1970 Plymouth Superbird. Geoff Stunkard

Wings and “The Summer of ’69”

Chapter 2: Building Bigger ’Birds

Out Back

       On to Lynch Road

       Metal Shop

       Painting by Numbers

       Trim and Chassis Line

       Out the Door, Down the Street

       Conclusion

       Chapter 3: Marketing and Competition: How the ’Birds Flew

       Marketing in General

       The Real Deal

       Maryland: The Muscle Car “Killer”

       Road Runners Revisited

       Superbird . . . less

       Other Marketing Efforts

       Wings in Flight: The Superbird in Competition

       Wings in Other Flight Patterns

       Draggin’ Wings and More

       And Then onto the Salt . . .

       Chapter 4: Hardware and Factory Options: What Made the ’Birds Super

       General Specifications

       A13 Superbird Package, Standard Equipment

       A13 Standard Superbird Suspension Package

       Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

       Driveline Options

       Engine

       Transmission

       Axle

       Exterior Color Options

       Interior Color and Trim Options

       Optional Equipment Not Available

       Standard A13 Equipment Not Noted Above

       Running Production Changes

       Factory Optional Equipment List

       Interior Options

       A Few Final Notes on Quickly Identifying a Superbird

       Chapter 5: A ’Bird in Hand: Buying, Collecting, and Restoring Superbirds

       Levels of Collector Cars

       Provenance Matters . . . a Lot

       Options Add Up

       Restoring a Superbird

       Appendix I: Superbird by the Numbers

       Decoding a VIN Tag

       Decoding a Fender Tag

       Decoding a Broadcast Sheet

       Window Sticker

       Appendix II: Replacement Parts List

       DEDICATION

      To the unsung heroes of car collecting, both known and unknown, who solidified the Superbird and sister Charger Daytona as truly unique icons of both OEM production and the glory days of the Grand National series early on. Your efforts are both recognized and rewarded by those who have followed.

       ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      Honestly, this was a trying book project for me, as much of my previous work has been focused more on narrative than technical process. To that end, my sincerest thanks goes out to expert Frank Badalson, who gave unselfishly of his time, resources, and energy in this project; any mistakes are mine, not his. To Tony D’Agostino for similar reference help, and a 120-mph wing car ride on circa-1970 Polyglas tires when we were young and foolish. Once in a lifetime, pal!

      To racing collectors Doug Schellinger, Tim Wellborn, and Todd Werner, for access to wonderful vehicles with real race history as well as associated paperwork. To groundbreaking wing car author, Frank Moriarty for permission to use his previous interviews in this project. To historian, David Patik, who also supplied editorial suggestions and invaluable OEM reference material on Lynch Road. To Jeff Wickstrom on the unwinged ’Bird story, and Sue George for her referral to Jeff. To Galen Aasland for the land-speed information.

      To car owners, many unnamed but including Smith Stokes, Greg and Kathleen Mosley, John Balow, Dale Mathews, Don Fezell, Ryan Clough, and Dale Keuhn among others. Don Garlits and Steve Reyes secured use of and photography on the Burnt Orange ’Bird from the Garlits Museum; thank you.

      Once again, Calvin Lane gets credit for access to Ray Mann’s amazing NASCAR images, with other photos coming from Tom McCrea, Mike Hill, and Galen Aasland, and continued gratitude to Brandt Rosenbusch for materials from FCAs files. To Galen Govier for his extensive numeric research on parts and dating. To Wes Eisenschenk for dealing with me when I got up on the tires and headed for the wall as well as excellent ad research. Likewise, to my wife Linda for the same patience. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

      For