Rare 1970 Plymouth Superbird Hits Bring a Trailer: A Muscle Car with a Legendary Story

If you’re a muscle car fanatic, you’re in for a treat. A 1970 Plymouth Superbird, one of the wildest Mopars ever built, is up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, with bidding ending September 4, 2025. This isn’t just any Superbird—it’s the Vitamin C orange beast once owned by Mary J.P. Moore, mother of racing legend Sam Posey. With a 440 V8, a four-speed manual, and just 29,000 miles, this winged warrior is a collector’s dream with a story that’s pure gold. Let’s dive into what makes this 1970 Plymouth Superbird auction a must-watch.

A Mopar Built for Speed and NASCAR Glory

The Plymouth Superbird was a one-year wonder, born in 1970 to dominate NASCAR tracks. Based on the Road Runner, it sported an aerodynamic nose cone and a towering rear wing to slice through the air and pin the car to the pavement at high speeds. Only about 1,920 were made to meet homologation rules, making them rare even when new. Dealerships struggled to sell these bold machines, but today, they’re Mopar royalty. This example, finished in eye-popping Vitamin C orange with a black vinyl roof, screams retro cool with its “Road Runner” decals and Looney Tunes “Meep-meep!” horn.

Mary J.P. Moore: The Coolest Mom in Muscle Car History

What sets this Superbird apart is its incredible provenance. Mary J.P. Moore, Sam Posey’s mother, bought it used in 1971 near Pawling, New York, for just $4,000—a steal for a car that was barely a year old. Moore wasn’t your average mom. She also snagged a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing for a teenage Sam in 1958 for $2,500, sparking his love for speed that led to a storied career in Trans Am, Formula 1, Le Mans, and NASCAR. Sam, an Emmy-winning journalist and designer, clearly got his passion from Moore, who kept this Superbird until her passing in 2010. It’s not just a car—it’s a family legacy.

Power and Precision: The 440 V8 and Four-Speed Stick

Under the hood, this Superbird packs a 440-cubic-inch Super Commando V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, pumping out 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a Hurst pistol-grip shifter, it’s a tire-shredding beast that begs to be driven hard. Power flows through a Dana rear end with 3.54:1 gearing, and features like power steering and front disc brakes make it surprisingly manageable for a car built to chase racecars. The odometer shows 29,000 miles, with Moore adding less than 8,000 miles during her 39-year ownership.

The current owner, who bought it from Sam Posey, gave it a refresh, including a refinished nose cone, new carpets, and other touch-ups to keep it in top shape. With Rallye 15-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas GT tires, this Superbird is ready to turn heads at any car show or cruise.

Why This Superbird Is a Collector’s Must-Have

This low-mileage Plymouth Superbird for sale isn’t just about its pristine condition or its 440 V8 manual transmission—it’s the story. Moore’s ownership, documented in Hemmings Muscle Machines (2005), Hagerty Classic Cars (2014), and Mopar Action (2019), adds unmatched provenance. Photos of Sam Posey handing over the keys, plus original documents like the broadcast sheet and Connecticut inspection reports, sweeten the deal.

Superbirds were unloved in their day, but now they’re icons, fetching top dollar at auctions. A similar 440+6 model sold for $261,000 in 2024, and Richard Petty’s own Superbird hit the block in 2025, showing the market’s hunger for these winged wonders. With no reserve, this auction could see fierce bidding, especially given its unique history.

Don’t Miss Your Shot at Mopar History

This 1970 Plymouth Superbird, Lot #208,247 on Bring a Trailer, is a chance to own a piece of NASCAR homologation history with a heartwarming backstory. Whether you’re a Mopar diehard or just love a good underdog tale, this car delivers. Check out the auction before it closes on September 4, 2025, and maybe you’ll be the one blasting that “Meep-meep!” horn.

Which do you love more—the Superbird’s wild design or its incredible story? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk muscle cars!