Barn Finds
NASCAR homologation special set to spread its wings now it’s been proved genuine
Rare Plymouth Superbird looks set to fly again after emerging in London
One of the original 1970 Plymouth Superbirds has emerged from a private collection in the London area, following the owner’s passing. Only 1920 of these cars were built for that single year of production, based on one car to every two dealerships – the homologation rule for NASCAR racing at the time. The Dodge Daytona, built the previous year, introduced the radical aerodynamic nose cone and immense rear wing; the Superbird carried the shape over for a second season.
This one has spent more than 30 years in a large storage unit resting under a dust cover. As such, the only obvious sign of its lay-up is the bloom of mildew on the rear seats and steering wheel, and the reason for the car’s withdrawal from use is still not clear. However, a report commissioned by Anglia Car Auctions, which is handling the sale, makes fascinating reading. Compiled by the Mopar Muscle Association of the UK it reveals immense detail, explaining that the car underwent a restoration before storage, presumably in the Eighties, and that the important ‘fender tag’ detailing many of the car’s options and confirming its origin has gone missing. However, it confirms that the car’s VIN number is on the NASCAR registry for these ‘wing cars’ and goes on to list 26 other Superbird-specific features that the car carries, concluding that it is indeed a genuine Superbird.
Better still, the car’s engine number and the number on the four-speed manual transmission match those originally fitted. Then the bad news – though the pistolgrip Hurst shifter appears to select third and fourth, the gearbox is in fact stuck in reverse and the clutch is frozen. The brakes are also non-functional and the fuel system is probably clogged, though ACA did get the V8 running well for short periods – with the rear wheels jacked up. After more than three decades in storage, rust has taken hold under the rear window, while the boot floor is also beginning to oxidise.
The car was initially offered for sale in November but bidding stalled below the £140k-£200k estimate. Now that more is understood about the car’s condition, and its status as a well-optioned genuine Superbird, it’s on its way to finding a new home, says ACA’S Adam Marriott. ‘In view of the work it needs, we’re not expecting to get near the top estimate but we’re negotiating with a few buyers. With its matchingnumbers status and rare specification it’s an unusual opportunity anywhere.’