1970 Plymouth Superbird. Geoff Stunkard
rel="nofollow" href="#ulink_e0d38e10-9ac1-5bf4-a0b6-fd2072aabe4d">Wings and “The Summer of ’69”
On to Lynch Road
Metal Shop
Painting by Numbers
Trim and Chassis Line
Out the Door, Down the Street
Conclusion
Marketing in General
The Real Deal
Maryland: The Muscle Car “Killer”
Road Runners Revisited
Superbird . . . less
Other Marketing Efforts
Wings in Flight: The Superbird in Competition
Wings in Other Flight Patterns
Draggin’ Wings and More
And Then onto the Salt . . .
General Specifications
A13 Superbird Package, Standard Equipment
A13 Standard Superbird Suspension Package
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
Driveline Options
Engine
Transmission
Axle
Exterior Color Options
Interior Color and Trim Options
Optional Equipment Not Available
Standard A13 Equipment Not Noted Above
Running Production Changes
Factory Optional Equipment List
Interior Options
A Few Final Notes on Quickly Identifying a Superbird
Levels of Collector Cars
Provenance Matters . . . a Lot
Options Add Up
Restoring a Superbird
Decoding a VIN Tag
Decoding a Fender Tag
Decoding a Broadcast Sheet
Window Sticker
To the unsung heroes of car collecting, both known and unknown, who solidified the Superbird and sister Charger Daytona as truly unique icons of both OEM production and the glory days of the Grand National series early on. Your efforts are both recognized and rewarded by those who have followed.
Honestly, this was a trying book project for me, as much of my previous work has been focused more on narrative than technical process. To that end, my sincerest thanks goes out to expert Frank Badalson, who gave unselfishly of his time, resources, and energy in this project; any mistakes are mine, not his. To Tony D’Agostino for similar reference help, and a 120-mph wing car ride on circa-1970 Polyglas tires when we were young and foolish. Once in a lifetime, pal!
To racing collectors Doug Schellinger, Tim Wellborn, and Todd Werner, for access to wonderful vehicles with real race history as well as associated paperwork. To groundbreaking wing car author, Frank Moriarty for permission to use his previous interviews in this project. To historian, David Patik, who also supplied editorial suggestions and invaluable OEM reference material on Lynch Road. To Jeff Wickstrom on the unwinged ’Bird story, and Sue George for her referral to Jeff. To Galen Aasland for the land-speed information.
To car owners, many unnamed but including Smith Stokes, Greg and Kathleen Mosley, John Balow, Dale Mathews, Don Fezell, Ryan Clough, and Dale Keuhn among others. Don Garlits and Steve Reyes secured use of and photography on the Burnt Orange ’Bird from the Garlits Museum; thank you.
Once again, Calvin Lane gets credit for access to Ray Mann’s amazing NASCAR images, with other photos coming from Tom McCrea, Mike Hill, and Galen Aasland, and continued gratitude to Brandt Rosenbusch for materials from FCAs files. To Galen Govier for his extensive numeric research on parts and dating. To Wes Eisenschenk for dealing with me when I got up on the tires and headed for the wall as well as excellent ad research. Likewise, to my wife Linda for the same patience. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
For