Rare 1970 Tor Red Plymouth Superbird: A True Survivor with NASCAR History

 

Rare 1970 Tor Red Plymouth Superbird: A True Survivor with NASCAR History

In the world of classic muscle cars, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird stands as an icon. Finished in the rare and eye-catching Tor Red, this Superbird is not just a stunning piece of automotive history; it's a true survivor with a remarkable story to tell.

NASCAR aficionados will recognize the Superbird as a legendary racer, albeit one that was banned from NASCAR for being too fast. The vehicle's unique design, featuring the iconic nosecone and imposing rear wing, was engineered to take on Ford in NASCAR, and it achieved considerable success on the racetrack.

What makes this particular Superbird even more exceptional is its pristine, all-original condition and low mileage. With just under 30,000 miles on the odometer, this Tor Red Superbird is a time capsule from the golden age of muscle cars. While it may not boast the ultra-rare 426 Hemi V8 engine under the hood, its untouched state is a testament to its authenticity.

Bob, the proud owner and curator of the Jennings Wing Cars Collection, sheds light on what sets this Superbird apart. Every aspect of the vehicle, from the original paint to the numbers-matching powertrain and transmission, remains untouched. Even the electronics and interior are as they were when the car left the Plymouth factory decades ago. The fact that both the transmission and engine function flawlessly without any rebuilds is a rarity in the classic muscle car world. This Superbird is a valuable gem, with its originality adding significant worth to this already sought-after model.

The goal is to achieve official certification from Chrysler and their experts, establishing this Superbird as a true Plymouth survivor. Chrysler has already conducted a thorough examination, deeming this car a benchmark vehicle, a testament to its originality. The Jennings collection already boasts two other benchmark cars, including a blue Plymouth Superbird and a Hemi V8-powered Dodge Charger Daytona, further underscoring the prestige of this Tor Red Superbird.

What Makes The Superbird Such A NASCAR Great

The Plymouth Superbird, powered by a 426 Hemi engine, is a remarkable feat of engineering. Its notable specifications are as follows:

- Manufacturer: Chrysler

- Production Years: 1964-1971

- Configuration: Naturally Aspirated V8

- Displacement: 7.0-liter (Hemi 426)

- Power: 425 Hp

- Torque: 490 lb-ft

- Fuel: Gas

- Notable Applications: 1970 Monteverdi Hai, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

In the annals of NASCAR history, the Superbird, alongside the Dodge Charger Daytona, stands out as one of the greatest racing cars. During the late 1960s, Ford dominated NASCAR, prompting Chrysler, the parent company of Dodge and Plymouth, to develop a new car to level the playing field. Inspiration came from an unexpected source: the recently disbanded missile division of Chrysler. A former Mercury Redstone engineer lent his expertise to create the iconic nosecone design that would become the hallmark of the Dodge Charger Daytona.

To balance the extra downforce provided by the nosecone, a substantial rear wing was added, giving the car its distinctive appearance and ensuring ample downforce at both ends of the vehicle. The Charger Daytona made a dramatic entry into the racing scene by finishing first and third in its debut race. Plymouth needed its own version, leading to the birth of the Superbird. This car was a modernized evolution of the older Plymouth Road Runner.

The Superbird was even more visually striking due to Plymouth's refinements to the original Dodge design. The Superbird's rear wing was positioned higher, clearing the roofline, which allowed it to operate in clean air. While the Daytona held a slight top-speed advantage, the Superbird excelled in downforce, ensuring superior cornering stability. Its sleek, refined shape set it apart from its sibling. The creation of the Superbird was partly motivated by the desire to keep the legendary driver Richard Petty within the Chrysler family, as he had been considering a move to Ford at the time.

NASCAR Would Ban The Aero Cars Fearing Their Speed

In its iconic Richard Petty blue livery bearing the number 43, the Superbird went on to win eight races during the 1970 NASCAR season. Though it fell short of winning the championship, it demonstrated its sheer speed, comparable to the Charger Daytona. The success of these two cars was awe-inspiring, but it also raised concerns about their extraordinary speeds. NASCAR's tracks, safety measures, tires, and brakes were struggling to keep pace with these high-performance machines.

In response, NASCAR introduced modifications to engine displacement rules, capping the maximum at 350 cubic inches. Larger engines required additional weight to offset their greater displacement. While the Superbird and Daytona remained legal in 1971, the power-to-weight consequences of these changes rendered them uncompetitive. Consequently, these two cars ceased to compete in NASCAR events after the 1970 season.

A 1970 Hemi Superbird Sets a World Auction Record

Plymouth Superbirds are known to fetch substantial sums at auctions, and one particular 1970 Superbird with the revered Hemi V8 engine set a new record at the Las Vegas Barrett-Jackson auction in June/July 2022. This exceedingly rare example, equipped with the 426 cubic inch engine delivering 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque, achieved an astonishing sale price of $1.65 million. This remarkable Tor Red Superbird from the Jennings collection may not reach such astronomical figures, but its unrivaled originality undoubtedly makes it a prized possession for any muscle car enthusiast.