One of the most instantly recognizable and extreme examples of muscle car engineering, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird was created for a single, defining purpose: NASCAR dominance. Chrysler needed to produce street-legal versions for homologation, resulting in this aerodynamic rarity. This particular Alpine White Superbird carries a remarkable lineage, having been purchased and displayed by NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty himself starting in 1982. The vehicle later received a dedicated refurbishment by Petty’s Garage, adding a layer of authenticity and top-tier restoration quality. This is more than just a rare Mopar; it’s a piece of racing history.
The Aerodynamic Design of a Legend
The distinctive silhouette of the Superbird is a direct result of its track-focused intentions. Its signature feature is the massive, 24-inch-tall rear stabilizer wing. This component, along with the sharply pointed nose cone, dramatically reduces drag and improves downforce. The exterior features are purely functional and visually striking, including the hidden flip-up headlamps and simulated fender vents. This example, originally finished in Alpine White (EW1), wears “Plymouth From Petty” graphics on the quarter panels.
Restoration and Provenance from Petty’s Garage
The history is confirmed by Petty’s direct ownership from 1982 to 2013, when it was sold to the current owner. The subsequent, comprehensive refurbishment was performed by the experts at Petty’s Garage in North Carolina. This detailed work included stripping and professionally repainting the body in its factory Alpine White. It also involved replacing the black vinyl roof covering to ensure a fresh, period-correct look. A Petty’s Garage plaque affixed under the hood further confirms the build date of December 23, 2014.
Interior Appointments and Driver Comfort
Inside, the car is presented with black vinyl upholstery across the front bucket seats and rear bench. The cabin maintains a vintage Mopar aesthetic with functional appointments. These features include woodgrain trim accents and a period-correct center console, which provides an organized space between the front seats. A Chrysler Solid State AM radio and a reliable heater are also present for the driver’s convenience.
Petty’s Personal Touches
The refurbishment work included several personal touches that elevate this Superbird’s provenance. Richard Petty’s signature, along with the instruction “Take care of my car!” is famously written on the glovebox. Furthermore, silhouettes of Richard Petty were expertly embroidered into the front headrests during the recent restoration. A three-spoke steering wheel fronts a 150-mph speedometer, giving the driver a clear view of performance metrics. The five-digit odometer currently shows a confirmed 28k miles.
Chassis and Mechanical Specifications
Underpinning the Superbird’s performance are the robust mechanical components shared with the Road Runner platform. The vehicle is equipped with Rallye 15″ road wheels wrapped in 235/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Power steering is included, making the car manageable on city streets despite its high-speed design. Braking is handled by a combination of power-assisted front discs and rear drums, providing adequate stopping power.
Engine Power and Drivetrain
The heart of this 1970 Plymouth Superbird is the formidable 440ci Super Commando V8 engine. Factory equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor, this engine was originally rated at 375 horsepower and a massive 480 lb-ft of torque. Power is efficiently routed to the rear wheels via a durable, three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, known for its reliability and smooth shifts. The rear axle utilizes an 8.75” Sure-Grip differential with a 3.55:1 final drive ratio, blending street driveability with significant straight-line speed.
Market Summary of the Ex–Richard Petty 1970 Plymouth Superbird
This particular 1970 Superbird is a truly exceptional offering in the collector car market. It represents a potent blend of rare homologation design and direct NASCAR history through Richard Petty’s ownership. The vehicle’s condition, confirmed by the recent Petty’s Garage refurbishment, is outstanding. Accompanied by important documentation, including the broadcast sheet and photocopies of previous Petty-era titles, this Superbird’s provenance is ironclad. It stands as a highly desirable acquisition for any enthusiast focused on Mopar muscle cars or racing legends.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
