WILD WING: The 1970 HEMI Superbird in Lemon Twist
December 19, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #1370 – 1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI SUPERBIRD – NO RESERVE
Wildly popular since its inception in 1948, the NASCAR stock-car racing circuit has showcased some of the world’s fiercest racing action. Today, it continues as what is likely the ultimate application of the “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” spirit. By the mid-1960s, Chrysler and Ford Motor Company were the only real top-level NASCAR adversaries. Their legendary rivalry resulted in some of the fastest and most outrageous racing and road cars ever produced.
Engine development reached a zenith by 1965-66, and racers and engineers in both camps realized that raw power was no longer sufficient for victory, dictating a new emphasis on aerodynamics for that competitive edge. By 1968-69, a stunning succession of ever-more specialized body styles were developed, with Ford and Chrysler trading bragging rights with each race. Chrysler’s wild, wind tunnel-proven Dodge Charger Daytona shocked all onlookers late in ’69 at the first race held at the all-new Talladega Superspeedway. True to plan, the Daytona scored its first NASCAR win there with Richard Brickhouse. Just 503 street versions were built – just enough to meet NASCAR’s 500-car minimum.
Development of Plymouth’s counterpart to the Daytona kicked off in June 1969 but was temporarily halted that August before NASCAR announced a new 1,000-car production requirement or a number equal to half a company’s dealer locations, whichever was highest, giving the car a new lease on life. Based on Road Runner, Plymouth’s Superbird was quite different from the charger-based Daytona, with only the hood and front fenders interchangeable. A textured vinyl roof covering hid the revised rear window seams and the Superbird’s giant rear wing was taller and included stabilizers/supports raked further back than those of the Daytona. Encouraged by the Superbird’s speed potential, Richard Petty left Ford and returned to the Plymouth fold for 1970. While he did not win the 1970 NASCAR Grand National championship, Petty did score eight of Plymouth’s 21 victories in 1970.
Coded A13, the Superbird option was applied to 1,935 cars in total, with all built between Oct. 23 and Dec. 15, 1969. Given their hefty pricing, specialized nature and wild looks, the Superbird was a slow seller. In fact, many of these outlandish, extremely specialized cars often took several years to finally leave dealer lots, and some were converted by dealers back to plainer Road Runners. Today, those very characteristics make the rare Superbird one of the most collectible, sought-after and unforgettable of all American high-performance cars.
As with the Charger Daytona before it, the Road Runner-based Superbird was available with a choice of the formidable 375-horsepower, 440ci V8, 390-horsepower Six-Barrel 440ci V8, or the all-out 425-horsepower 426 Street HEMI with dual 4-barrel induction. Finished in special High Impact Lemon Twist paint, this original matching-numbers 1970 Plymouth HEMI Superbird (Lot #1370) is one of just 135 A13-code Special HEMI-powered Superbirds built for the model year. It has been validated by Mopar expert Dave Wise and is accompanied by a 60-page Elite Level Wise Validation Report, certifying the car retains the original matching numbers 426/425hp HEMI engine, paired with a TorqueFlite A-727 automatic transmission.
Power is delivered via an A36 8.75-inch rear axle housing the 3.55-ratio Sure-Grip Performance Axle Package. Other highlights include dual exhaust with chrome tips, hood retaining pins, power brakes with front discs, the Max Cooling package with a 7-blade fan, heavy-duty HEMI suspension and firm-ride shocks. All Superbird Special Equipment is present, from the Code J45 hood pins to the bold Graphics Package, aero nose, rear wing, fender-mounted air extractors and front spoiler. Additional HEMI-specific features include power steering with cooler, 15-inch Rallye wheels and Goodyear Polyglas raised-white-letter tires.
The Superbird’s spacious interior features high-grade black bucket seats, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, a push-button AM radio with Stereo 8-track tape player and three loudspeakers, a wood-grain-accented console and a tinted windshield. The dash features the factory tachometer, heater/defroster and 3-spoke steering wheel with a Road Runner center cap. A mounted spare, roadside jack and lug wrench reside inside the trunk. Immensely collectible as No. 1785 of Chrysler’s famed 1970 NASCAR “wing car” homologation program, this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird is listed in the MMC Detroit Global Vehicle Registry and is ICCA Detroit-certified, consistent with its legendary, top-specification status. Other documents include the original VIN Tag, Fender Tag and factory Broadcast Sheet.
For your chance to own this piece of automotive history, register to bid at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 18-26 at WestWorld.
Written by Independent Automotive Journalist David Neyens