Plymouth Road-Runner Superbird
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 5
Introduction
While many cars have benefited from the
aerodynamic enhancements added to cars to make them suitable for the
race track, probably of most note in Australia being the
Torana A9X, the Plymouth Road Runner takes the award for
having the most ridiculous aerodynamic enhancements, putting
even the Subaru WRX bonnet scoop to shame.
Designed for NASCAR circuits, Chrysler attached a new
drop nose and rear wing to their Dodge Charger enabling
it to lap at speeds exceeding 200mph.
The front nose-piece
was some 18" in size and was so effective in reducing
front end lift that an equivalent rear wing was required.
As part of the NASCAR rules required manufacturers
to build 500 road-going versions, the US public were
able to purchase these race bred cars under the name "Charger
Daytona".
Plymouth were to follow with their own
version, the Road Runner Superbird - a car based on
the 'Belvedere'.
When NASCAR rules changed in 1970 to ensure at least one
car was built for every 2 dealers in the US, Plymouth
increased production to a total of 1900 units.
Alas the
rule book was to change for the worse for the Road Runner,
when smaller capacity engines were in favour.
But the Road-Runners victories in 1970 (where it one 38
NASCAR races to Ford's 10) will ensure it remains an important
and collectable historic road warrior of days gone by.
