Plymouth Hemi Superbird sells for over $AU2.4m at Barrett-Jackson

A restored 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi Superbird has broken auction records in the US, fetching US$1,650,000 (AU$2.42m) at Barrett-Jackson's in Las Vegas.

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The December 1969-built NASCAR homologation special was ordered in tor red, and is powered by its matching-numbers, top-spec 426ci Hemi powerplant.

Most sources indicate 135 of these 425hp Hemi Superbirds were built, with just over 1900 Superbirds produced in total.

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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, power brakes with front discs, and a Max Cooling package.

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The interior features TX9 black trim, with matching black vinyl bench seating, push-button AM radio and three-spoke wheel with the correct Road Runner centre cap. Factory-specified bonnet pins, non-functional quarter scoops and 15x7 Rally wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tyres round out the package.

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According to Barrett-Jackson, the Superbird is the most expensive ever sold at auction. In 2019, Richard Petty’s iconic #43 Superbird racer hit Mecum's Pennsylvania auction, attracting a top bid of US$3.5m (AU$5.14m), but failed to reach its reserve price.

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An unrestored tor red Hemi Superbird with 6000 miles (9656km) also went under the hammer at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2022 auction for US$990,000 (AU$1.45m), while a four-speed, 426-powered 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona took US$1.32m (AU$1.93m) at Mecum’s Indy auction in May to become the most expensive example of Chrysler’s original ‘wing car.’

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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 (AU$830,279), while two Plymouth Hemi ‘Cudas pulled $550,000 (AU$806,097) and $517,000 (AU$757,514).