Unpacking the Power: 1970 Plymouth Superbird Horsepower
The Plymouth Superbird stands as a towering icon of the American muscle car era, instantly recognizable by its radical aerodynamic features and its brief but dominant reign in NASCAR. Born from the fierce competition on the racetracks, this machine wasn’t just about looks; it was engineered for blistering speed, fueled by impressive engine options. Understanding the Plymouth Superbird Horsepower figures is key to appreciating the raw performance potential that made this car a legend. Developed specifically to lure Richard Petty back to Plymouth and conquer NASCAR, the Superbird was a homologation special based on the Road Runner, forever etching its name into automotive history.
Engine Options and Horsepower Ratings
Plymouth equipped the Superbird with a formidable lineup of V8 engines, ensuring potent performance across the range. The specific Plymouth Superbird Horsepower depended heavily on the chosen powerplant under the hood. Three distinct engine options were available for the 1970 model year:
- 440 Super Commando V8 (4-barrel carburetor): This was the standard engine for the Superbird. Displacing 7.2 liters, this robust V8 produced a healthy 375 horsepower. It provided a strong balance of power and accessibility for the required production run.
- 440 Super Commando V8 (Six-Pack): For those seeking more grunt, Plymouth offered the 440 V8 equipped with three two-barrel carburetors, commonly known as the “Six-Pack.” This configuration boosted the output significantly, pushing the plymouth superbird horsepower up to 390 horsepower.
- 426 HEMI V8: The undisputed king of the lineup was the legendary 426 HEMI. Featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, this 7.0-liter engine was a pure racing thoroughbred tuned for maximum power. Superbirds equipped with the HEMI boasted an incredible 425 horsepower. However, due to its cost and complexity, only 135 Superbirds were ever factory-fitted with this powerhouse, making them exceedingly rare and valuable today.
These engine choices provided a spectrum of performance, but all cemented the Superbird’s reputation as a true high-performance machine, capable of dominating both the street and the track.
Aerodynamics and Performance Impact
The Superbird’s extreme styling wasn’t merely for show; it was a direct result of wind tunnel testing aimed at achieving superior performance at high speeds. The distinctive elongated, wedge-shaped nose cone (adding 19 inches to the car’s overall length) and the towering rear wing were crucial aerodynamic enhancements. The nose cone, along with retractable headlights, sliced through the air more efficiently, while the tall wing, mounted high on struts, generated significant downforce on the rear axle. This improved stability and traction at the extreme speeds encountered in NASCAR.
A pristine red 1970 Plymouth Superbird featuring its iconic nose cone and towering rear wing, showcasing the car's aerodynamic design built for high horsepower performance.
The combination of raw plymouth superbird horsepower and advanced aerodynamics resulted in staggering performance figures. HEMI-powered Superbirds could accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in a mere 4.8 seconds. Critically, the slippery design achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.28, a figure still respectable by modern standards. This aerodynamic efficiency enabled the Superbird to break the 200 mph barrier, a significant milestone achieved officially at Talladega in March 1970, cementing its place as one of the fastest stock cars of its era.
NASCAR Homologation and Racing Dominance
To be eligible for NASCAR competition, manufacturers had to produce a minimum number of road-going versions available to the public – a process called homologation. For 1970, the rules changed, requiring Plymouth to build one Superbird for every two dealerships in the United States, resulting in a production run of 1,920 units. While necessary for racing, these highly specialized, somewhat impractical road cars proved difficult to sell initially, often lingering on dealership lots.
Left side profile view of a classic 1970 Plymouth Superbird in vibrant red, highlighting its extended length and unique aerodynamic body modifications for NASCAR dominance.
Despite slow showroom sales, the Superbird was an undeniable success on the track. The design succeeded in its goal of bringing Richard Petty back into the Plymouth fold. During the 1970 NASCAR season, Petty and other Plymouth drivers piloted the Superbird to numerous victories, with Petty himself winning eight races and achieving high finishes in many others. The car proved the effectiveness of its aerodynamic design and potent engine options.
The End of an Era
The Superbird’s reign in NASCAR was short-lived. For the 1971 season, NASCAR implemented rule changes aimed at slowing the cars down in the interest of safety. New regulations restricted engine displacement for the aero-bodied cars like the Superbird and its Dodge Charger Daytona sibling to just 5.0 liters (305 cubic inches). Teams could still opt to run the larger engines (like the 426 HEMI or 440), but they would incur significant weight penalties, rendering them uncompetitive.
Close-up of the distinctive Plymouth Superbird 'Road Runner' cartoon decal on the wing strut of a 1970 model, symbolizing its high-performance V8 engine heritage.
These rule changes effectively outlawed the “Winged Warriors” from premier competition, ending the Superbird’s racing career almost as quickly as it began. There were also persistent rumors suggesting that NASCAR officials felt the car’s radical appearance strayed too far from the “stock” car concept, though the direct cause for the rule change was primarily driven by speed and safety concerns.
Legacy and Collectibility
Once considered difficult to sell, the Plymouth Superbird is now one of the most sought-after and valuable American muscle cars. Its unique history, radical looks, limited production numbers, and documented racing success contribute to its legendary status. Contemporary publications like Road Test Magazine recognized its distinctiveness early on, noting it was a perfect choice for owners seeking a truly unique performance car. While many initially sat unsold, often heavily discounted, today they command premium prices, especially the ultra-rare HEMI-powered examples. The Superbird remains a testament to a time when aerodynamic innovation and immense plymouth superbird horsepower ruled the ovals of NASCAR and captured the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere.
Conclusion
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was far more than just a car with a big wing; it was a purpose-built racing machine homologated for the street, boasting formidable plymouth superbird horsepower figures ranging from 375 hp to the mighty 425 hp of the 426 HEMI. Its advanced aerodynamics enabled record-breaking speeds and NASCAR dominance, albeit brief. Though legislated out of competition, the Superbird’s audacious design, raw power, and rich history ensure its enduring legacy as a pinnacle of the muscle car era and a highly prized collectible.
