1969 Dodge Daytona, and 1970 Plymouth Superbird
1970 Plymouth Superbird
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird: A High-Performance Engineering Marvel
The Plymouth Superbird is a quintessential example of automotive engineering and design focused on aerodynamic efficiency and raw power. Developed primarily for NASCAR competition, the Superbird's distinctive appearance, characterized by a prominent rear wing and elongated nose, was driven by functional considerations rather than aesthetic preference.
Equipped with Chrysler's potent V8 engines, including the legendary 426 Hemi, the Superbird was a formidable force on the racetrack. While its performance capabilities were exceptional, its practicality for everyday use was limited. Consequently, production numbers were relatively low, contributing to its status as a coveted collector's item.
Despite its short production run, the Superbird's impact on automotive culture and performance benchmarks is undeniable. It remains a symbol of the golden age of American muscle cars and a testament to Chrysler's engineering prowess.
December 15, 1969 – The last Plymouth Superbird
The story of the Plymouth Superbird and its development is fairly well-known, so we won’t get into heavy details. In brief, it had one job, to dominate NASCAR along with its older sibling, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. While Dodge only had to build 500 Daytonas to be eligible for the 1969 NASCAR season, the sanctioning body changed the rules for 1970 to combat purpose built race cars. For Plymouth, that meant at least 1,920 Superbirds needed to end up on dealer lots to qualify for the track. With a target set, the assembly line churned. Before long workers hit their mark and the last Plymouth Superbird rolled off the assembly line on this day in 1969. Check out the green car below.
When all’s said and done, somewhere between 1,969 and 1,982 Superbirds left Lynch Road Assembly in Detroit. Approximately 34 to 47 of those became Canadian citizens and the rest remained stateside. When it came time to hit the oval, the Hemi powered ‘Birds really flew. NASCAR Superbird drivers took home 8 checkered flags in 1970, including five wins by Richard Petty, who returned to Plymouth from Ford specifically to drive a ‘Bird. Pete Hamilton scored the first NASCAR win in a Superbird at that year’s Daytona 500.
What’s claimed to be the last 1970 Plymouth Superbird manufactured
The production run for the car was short, with the first one leaving the line on October 17, 1969 and the last on December 15, 1969. Pictured above is what’s claimed to be the last Superbird built. It’s a four-speed, 440 Limelight green car. While the top of the line 426 Hemi ‘Birds tend to command the most dough, this one sold for $165,000 in 2015.
The date of the last production Superbird comes from stats on Aerowarriors.com.
Plymouth Superbird
Sportscaster Charlie Harville interviewing Richard Petty with arrival of a Superbird.
1970 Plymouth Road Runner
In 1970, Plymouth went all-out for NASCAR stock car racing with its release of the Road Runner "SuperBird,” created specially for Richard Petty. Featuring an aerodynamically-designed 18-inch nosecone, reverse-facing fender scoops, a flush rear window and towering 23.5-inch tall wing mounted atop the deck lid, this car was a win for Team Petty at the season-opening Daytona 500.
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona & 1970 Plymouth Superbird
Plymouth Superbird
Plymouth produced around 1,900 of the iconic muscle cars out of its factory in 1970. Richard Petty won 18 races in 1970 with Plymouth Superbird, with speeds exceeding 200 mph.
Plymouth Superbird
Plymouth Superbird with a 440 6 Pack, 4 spd.
Plymouth 440 Superbird
4 barrel Automatic Bucket seats with center console
1970 Plymouth Superbird V-Code 440 Six Pack, 4-Speed (2 of 2) - Mopar Gold National Show winner - Restored in 1999-2000 - Original V-code 440/390 HP Six Pack V-8 - 4-speed manual transmission - Dana 60 with A33 Track-Pak - Power steering - Power front disc brakes - Goodyear Polyglas GT tires on Rally wheels - Full gauges with Tic-Toc-Tach - Radio, tinted glass - B5 Blue Fire Metallic exterior paint - Rallye wheels, Goodyear Polyglas GT tires - Original fender tag