The 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a rare classic produced in under 2,000 units, has encountered varied fates over the years, from rust-ridden relics in barns to charred remnants, almost reduced to ashes.
One such charred Superbird garnered attention in early 2021 at a Copart auction. Three years later, another fire-damaged example surfaced at a local car show, exhibiting a better-preserved condition and harboring aspirations of restoration and roadworthiness.
This particular Superbird fell victim to a warehouse fire at the Wisconsin Dells Auto Museum in 1999, leaving it significantly charred. Despite its scorched appearance, the structural integrity remains intact, a testament to its resilience amidst adversity.
While the inferno stripped away most of its paint and rendered the interior unsalvageable, the chassis, body, and engine endure. Operational components such as doors and hood remain functional, with the engine showing promise beyond its soot-covered facade.
The owner expresses confidence in reviving the Superbird’s 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8 engine with due care, envisioning its return to the road after receiving essential repairs and safety enhancements.
However, the restoration journey ahead entails extensive refurbishments, including replacement of all glass, repair of a dent in the roof, and installation of a new fuel tank. Additionally, the melted rear wing necessitates replacement with an original unit.
Despite sporting a non-factory finish from a previous owner’s “American Glory” paint scheme, traces of the original EB5 Blue paint endure, reflecting its storied past.
With a purportedly low mileage of 18,000 miles (28,968 km) in 1999, this Superbird ranks among the lowest-mileage specimens. Yet, its charred state precludes it from commanding the exorbitant prices attained by unrestored survivors.
As plans for restoration unfold, this Superbird emerges as a testament to resilience, poised to soar once more after emerging from the ashes.