Resurrecting Legends: The ‘What-If’ 1971 Dodge Daytona Superbird Prototypes Revealed

Let’s rewind to 1970. The Mopar winged aero-cars were dominating NASCAR tracks. In preparation for the upcoming season, Chrysler commissioned wind tunnel testing of potential new 1971 designs at Wichita State University. Engineers utilized ⅜-scale models of the Charger and Road Runner B-bodies, experimenting with various wings, nose cones, and aerodynamic enhancements. Tragically, these efforts were rendered moot when NASCAR introduced rules that effectively banned these highly specialized winged cars from competition. The comprehensive 406-page report, dauntingly titled “Results of the Wind Tunnel Tests of the ‘G’ Series Dodge and Plymouth B-Bodies for the Development of Grand National Race Cars,” was shelved, seemingly destined for obscurity. As a result, the world never saw the radical 1971 wing cars that could have been.

But for passionate hot-rodders and builders, the phrase “what might have been” isn’t an ending, but a challenge. One precious copy of that very wind tunnel report, complete with its 350 revealing photographs, survived in the collection of enthusiast Greg Kwiatkowski. This document provided the blueprint for Gary and Pam Beineke to embark on an ambitious project: constructing the 1971 Charger Daytona that was never produced, aiming to replicate how the factory might have built it. The wind tunnel data included several variations, and the Beinekes selected the design that seemed most likely based on the 1969 and 1970 production aero cars. Their meticulously crafted 1971 Dodge Daytona prototype, built with assistance from Mike Goyette, garnered significant attention and acclaim when it debuted in 2002 at the All Chrysler Nationals. This unique, one-of-one “what-if” Charger later went up for auction at the 2023 Mecum show in Indy as Lot number R109. The story of these remarkable builds also graced the pages of HOT ROD magazine in August 2005. The history of Mopar’s aero warriors, including the 1969 dodge charger daytona, continues to captivate enthusiasts.

White 1971 Dodge Charger Daytona prototype "what-if" build by Beineke, displayed at Mecum auction

Following the enthusiastic reception for their custom Daytona, the trio decided to tackle the other star of the wind tunnel study: the 1971 Plymouth Superbird. Armed with the same 406-page report, they possessed a clear vision of what the ’71 Superbird would have looked like if NASCAR’s ruling hadn’t crushed the program. Just as they had with the 1971 Daytona, the team committed to fabricating the car that Plymouth arguably should have built. The connection between these high-performance models and motorsports history, such as the role of the plymouth superbird nascar in racing, underscores their significance.

The 'what-if' 1971 Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytona prototypes side-by-side at Mecum

Gary located a partially restored, mostly rust-free ’71 B-body project car and brought it home in 2002, allowing the three builders to commence the demanding fabrication process. This wasn’t merely a case of adapting existing parts; due to the significant body style changes for 1971, nothing from the 1970 nose or wing assemblies fit. This necessitated fabricating all the new aerodynamic components entirely from scratch – a task even more complex than their previous 1971 Daytona project. The legacy of high-performance Mopars, including famous dodge challengers, often involves overcoming significant engineering challenges.

Close-up front view of the red 1971 Plymouth Superbird prototype custom build at Mecum

The process involved constant iteration. The team would fabricate a part, meticulously compare it to the photographs and sketches in the wind tunnel study report, and then either refine it or discard it to start anew. For the distinctive nose cone, Gary and Mike first built a tubular steel skeleton to establish the correct shape based on the blueprints. Once satisfied, they carefully laid fiberglass mat to create a mold for the 1971 Superbird nose. Crafting the nose alone consumed four full 16-hour days, but the result is remarkably factory-like, perhaps even fitting better than original production pieces.

One particularly tricky challenge was the headlight buckets, as the wind tunnel report offered no specific details on them. This forced the team into creative problem-solving. An initial attempt using a concept similar to rotating headlights from 1960s Corvettes proved unsuccessful. They then devised upwards-opening headlight doors, cleverly actuated by motors sourced from Pontiac Fiero headlights. This level of innovative thinking from a small team working in a home garage is truly impressive. Discussions around a car’s capabilities often touch upon its [plymouth superbird horsepower], highlighting the engineering prowess involved in such vehicles.

