Introduced in 1969 for NASCAR homologation, the Dodge Charger Daytona saw daylight in 503 units. The following year, Plymouth introduced a largely identical Superbird. However, because NASCAR changed homologation requirements, Plymouth had to produce nearly 2,000 examples.
Significantly more common than its corporate twin, the Superbird shows up quite often on the auction block. Granted, the Hemi version, produced in just 135 units, tends to cross the block for sums that exceed $400,000, but many cars equipped with the base 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB still struggle to surpass the $200,000 mark.
That’s not surprising, given that Plymouth built nearly 1,100 U-code Superbirds. However, some examples are rare due to their color/options combos. This Alpine White “winged warrior” doesn’t fall into this category, but it has its own thing going for it because it was previously owned by Richard Petty. Yup, I’m talking about the legendary NASCAR driver who actually won races in a Superbird.
“The King” owned this car from 1982 to 2013. During its 31-year stay with Richard, it was a regular display in the Petty Museum. And even though it doesn’t have a desirable 426-cubic-inch Hemi under the hood, it has all the traits that make a golden-era classic sought-after.
Restored in 2014 by Petty’s Garage, the Mopar is wearing the correct Alpine White paint with black decals and a black vinyl roof. And needless to say, the paint still looks pristine after all these years. Look close enough, and you’ll notice a couple of details you won’t find on another Superbird.
For starters, the car has “From Petty” decals under the “Plymouth” scripts on the rear fenders. Richard’s signature is also visible on the trunk lid. Applied under the clearcoat, it’s safe from the elements and won’t disappear under normal circumstances.
The cabin is your standard Superbird deal, with black upholstery, bucket seats, and a center console. While it may not be as flashy as other Superbird cabins, it’s factory-correct and clean. Petty’s signature adorns the glovebox, alongside the message “Take care of my car!” Richard’s figure is embroidered on both front seat headrests.
Not surprisingly, the drivetrain is numbers-matching. The 375-horsepower 440-cubic-inch V8 mates to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic, which makes it one of 626 units produced with this drivetrain combo.
The car comes with a title in Petty Enterprises Inc.’s name and a signed letter confirming Petty ownership. Richard raced Mopars for nearly two decades, winning six of his seven championships in Pentastar-badged race cars. He drove Plymouths from 1959 until early 1969. After a short stint with Ford, Petty returned to Plymouth to drive a Superbird during the 1970 season. He switched to Dodge in 1972 before leaving Mopar vehicles behind in 1978.
If you want to add this V8-powered Petty rig to your collection, the Superbird is going under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2025 auction. The Mopar will cross the block on January 18, 2025.
The auction house does not provide a pricing estimate, but given its association with Richard Petty and fantastic condition, this Superbird could become one of the most expensive four-barrel 440 cars ever sold.
(AutoEvolution) / Photo: Mecum Auctions
