cars came optioned with automatic transmissions and were often better performers than a manual albeit not as fun. Derek seems taken back by this auto equipped bird.
Because Jack’s a dull boy, and can’t shift gears.
And believe this, many of these came with auto on the column. Not sure why, but that’s the way they sold ’em.
There’s one of these in the woods a few towns over from where I live. It’s parked next to a Dodge Pheonix.
Take a pic, be cool to see it.
Yeah, take a pic, I’d like to see the Phoenix.
Rising from the ashes?
123 is NOT the engine code for this car or ANY Mopar. The E87 in the bottom right of the fender tag is the engine code and is correct along with the V in the VIN tag for a 440+6.
E87 in bottom left identifies engine, D32 IDs transmission, but on Superbirds 123 indicates both as a combo
https://aerowarriors.com/sftd.html
I hate being overly critical, but sometimes I just can’t help myself. I never understood the hype over these things, they’re stupid ugly, that goofy snout, and ridiculous wing, did nothing but ruin the looks of an otherwise great looking Road Runner.
Exactly what the general public thought about them at the time. That’s why many of them languished on the car lots for a couple of years, unsold, and went to buyers who picked them up near wholesale.
Aerodynamics – wind tunnel tested, the nose, rear glass and rear wing were found to be the “sweet spot” for Nascar racing. The problem was, they had to build a production car so its design could be raced , so they built the minimum amount they had to , just to use it in Nascar, because back then it was “win on Sunday , sell on Monday . Chrysler never meant the car to be a big seller, as long as people came in and bought any Plymouth after a Sundays race. I’m sure Ford had the same idea with the droop nose Talledegas , as long as you bought any Ford on Monday, they were making out.
This is exactly what I recall they looked like. I guess there were a lot that were stashed away, but the ones that were driven around pretty much looked like this and driven out of tune. They were goofy as heck and couldn’t drag their tail feathers to save their image ads the rear end gears were too high.. My Dad used to say say the wing was to hold plywood. You would sure get a lot of stares pulling into a Walmart and then be talking to a ton of people because of its approachable condition. I like this presentation, hope it stays this way..
The rear end gears were too high? Do you even know what gears they came with, or what constitutes a “high” rear-end ratio as opposed to a “low” one?
I can tell you, if you don’t know, but I can promise you that no Superbird, ever, had a “high” rear-end gear.
Ignorance at it’s worst. Lol
Everyone be nice on here.
I’m from Illinois, where in winter my father would leave for work in a green ’66 Impala and come home in a white salted Impala. Now this bird looks pretty good. All Chrysler products in the 60’s and 70’s were prone to rust, little or no under coating. This one should clean up nice, and just drive it. Can’t remember last when I saw one on the road.
In June 1971, I was driving with my friend Doug Stanford on I-44 in Missouri, when I was passed by a Superbird. I saw the roadrunner on the wing, but Doug argued it was a Daytona? So I put the pedal down to “catch up” to it. My 1966 Nova 4dr. 230 cid 6 with 3 on the tree slowly built speed. At 95 mph, I got close enough for Doug to agree with me; the “Bird” pilot saw me in his side mirror and flicked his gas to zip away! Stopping near Rolla for the night. I had to replace the water pump, gee I wonder why?
Superbirds have their place in classic cars. The sole reason to produce them was to all them on NASCAR tracks. Love them or hate them they were excellent race cars and Hamilton’s run at just over 200 plus mph, made this a feared race car for the times.
I like the scratches on the side. It looks like re-entry burns. Can only go up in price. Keep it straight and running…
My 2cousin owned a Plymouth dealership 1967 to 1970 he had to take a Superbird at his dealership in Scottsboro, Alabama he called my Dad to see if he would take it less that wholesale to get it off his lot! Dad had a 1969 Roadrunner that he had bought earlier from him. Mother said the wing looked stupid so………. No Superbird
Another car guy died , was it the new sudden death thing ? If you want more info , search steve kirsch , he has a lot of info and numbers since the big lie began …
If its the real deal should go past $200,000 easily.
Don’t be picky, the Daytona and Superbird are both a part of History. Just being a cool Mopar it’s super awesome, in “most” people’s opinion. It would go nicely with my 68 Charger and my Challenger, course all the Cudas outside would be so jealous of it.
Aerodynamics – wind tunnel tested, the nose, rear glass and rear wing were found to be the “sweet spot” for Nascar racing. The problem was, they had to build a production car so its design could be raced , so they built the minimum amount they had to , just to use it in Nascar, because back then it was “win on Sunday , sell on Monday . Chrysler never meant the car to be a big seller, as long as people came in and bought any Plymouth after a Sundays race. I’m sure Ford had the same idea with the droop nose Talledegas , as long as you bought any Ford on Monday, they were making out.
True, but at least the Torino Talladega did it without looking stupid.
Look up the bird they used in the movie “Joe Dirt” it was a purple 440 auto, they made ugly for the movie. It sold super cheap as a leftover movie prop. So Joe lied, it didn’t “have a hemi”