Tag Archives: Superbird

Motorsport

Rare 1970 Plymouth Superbird Hemi Barn Find Won’t Be Driving Out On Its Own

The Plymouth Superbird and its sibling, the Dodge Charger Daytona, were special NASCAR models designed with advanced aerodynamics for their time. These cars are now considered collectible due to their rarity. One particular Superbird is currently being stored in a heavy-machine repair shop and is awaiting restoration.

The owner purchased this 1970 Plymouth Superbird in the 1980s from a used car dealer in Findlay, Ohio. However, he eventually stopped driving the car due to other priorities in life. As a result, the car was placed high up in the shop’s rafters using a forklift.

The owner usually keeps the car covered, but for the purpose of a video, the cover and hood were removed to reveal the engine bay. This Superbird is equipped with a 426-cubic-inch (6.98-liter) Hemi V8 engine, but it was also available with a 440-cubic-inch (7.21-liter) V8.

The car features a vibrant green body color with a black vinyl roof. There are some surface rust, dents, and dings on the exterior, but the damage appears repairable.

According to Auto Archaeology, the operator of the Auto Archaeology YouTube channel, the car was placed in the rafters for safekeeping and to keep it out of the way. However, there are other factors influencing its current state that were not shown in the video.

The owner is currently working on restoring another Superbird with the 440-cubic-inch V8 and six-barrel carburetor. Once that project is completed, he may start restoration work on this Superbird.

In addition to the Superbird, the owner has some other interesting cars in his garage. This includes a Hemi-powered Dodge Dart, which used to be a drag racer. The body is in good condition, and all the necessary parts are present, but it requires someone to put them together.

Outside, in the woods, there is a Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda, but it is mostly consumed by nature and would require extensive restoration work.

Cars

How the Legendary Plymouth Superbird Got Its Name

In October 1969, the first Superbird was completed. These vehicles were modifications of Plymouth Road Runners. In order to develop this car, Plymouth took advantage of obtaining the license of the famous Looney Tunes character, which cost them $50,000. The Superbird featured a car horn that made the distinct sound of the character and showcased a stylish Road Runner graphic.

As any muscle car enthusiast knows, the key to these vehicles is fully embracing their aesthetic. In creating the custom model, there was no better way to convey the fact that this was an enhanced bird than by naming it Superbird.

Plymouth did an exceptional job with the Superbird. They made adjustments to the hood, fenders, and other elements to improve performance. By incorporating elements of the Dodge Coronet with the Road Runner base, the production costs were kept relatively low.

Approximately 2,000 non-racing Superbirds were produced. These cars were equipped with a powerful Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 engine, making them impressive machines that still hold high regard to this day.