The custom 'what-if' Six-Barrel Hemi engine in the 1971 Plymouth Superbird prototype

The hood was a less complex affair, utilizing a stock 1971 Air Grabber panel. However, the fender scoops required hand fabrication to conform to the narrower contours of the 1971 Charger fenders used for the build. The most iconic element, the rear wing, presented another significant hurdle. The wing from a 1970 Superbird was incompatible with the ’71 body lines. Greg and Mike undertook the task of fabricating an entirely new wing from steel. They replicated the swept-back angle of the 1970 wing while ensuring it integrated seamlessly with the angles of the 1971 Charger’s quarter panels. It was even anchored to the car using a method consistent with factory practices. The wind tunnel tests indicated no need for rear window modifications, so the team added reproduction window louvers for aesthetic enhancement. Aiming for a fully optioned “what-if” car, they also integrated an electric sunroof so cleanly that the car didn’t require a vinyl top often used to hide such modifications on factory cars. The sheer power potential, often measured in [plymouth superbird horsepower], is a key fascination for many enthusiasts of these vehicles.

Rear view showcasing the custom fabricated wing on the red 1971 Plymouth Superbird prototype

Adding another “what-if” layer to this 1971 Superbird is the 472 cubic inch Six-Barrel Hemi engine under the hood. While Chrysler never offered a production triple-carb Hemi, they did reportedly experiment with the concept, building a prototype. The custom-fabricated aluminum intake on this build mounts standard Holley two-barrel carburetors, feeding the fully rebuilt Hemi crate engine. Power is delivered through a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission. News surrounding classic Mopars, like the rare prototypes and builds such as this [Dodge Daytona Superbird] concept, consistently generates buzz in the automotive community.

Holley carburetors on the Six-Barrel intake of the custom 1971 Plymouth Superbird Hemi engine

The interior was also carefully reworked to appear factory-correct, featuring a reproduced radio-delete dash and a rare, period-appropriate pedestal-mounted non-console factory cassette player positioned just ahead of the shifter. The internal components of the cassette player were replaced with a modern AM/FM CD unit, with the antenna concealed beneath the dash, blending modern convenience with vintage aesthetics.

This prototype 1971 Plymouth Superbird was finished in striking two-stage Tor-Red (often known as Hemi Orange). Sign Design in Brockton, Massachusetts, assisted in creating the appropriate graphics, including a never-before-seen Hemi Six Barrel air-cleaner decal. Perhaps most astonishingly, this entire build, from locating the donor car to completion and being roadworthy, took the trio only eight months. For those interested in learning more about this incredible 1971 Superbird that technically never existed, or perhaps even placing a bid, it was listed as Lot R108 at the 2023 Mecum auction in Indy. One thing is certain: you won’t park next to another one of these at your local car show!

1971 Plymouth Charger Superbird Mecum Highlights

• Built using the sole Chrysler aero study, with engineering blueprints for NASCAR Racing, from January-March 1970, where ⅜-scale models of the new G-series/1971 body styles were secretly being wind tunnel tested
• Represents the 1971 Plymouth Superbird that never was
• Unique nose cone and rear wing designated as the optimum design
• Electrically operated headlight doors
• Custom Hemi +6 callouts
• 472/570-HP Mopar Performance Hemi V-8 engine with Tom Hoover-inspired Six Barrel setup
• Mopar Performance test camshaft
• American Powertrain five-speed manual transmission with overdrive
• Blackout rear valance has been customized to accommodate rear quad Bazooka exhaust, which appears on Chrysler’s factory concept cars for 1971
• 96 front torsion bars
• Mopar Performance rear leaf springs
• HD front and rear anti-sway bars
• 54 Dana 60 rearend
• Power steering
• Four-wheel power disc brakes
• Legendary factory Black and Orange vinyl interior
• Factory cassette unit fitted with AM/FM/CD
• Astrotone Rallye dash
• Pistol Grip shifter
• Factory electric sunroof
• Air Grabber hood
• Rear window louvers
• 15×8 Rallye wheels
• Goodyear Eagle 255 60×15 front and 275 60×15 rear tires
• Featured in HOT ROD, Mopar Collector’s Guide, and Mopar Action magazines