Funny how history works out. Today, five decades after the Plymouth Superbird's solitary year of production, it's revered as one of the period's true legends. Of course, the wild look contributed to that, but the fact that it worked - with Richard Petty taking eight NASCAR wins in 1970 - secured the Superbird's place in history.
Only problem being that, 50 years ago, it was seen as a bit OTT. Who'd have thought? It's rumoured that Superbirds were left unsold as late as 1972, some even converted back to Road Runners just to get the things off the lot. Meaning that, even though nearly 2,000 were made, it's unclear exactly what happened once they left the factory.
Anyway, that's a long time in the past now. In 2020, the Superbird can revel in its status as an emblem of the era's excess, right up there with the original Mustangs, Challengers, Corvettes and Camaros as a legend of the breed. Nothing had quite looked like a Superbird before it (Dodge Daytona aside), and nothing would after - regardless of contemporary popularity, we're certainly glad it existed. So happy 50th, Plymouth Superbird - middle age suits you just nicely.
