Plymouth Hemi Superbird Sells For Over $1,650,000 At Barrett-jackson

It’s believed the sale marks a new Plymouth Hemi Superbird record.

A restored 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi Superbird has broken auction records in the US, fetching US$1,650,000 at Barrett-Jackson’s in Las Vegas.

The December 1969-built NASCAR homologation special was ordered in Tor-Red. It is powered by its matching numbers, a top-spec 426ci Hemi powerplant. Most sources indicate 135 of these 425hp Hemi Superbirds were built, with just over 1900 Superbirds produced in total.

Behind the engine is a column-shifted 727 TorqueFlite, matched to a Chrysler 8.75-inch diff with a 3.55 Sure Grip centre. Other Superbird options include power steering and power brakes with front discs. As well as a Max Cooling package.

The interior features TX9 black trim, with matching black vinyl bench seating. A push-button AM radio and a three-spoke wheel with the correct Road Runner centre cap. Factory-specified bonnet pins, non-functional quarter scoops and 15×7 Rally wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tyres round out the package.

According to Barrett-Jackson, the Superbird is the most expensive car ever sold at auction. In 2019, Richard Pettys iconic #43 Superbird racer hit Mecum’s Pennsylvania auction. It attracted a top bid of US$3.5m but failed to reach its reserve price.

An unrestored Tor-Red Hemi Superbird with 6000 miles (9656km) also went under the hammer at Barrett-Jacksons Scottsdale 2022 auction for US$990,000. While a four-speed, 426-powered 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona took US$1.32m at Mecums Indy auction in May. It became the most expensive example of Chryslers original wing car.

A total of 663 vehicles were sold at the 2022 Las Vegas auction. Big results included a split-window 1963 Corvette 327/360 Z06 coupe at $566,500, while two Plymouth Hemi Cudas pulled $550,000 and $517,000.