The Petty family has long been iconic in NASCAR, with their distinctive blue stock cars standing out since the 1950s when Lee Petty began racing his blue Plymouth. The family’s cars are instantly recognizable, so it’s fitting that Toyota chose to highlight this iconic color and legacy as they partner with Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Motorsports) for the 2024 NASCAR Cup season. As part of the collaboration, Toyota decided to celebrate the partnership at the 2024 SEMA show with a special vehicle that reflects the Petty legacy—a modernized take on a classic Petty car.
Toyota brand ambassador Rutledge Wood, a former host of *Top Gear USA*, conceived the idea of merging the GR Supra with one of the most famous Petty cars, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird driven by Richard Petty. Known for its unique aerodynamic shape, the original Superbird was built in 1970 with an extended nose cone and tall rear wing to maximize speed on superspeedways. The aerodynamic “aero cars” design proved so successful that NASCAR imposed restrictions on them after the 1970 season, but not before Petty had won 18 races in his Superbird, cementing its place in motorsport history.
Wood and Toyota wanted to honor the impact of the original Superbird while adapting it to modern standards with the “Suprabird,” a customized GR Supra. Starting with a GR Supra 3.0 Premium, they enhanced its performance with features like a cold-air intake, cat-back exhaust, stiffer springs, and custom 19-inch blue wheels. However, the car’s most notable modifications are its body kit, designed to echo the iconic look of the Superbird without directly copying it. The Suprabird boasts an extended splitter and large wing, with a streamlined design that subtly recalls the original Superbird’s legendary profile.
One of the most striking elements of the Suprabird is its paint scheme, which celebrates the Petty family’s legacy with the signature Petty blue color and Richard Petty’s #43 racing number on the side. This thoughtful homage brings together the style of the past with modern sensibilities, paying tribute to both the Petty family’s heritage and the legacy of NASCAR’s high-speed era. While it’s not an exact replica, the Suprabird captures the spirit of the original Superbird with a modern twist, making it a unique fusion of classic and contemporary racing culture.
For fans who want a piece of this collaboration, there’s good news: Hot Wheels will release a die-cast version of the Suprabird, allowing fans to add a miniature of this tribute to their collections. Though this customized GR Supra won’t be seen speeding around NASCAR tracks, the Suprabird will have a lasting presence through its display at SEMA and as a collectible item, ensuring that Richard Petty’s legacy lives on in a new and exciting form.
