We will almost certainly never again see vehicles like this 1970 Plymouth Superbird. They hailed from a period when NASCAR competition was literally for “stock cars,” and competitors were required to drive what were effectively race-tuned versions of roadgoing vehicles. Today, most saloon car categories, including NASCAR, use bodies that vaguely resemble production versions draped over a common platform. That makes these cars hugely significant from a motorsport perspective but equally as important as classic road cars. This 1970 Superbird is amongst the most incredible examples that you are likely to find today. It has belonged to the same owner since the day that it rolled off the showroom floor. It presents superbly, and it is as structurally solid as it is spotlessly clean. After 51-years with its original owner, the time has come for it to go to its next home. Located in Templeton, Massachusetts, you will find the Superbird listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has been as spirited as you might expect, with 16 people putting up their hand for this classic. This action has pushed the price along to $138,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The reality is that road cars are designed to do many things, but one thing that they were never designed for was to be plonked on a race track. That is why open-wheel and prototype sports racers look the way that they do. Their designers want to exploit the maximum amount of aerodynamic efficiency while creating as much downforce as their regulations will allow. By comparison, most average road cars have the aerodynamic properties of a barn. This is purely for practical reasons. Manufacturers could design vehicles that are lower, smoother, and with a more pronounced rake on the windshield, but these would be severely compromised for daily use. Take the enormous rear spoiler off this Plymouth, and the problem becomes apparent when you look at the vehicle in profile. The vehicle’s underside is relatively flat, while the upper surfaces curve to a peak at the highest point on the roof and taper to the taillight panel. That is, to all intents and purposes, an aerofoil. It is the sort that you find on any fixed-wing aircraft. It effectively means that the faster a road car goes, the more lift it generates. If you could drive a road car fast enough, its wheels would eventually lose contact with the ground. That is why companies like Plymouth created the Superbird for NASCAR competition. The sleek and pointed nose cut through the air more smoothly than the original, blunt production design. The tiny spoiler under the nose and that enormous rear wing were there to eliminate that lift and provide positive downforce, allowing for increased cornering speed on high-speed tracks like Daytona and Talladega.

The Superbird presents superbly, and it stands as a testament to the care and respect that has been lavished on it by its single owner. The owner treated it to a repaint in its original Code B5 Blue Fire in 1996, and it still shines beautifully today. The panels are laser straight, with no dings or dents. There is no evidence of rust and the photos of the underside show floors and a frame that are clean enough to eat off. The car was built with a Black vinyl top, and this looks as good today as it would’ve looked back in 1970. All of the distinctive aero additions that are the hallmark of a Superbird are present, and they show me evidence of any cracks or flaws. The decals are crisp and clean, while the original Rallye wheels and the glass are flawless.

Lifting the hood reveals an engine bay that contains the mighty 440ci V8 that has become the stuff of legends. This monster is backed by a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while the car also features power steering and power front disc brakes. This is a numbers-matching classic, but it does have a story behind it. When the original owner was searching for a Superbird, he was looking for a specific combination of color, trim, and drivetrain. This one came close, but it featured the 440/4-Barrel V8. He wanted a Six-Pack, so he had the dealer perform a swap of induction systems prior to delivery. That means that the carburetors, intake, and air cleaner aren’t original to this car. However, that is not an issue because the dealer wrapped the original components in a blanket and placed them in the trunk of the Plymouth. The owner removed the items when he took the car home and stored them carefully. Photos of these components are seen in the listing, and not only are they are in as-new condition but they are included in the sale. In its original form, this V8 would have been pumping out 375hp, which was enough to propel the Superbird through the ¼ mile in 14.3 seconds. Adding the Six-Pack boosted the power figure to 390hp and dropped the ET to 14.2 seconds. It seems that there is nothing but good news with this classic. During its 51-years, it has only accumulated 54,000 miles on its odometer. The owner doesn’t mention whether he specifically holds evidence to verify this, but judging by the scope of documentation that is contained in an enormous binder folder, I would say that there’s a good chance that he does. The folder contains all of the dealer paperwork, the original title, every registration dating back to 1970, plus numerous other items that provide an insight into this car’s life. This Superbird isn’t a classic that is merely about good looks because it runs and drives like a new car. The owner provides several videos in his listing, and the engine sounds crisp and clean, while the Plymouth drives without any evidence of squeaks, rattles, or other unwanted noises.

The owner knew what he wanted when he went searching for this Plymouth. His wish list included B5 Blue paint, a 440 Six-Pack, and a white interior. He managed to achieve these aims, and the car remains in those specifications today. While the exterior was repainted in 1996, the interior has never been touched. All of the upholstery is original, and its condition is astounding when you consider the color choice. White trim can become dirty, stained, and it is also prone to developing a yellow tinge over time. None of those problems have affected this car, with it looking like it has just rolled off the showroom floor. The dash and pad are flawless, there is no wear on the carpet, and there have been no aftermarket additions. The Rally gauge cluster looks crisp and clean and includes the ultra-cool Tic-Toc-Tach.

They don’t make them like they used to, and sadly, that is the case with cars like this 1970 Plymouth Superbird. This is an extraordinary car from an era when vehicle manufacturers maintained a hands-on involvement in motorsport at a grass-roots level. Without that involvement, these cars would never have existed. This one is remarkably well preserved, and I hope that its new owner continues to treat it with care and respect. The harsh reality is that we are now heading towards a future where hybrid and zero-emission vehicles will almost inevitably dominate our marketplace. Eventually, cars with V8 internal combustion engines will go the way of the dinosaurs, and that is a sobering thought. However, vehicles like this will allow the memories to remain vivid in our minds and enable future generations to gain an insight into what has been lost to the automotive world. The Plymouth Superbird served an important role in our motoring past, and its role in the future could be equally as important. That’s why preserving these classics is so important. They need to be seen in person and not consigned to the faded pages of some history book.