The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a golden era for American muscle cars. This period witnessed the intense horsepower wars, with the Big Three automakers – Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler – unleashing a barrage of 400+ horsepower muscle cars.
Ford strengthened its lineup with robust Mustangs and Fairlanes, while Chevrolet showcased high-powered Camaros, Corvettes, and Chevelles. Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile contributed to the midsize excellence. Dodge and Plymouth, with iconic nameplates like Charger, Challenger, Super Bee, Road Runner, and Barracuda, ensured they were not left behind.
Amidst the muscle car frenzy, automakers introduced experimental models, particularly homologation specials designed for racing. Ford and GM presented more down-to-earth options like the Mustang Boss 429 and the COPO Camaro ZL-1. However, Chrysler took a bold step with the introduction of high-winged, sharp-nosed “winged warriors” designed for NASCAR racing.
Chrysler’s “winged warriors,” the Dodge Charger Daytona (1969) and the Plymouth Superbird (1970), revolutionized the market. These were race-ready production models, setting the stage for a new era of muscle cars.
The Dodge Charger Daytona, with only 503 units produced, including the rare HEMI Daytona, has become a million-dollar collectible. Plymouth’s Superbird, though more common with nearly 2,000 units sold, holds its own in the collector’s market, especially the HEMI models.
At the 2023 Mopars with Big Daddy show, a remarkable example of the Plymouth Superbird caught enthusiasts’ attention. This winged Mopar, featuring a frame-off restoration, showcased the classic B5 Blue color, adding to its allure.
The Superbird, though not as rare as its counterpart, stands out with its clean aesthetics. This particular model, in B5 Blue with a white interior, presents a captivating combination. The large “Plymouth” lettering in white on the rear fenders adds a distinctive touch.
Powering this Superbird is a 440 Magnum V8, also known as the Super Commando. With a respectable 375 horsepower, it’s not the top-tier engine option, as Plymouth offered a Six-Pack variant with 390 horses and the mighty 425-horsepower HEMI.
While not boasting the value of a HEMI, this Superbird holds significant collector’s appeal. Its highly documented history, coupled with a substantial amount of original paperwork, adds to its allure as a golden-era classic.
## FAQs
### Q1: How many Dodge Charger Daytona units were produced?
A1: Chrysler produced 503 Dodge Charger Daytona units, including the rare HEMI version.
### Q2: How many Plymouth Superbird units were sold?
A2: Plymouth sold nearly 2,000 Superbird units in the US and nearly 50 in Canada.
### Q3: What makes this Superbird special?
A3: This Superbird, showcased at the 2023 Mopars with Big Daddy show, stands out with its frame-off restoration, B5 Blue color, and white interior. It features a 440 Magnum V8 engine with 375 horsepower.
