Buzz
In 2007, Publications International, Ltd. highlighted the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird as a counterpart to the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, both being street-legal versions of aerodynamic NASCAR race cars. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.Thanks to NASCAR regulations mandating automakers to produce street-legal versions of their race cars, some of the most flamboyant muscle cars were born, with the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird standing out as the most audacious of them all.
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked the peak of the superspeedway "aero wars." Inspired by Ford's sleek Torino Talladega and Mercury's Cyclone Spoiler II, Dodge introduced the Charger Daytona in 1969, featuring a bold nose cone and a massive rear wing. This design proved dominant against Ford and Mercury competitors. When Plymouth, Dodge's sibling division, demanded its own high-performance model, the result was the 1970 Road Runner Superbird.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The production Superbirds featured vinyl-covered roofs, a design choice meant to conceal the modifications made to the rear window area during manufacturing.Plymouth enthusiasts were treated to 1,935 Superbirds produced for public sale. While it shared the same concept as the Charger Daytona, the Superbird's aerodynamic enhancements were custom-designed for the 1970 Plymouth Belvedere/Road Runner chassis. This model showcased clever corporate resource-sharing and cost-efficient innovation. Its elongated metal nosecone was paired with front fenders and an extended hood borrowed from the 1970 Dodge Coronet.
Every Superbird produced featured a vinyl roof to conceal the welding marks from the installation of the flush-mounted rear window. Similar to the Charger Daytona, the front fender scoops were purely decorative on street models but functional on race versions, allowing for increased tire clearance and suspension movement.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The nosecone was constructed from metal, with fiberglass housings for the pop-up headlights.Beyond its massive rear wing and wind-tunnel-inspired nose, the Plymouth Superbird boasted Road Runner-themed graphics, matte-black accents on the nosecone, and oversized "Plymouth" decals on the rear sides for added flair. Under the hood, drivers could choose from three engine options: a 440 with a single four-barrel carburetor producing 375 bhp, the "440+6" with three two-barrel carbs delivering 390 bhp, or the dual-quad 426 Hemi with a staggering 425 bhp.
It might seem surprising now, but both the Daytona and Superbird struggled to sell during their time, as some designs pushed boundaries even in the freewheeling muscle car era. Today, these models are highly sought-after collectibles, cherished for their rarity and as iconic representations of that bold and unrestrained period in automotive history.
Head back to the Classic Muscle Cars Library for more.
Discover more fascinating details about muscle cars by exploring:
- Plymouth muscle cars ranged from imaginative to intimidating, often blending both traits in one vehicle. Explore profiles, images, and specs of these iconic Plymouth models.
- Muscle cars came in various forms and sizes. Dive into features on over 100 muscle cars, complete with photos and detailed specifications for each.
- Muscle cars shaped a unique culture. To understand it better, read How Muscle Cars Work.
These profiles of muscle cars provide photos and detailed specifications for each model:
- The 1961 Pontiac Ventura 389 stood out as one of the most elegant early muscle cars.
- Fastbacks were common, but none matched the speed of the 1966 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi.
- The 1963 Plymouth 426 Wedge was so wild that it came with warnings against street use.
- While any '71 Chevelle could sport a Super Sport badge, only the 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 proudly displayed its engine size.
For additional automotive insights, explore these related articles:
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car, defining its bold character. To understand everything about car engines, check out How Car Engines Work.
- Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars, but what does it really mean? How Horsepower Works provides the answers.
- NASCAR race cars are the ultimate expression of muscle car power. Learn what drives these high-performance machines in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- Considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car or another vehicle? Visit Consumer Guide Automotive for New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 116.0
Weight, lbs: 3,841
Number built: 1,920
Base price: $4,298
Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 440
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 4600
Torque @ rpm: 480 @ 3200
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 6.7
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 14.3 @ 103.7
