1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six-Barrel

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“I said, ‘If you don’t give me a wing car, I might go across the street.’ They didn’t seem to believe us, so we knocked on Ford’s door...” Richard Petty, with the most victories of any driver in NASCAR history and a devoted Plymouth man, shocked his fans by switching to Ford in 1969. Dodge had the new bullet–like winged Charger Daytona, and Ford had sleek fastback Torino Talladega and Mercury Spoiler models, while Plymouth was saddled with the brick–like Road Runner. To win Petty back in 1970 Plymouth created the Superbird. It worked: Petty’s teammate, Pete Hamilton, captured the 1970 Daytona 500 victory and “King Richard” was on his way to another NASCAR Championship when a serious injury ended his season.

As with the Daytona, contractor Creative Industries completed these limited–production automobiles from a special batch of Road Runners built at Chrysler’s Lynch Road assembly plant in Detroit. NASCAR rules required 1,920 Superbirds to be built for 1970 (previous specials only required 500). A one-year wonder, Superbirds were costly starting at $4,298, there were few options available, and just seven paint choices were offered. Validation documents submitted to NASCAR show this Superbird, the 613th built, was sent to Creative Industries on 18 November 1969 and completed three days later. Most were equipped with the standard 440 single four–barrel engine, but 716 were ordered with the 440 “Six–Barrel” with three two-barrel carburetors. Common belief is 275 were ordered in EV2 Tor Red paint. Additionally, it is believed 408 Superbirds were ordered with the powerful V-Code 440 Six–Barrel engine and TorqueFlite automatic (both floor and column shift) as found on this Superbird. It’s only fitting that the glove box door and air cleaner are autographed by “The King” himself, Richard Petty.

Highlights

• Well restored and original “Winged Warrior” Plymouth Superbird

• Offered from nearly 20 years of ownership

• Glove box door and air cleaner autographed by Richard Petty

• One of 408 ordered with the V-Code 390 hp 440 cu–in Six–Barrel engine and three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission (both floor and column shift)

• Reproduction carburetors and intake manifold installed; original components included

• Finished in factory specified EV2 Tor Red paint, one of 275 so equipped

• Original in configuration as per fender tag

• Optional 15 inch Rallye wheels with Goodyear Polyglas raised letter tires

• The correct chassis number is stamped on the radiator support

• Superbird–unique limiter blocks are welded to trunk hinges

• Superbird specific rear window trim is present

• Fender Tag is clear and concise

• The chassis number (RM23V0A162375) decodes as:

  • R – Mid Size

  • M – Price Class

  • 2 – Number of doors

  • 3 – Body Type (hard top)

  • V – 440 six–Barrel

  • 0 – 1970 model year

  • A – Lynch Road, Michigan, final assembly plant

  • 162375 – Sequential production number

• The Fender Tag decodes as:

  • 15111 – Gate Number (unique)

  • EV2 – Tor Red paint

  • RM23 – Superbird Designation

  • V0A – 440 Six Barrel

  • 123 – 440 Six Barrel Automatic

  • 052 – Chrysler 8 3/4”, 3.55:1 rear axle ratio

  • 72 – 440 Six Barrel Automatic Designation (type of transmission)

  • 26 – 26 inch Radiator specific to Superbird

  • V19 – Black Vinyl Roof Material

  • V88 – Delete of Transverse Sport Stripe

  • H2X9 – Black Interior, bench seats

  • TX9 – Black interior (as opposed to white)

  • B30 – 30 November 1969 production date (all Superbirds have this date)

  • J97612 – Vehicle order number, 613th Superbird to be produced

  • E87 – Engine designator code, 440 Six Barrel

  • D32 – Transmission found in Superbird, automatic

Features

• Black vinyl top (all Superbirds were manufactured with a vinyl top)

• Standard Black vinyl bench seat interior

• Column shifter

• Power steering

• Power disc brakes

• "Beep-Beep" horn

• Heavy-duty suspension

• Performance axle package

• Pop-up headlights

• Aerodynamic nosecone

• Front spoiler

• Competition type hood

• Hood pins

• AM radio

• Heater

• Functional vent windows

Known Imperfections

• Engine block casting number 2536430–8, date 5/19/1970, is a correct 440 RB–series big block, however it was manufactured after Superbird production ended. The stamping on the opposite side of the block, 0G248469 does not match the chassis number of this vehicle. The consignor was told by the previous owner and believes the engine was a dealer warranty replacement in 1970, not an uncommon occurrence. The transmission stamp also does not match the chassis number

• As seen in the photos, there is a horizontal stress crack in the hood extension panel

• The car has seen limited use and may need additional mechanical attention to be fully roadworthy

Included

• Factory Broadcast Sheet, which is partially damaged

• Original carburetors and intake manifold with data codes believed to be correct

Ownership History

This 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Six–Barrel is offered from nearly 20 years of ownership. The owner states he starts and drives the Superbird for short distances on a regular basis.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Harrison Platz Phone: 610.304.4525 email: hplatz@hagerty.com