1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird Coupé

Registration no. PLR 440 Chassis no. RM23N0A168761

Footnotes

Plymouth's late 1960s revival came off the back of numerous high-profile racetrack successes. In 1964, Plymouth's Richard Petty won the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Championship three years later, ensuring maximum exposure for the Mopar brand. New for 1970, and built with competition in mind, the Superbird was derived from the medium-sized high-performance Road Runner. One of the most spectacular American cars of the post-war era, the Superbird featured an extended 'droop snoot' nose and a tall, boot-mounted spoiler, these aerodynamic features having been adopted with NASCAR Superspeedway racing in mind. Power was supplied by a 440ci (7.2-litre) V8 engine producing 375bhp. A minimum of 2,000 units was required for NASCAR homologation, though slightly fewer were actually produced. Pete Hamilton won the 1970 Daytona 500 driving a Superbird, and Plymouth's 'Winged Warrior' went on to win 21 out of that year's 38 Grand National races. Sadly, NASCAR banned such aerodynamic excesses at the end of 1970, making the Superbird a one-year-only model and all the more collectible for it.
Imported in 1976 and in the present family ownership since 1984, this rare Superbird has been barn stored for over 30 years and is offered in need of re-commissioning. A matching numbers example, it has the desirable four-speed manual transmission with Hurst 'Pistol Grip' shifter. The car is offered with a V5C document and a detailed report on its authenticity and condition compiled in October 2020 by the Mopar Muscle Association, which is a 'must read' for prospective purchasers.


Vendor Score Total: 54 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 8 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 1
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 1

INTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 3
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 8 /20
Starting: 0
Running: 0
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 1