Renowned NASCAR legend Richard Petty is back in the headlines as his revered 1970 Plymouth Superbird gears up for auction, drawing attention from muscle car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With an expected sale price between US$900,000 and $1,000,000 (between NZ$1.5 million and $1.7 million), this classic muscle car teems with motorsport heritage.
Beneath the bonnet lies a robust 7.2-litre Super Commando V8 engine, delivering 290kW in its prime. Paired with an A727 automatic transmission, the Superbird epitomises raw muscle car performance from the golden era of NASCAR.
This Superbird remained in Petty's possession from 1982 until 2013, standing out as the sole street-legal example in his renowned collection.
After parting ways with it, Petty's Garage undertook an extensive restoration in 2014, costing US$26,900 (currently around NZ$47,400).
This overhaul included stripping the car down, respraying it in a pristine white finish, polishing the chrome details and fitting a new vinyl top.
Inside, the cabin remains meticulously preserved. Black leather seats with white embroidered stitching feature an image of Richard Petty on the headrests.
The racing legend also signed the dashboard with a heartfelt message: '"Take care of my car!"
Beyond its historical significance, the Superbird has also appeared on popular TV shows, including MTV Cribs, My Classic Car and Stacey David's Gearz.
Limited to only 1,935 units during its single model year in 1970, the Plymouth Superbird's scarcity significantly enhances its appeal to collectors.
While other Superbirds might boast lower mileage, this example's connection to Richard Petty and its storied past make it a standout in any collection. For those eager to learn more, the car is listed for sale through Mecum Auctions.
