Rare Original 1970 Superbird Price Poised to Soar
A remarkable piece of American automotive history is heading to auction, sparking significant interest in the potential Superbird Price it could achieve. This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a largely original 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a legendary muscle car owned by the same family for nearly five decades before its current owner acquired it. Its unique condition and provenance make it a standout offering for collectors.
Orange 1970 Plymouth Superbird side profile highlighting its unique aerodynamic shape and wing
The Legend of the Winged Warrior
The Plymouth Superbird, produced for just one year, remains one of the most recognizable muscle cars ever built. Its radical aerodynamic features – the pointed nose cone and the towering rear wing – weren’t just for show. They were engineered specifically for dominance on NASCAR’s high-banked ovals, where icons like Richard “The King” Petty piloted them to victory.
Richard Petty's iconic blue #43 Plymouth Superbird racing on a NASCAR track in 1970
The car proved so effective that NASCAR implemented rule changes essentially outlawing its extreme design for future competition. Fewer than 2,000 street versions were produced to meet homologation requirements. After their brief racing glory, many Superbirds fell into neglect, with some even ending up discarded. However, recent years have seen a massive resurgence in interest, making the surviving examples highly coveted collectibles.
A Survivor Superbird Hits the Block
This particular Superbird, finished in vibrant “Vitamin C Orange,” is exceptional due to its remarkable originality. Owned by a Kansas City family from its purchase in 1970 until 2018, it was then acquired by Jay Soneff of Denver’s Soneff’s Master Garage. Soneff described it as “1,000% original, possibly the most original Superbird left in the world.”
Front view of the orange 1970 Plymouth Superbird showing its distinctive nose cone and 57k miles condition
The car retains factory chalk marks inside, applied during assembly over 50 years ago. Equipped with the potent 440 cubic-inch “Six Barrel” V8 engine and an automatic transmission, it shows 57,178 miles on the odometer. While displaying minor signs of age like faded paint on the fender vents and a few scrapes – Soneff notes drivers often misjudged the long nose – its unrestored “survivor” condition is precisely what makes it so appealing to certain collectors.
Original black interior of the 1970 Plymouth Superbird showcasing its survivor condition
The 440 cubic-inch Six Barrel V8 engine bay of the original 1970 Plymouth Superbird
Gauging the Superbird Price: Originality vs. Restoration
Determining the final Superbird Price for this unique vehicle presents an interesting challenge. Perfectly restored Superbirds, especially those with the ultra-rare 426 Hemi engine, can command astronomical figures; one sold for a record $1.65 million in 2022. Restored examples equipped with the same 440 V8 as this car often fetch upwards of $500,000.
Rear view emphasizing the towering wing central to the Plymouth Superbird's design and value
However, the market highly values originality and “survivor” status. This car’s untouched nature could push its value significantly, potentially rivaling or even exceeding meticulously restored counterparts in the eyes of dedicated preservationists. The ultimate price will depend on how bidders weigh its unparalleled originality against its visible wear.
Auction Details
Soneff, despite running a restoration shop, chose to preserve the car’s authentic condition. Now trimming his collection, he is offering this Superbird through VanDerBrink Auctions, with online bidding concluding on June 10th. At the time the original report was published, bidding had already surpassed $110,000.
Close-up of the Road Runner Superbird decal on the rear wing of the 1970 Plymouth
Conclusion
This upcoming auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire an incredibly original 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Its combination of single-family history (for nearly 50 years), desirable 440 Six Barrel engine, and authentic survivor condition makes it a significant offering. The final superbird price achieved will be closely watched, reflecting not only the enduring appeal of this winged muscle car but also the high value placed on preservation in the collector car market. It’s a remarkable appreciation from its original sticker price of around $5,000.
