Representative American muscle car from 50 years ago
Road Runner’s high-performance model
What is the selling price for the Superbird?
The Road Runner, produced by Plymouth under Chrysler, was produced in 1968 and became one of the representative American muscle cars. Although production of the Road Runner ceased in 1980 after four generations, this muscle car’s distinctive design from that era continues to captivate enthusiasts today.
In 1970, a high-performance model called Superbird was created based on the Road Runner to participate in racing competitions. It was created in a unique shape to minimize air resistance using the technology of the time, and only 1,920 units were officially produced.
There are currently about 1,000 units left
Sold for $266,000
About 1,000 Road Runner models are currently left worldwide, and their value is increasing due to their unique appearance and rarity. Meanwhile, a 1970 Superbird has recently been sold, becoming a topic of discussion. Fifty-four years after its debut, the Superbird received renewed attention when it appeared at an auction and was sold for $266,000.
Superbird won eight races, including the 1970 NASCAR competition, an American Stockcar race. However, as the competition regulations were changed in 1971, it remained an unfortunate model that was discontinued after just one year. As it disappeared within a year, it is not produced in large quantities, and in recognition of its rarity, its value is currently set at a high level.
Application of design considering air resistance
The front line falling diagonally
The Superbird’s design was specifically engineered to consider the air resistance coefficient to enhance performance. Despite its somewhat clunky appearance, a result of technological limitations at the time, its unique design has become a key factor stimulating the collecting desires of today’s enthusiasts. The Superbird features an angular design that is distinctively characteristic of muscle cars.
However, while the front of the first-generation Road Runner falls at a right angle, the front of the Superbird falls diagonally. This also appears to be a design to minimize air resistance. Pop-up headlamps are applied here to create a smooth front part. The headlamps can be hidden inside the vehicle’s body during daytime driving.
Equipped with a large rear spoiler
V8 engine producing 375 horsepower
Attempts to refine the angular lines on the side stand out. It has a sleek bonnet line and a sleek rear shape, just like a yacht. The rear part was equipped with a large rear spoiler that was taller than the overall height of the vehicle body. Here, the Road Runner’s unique character logo is attached to the side of the spoiler. Unlike regular road runners, the character holds a helmet, indicating that it is a high-performance racing model.
There are three engine versions of the Superbird, and this model is equipped with the 440 Super Commando V8 engine with a maximum output of 375 horsepower. It is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission and drives rear-wheel drive. The interior includes bucket seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel, and black trim.
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