1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird
HIGHLIGHTS
One of 135 Original Hemi Superbirds
Documented with Broadcast Sheet and David Wise Report
Preserved Original Interior, Original Glass, and Restored Drivetrain
All Original Sheetmetal Throughout
18,000 Mile Example
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - RM23R0A166204
Engine – 426 CID OHV Hemi V8
Gearbox – 3-Speed 727 Automatic
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
The Muscle Car era was one of a kind. Nothing before had so dramatically captured the spirit of American power and performance. Though it grew slowly, the union of style and power came on strong by 1968 as the race to cubic inches hit the final lap when the 1973 Oil Embargo cut cars and engine blocks in half yielding to compact cars with anemic smog-choked 4-cylinder engines. But before that final gasp, Chrysler set the world on fire with the absolute king of all muscle cars, the incomparable Hemi Superbird.
Based on the Chrysler B-body unibody platform, the Road Runner shared platforms with the Dodge Charger, both of which were performance minded powerhouses that could pull off double duty as “family cars” thanks to the spacious trunk, roomy back seat, and wide range of engine packages. For those seeking big block thunder, the 383, 440, or 440 Six-Pack could be ticked in the option box. But the big dog was the 426 Hemi. And while lots of performance minded enthusiasts optioned their Road Runner or Charger with the Hemi, Chrysler had one more ace up its sleeve.
In addition to muscle car madness for road cars, NASCAR was swirling up their own trackside heyday. Chrysler jumped right into the fray, competing in the aero wars as big block powered cars were approaching 200 mph using newly developed body aerodynamics. The Superbird and Daytona (Charger variant) hit both the track and the dealer showrooms at the same time. As a condition of racing Chrysler needed to supply two cars per dealership to meet NASCAR rulings. This resulted in 1,920 1970 Plymouth Superbirds, the only year of production, to meet the national Plymouth dealership allocation. Although nearly 2,000 were made, a mere 135 were ordered from the factory with the 426 Hemi engine, 77 of which were outfitted with the 727 automatic transmission.
Though modifications had to be minimal to the overall body design in order to keep development costs low, the Superbird was a radically different car. Most notably, the wedge-shaped nose cone, front air dam, reverse fender scoops, and an enormous rear wing were the biggest changes from the stock Road Runner. All Superbirds wore vinyl roofs, blackout headlight sections with retractable lights, and featured Warner Brothers Road Runner cartoon graphics on the exterior. Paint colors were vivid and memorable and even a little cartoon humor was included with the “Meep Meep” Road Runner horn sound as part of the package. In addition to the audacious street Superbirds, a fantastic array of NASCAR race-prepped birds were piloted by racing legends including Richard Petty driving his famed #43. Much like the muscle car era, an end had to come. NASCAR eventually outlawed these monsters of speed, as they were simply too fast for the track.
This Hemi Superbird is one of 77 factory-built examples built with an automatic transmission. Currently indicating 18,000 miles this original Hemi Superbird is documented with the original broadcast sheet, retains the original interior, and is one of the best Hemi-powered examples available today. Verified by the build sheet and fender tag, this rare Hemi Superbird was finished in Tor Red and trimmed with black vinyl interior. The fender tag has been decoded to reveal the factory build features:
RM23 Plymouth Belvedere, Satellite Medium, Road Runner2-Door Hardtop
R0A 426 HEMI 425HP 2-4BBL 8 CYL1970Lynch Road, MI, USA
166204 Sequence number
E74 426 Hemi 2x4 barrel V8 425hp
D32 Heavy Duty Automatic Transmission
EV2 Hemi Orange / Tor Red Exterior Color
H2X9 Trim - High, Vinyl Bench Seat, Black
TX9 Black / Black Velvet Int. Door Frames
B30 Build Date: November
30J97652 Order number
V10 Full Vinyl Top
V88 Tranverse Stripes, Deleted
26 26 inch Radiator
113 426 Hemi, automatic transmission, heater, 425hp, Orange
052 3.55 Sure Grip, 8-3/4, 10" rear drum - front disc, (A36 Pkg)
671 727 Automatic Transmission, 426 Hemi engine
15 Gate Sequence Number, Lynch Road Assembly Plant
130 Base Sequence Number, Lynch Road Assembly Plant
168108 Line Sequence Number, Lynch Road Assembly Plant
Benefitting from preservation during the earlier years of ownership, the car was reportedly always garaged as it amassed approximately 16,000 miles retaining the original interior and exterior until it was refinished with a fresh coat of Tor Red paint, believed to have been completed approximately 25 years ago. The body panels have been examined by experts who confirm these to be the original factory steel pieces including the undamaged nose cone and rear wing, all of which needed only surface preparation when the car was refinished in the correct factory color.
Preserved over the past 50 years, the interior remains remarkably original with excellent finishes including the seats, door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, and various interior accessories commensurate with the low mileage of this car. Recognized by Mopar experts as an excellent example of these rare Hemi cars, this car won a second place at the Mopar Nationals in 1990 and was featured on the cover of Paul Herd and Mike Mueller’s detailed book documenting the Charger, Road Runner, and Super Bee models.
Approximately ten years ago, while under prior ownership, the engine and transmission were removed and the engine bay was restored to show condition including disassembling the engine, inspecting all parts, and refinishing the engine to show standards using as many of the original parts as possible. Although the engine is an original Chrysler Hemi unit, it is not believed to be original to this car. The block is stamped and dated 8-18-1969 with correct casting designation marks. Though not the original engine assembled with the car, many of these engines were replaced when new, as even Chrysler only warranted these engines for one year or 12,000 miles. Other important engine designations and characteristics for this 426 Hemi include a correct Hemi oil pan, correct water pump, correct Hemi heads, correct inspection markings, and correct, exhaust.
Supported by a copious report prepared by Mopar expert David Wise, photos in the report show the engine during disassembly and identify key numbers and reference features including the broadcast sheet, correct and matching VIN stampings on the radiator cowl support, dashboard VIN, OEM trim tag, and the inner deck lid seal lip VIN stamping which is clearly legible and matches the VIN on this car.
Today, displaying 18,531 miles, this Hemi Superbird presents with excellent Tor Red paint throughout. The finish is consistent, glossy, and smooth across all factory metal panels. The nose cone and chrome rear bumper are both in excellent condition with excellent fit and finish to the body surfaces. The factory glass is clean including a clear windshield, tight sealing side glass, and clear rear glass. The lighting and lenses are in excellent condition including operational mechanisms for the retractable headlights. The correctly finished 15” Rallye wheels are trimmed with polished beauty rings, argent silver centers, and chrome lug nuts. A set of period-correct raised letter Goodyear Polyglas GT F60-15 tires are mounted.
The original interior is exceptionally nice given that so many of these cars have lost their interior to the ravages of time. Not only have the vinyl surfaces been very well-maintained, the silver perimeter trim, beading, and stitching remain in excellent original condition. The interior surfaces, dashboard, gauges, headliner, sun visors, and door panels are exceptionally fine especially considering these are the original material.
The engine compartment has been thoughtfully maintained since it was restored and mechanically freshened. All components are in excellent cosmetic condition. The trunk is in excellent condition as well, finished in body color and lined with a correct gray rubber mat. A whitewall band bias ply spare tire is in place, very likely the original unit that has been with the car since new. The underside of the car, suspension, brakes, lines, and gas tank are all in excellent condition indicative of regular care, free from any significant marks or notable damage, consistent with the overall impressive cosmetic condition and preservation of this exceptional Hemi Superbird.
Offered for just one year only and delivered new from the factory with the powerful 426 Hemi engine, this iconic Hemi Superbird offers performance, jaw-dropping design, and rarity as one of 77 built with the 727 automatic. With original examples becoming harder to locate as years pass and more of these cars retire to museums or disappear into private collections, this is a fantastic opportunity for a performance enthusiasts to acquire the most outrageous Hemi powered muscle car America has ever seen.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
