1970 Plymouth Superbird: Why It Couldn’t Pass Modern NASCAR Inspections

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was a race car that pushed the boundaries of automobile engineering and design. It was designed to be a formidable competitor in the NASCAR series, but it faced significant challenges in terms of meeting the stringent standards that NASCAR now enforces. These challenges stem from both the era in which the Superbird was built and the modern standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

The Challenges of NASCAR Inspections: How They Have Evolved

Modern NASCAR tracks and inspections are governed by a set of comprehensive rules and regulations that ensure the safety, fairness, and integrity of the competition. This template for car design ensures that all vehicles meet certain minimum standards, which include various aspects such as wheelbase, engine size, safety equipment, and overall weight.

In the 1970s, however, the Superbird pushed these boundaries in several ways:

The wheelbase is notably larger, making the car more difficult to maneuver. The engine, which is a 351 Cleveland, produces approximately 900 horsepower. This far exceeds the typical output of modern NASCAR race cars, which are limited to around 750 horsepower. The car is fitted with a large rear wing and a massive spoiler, which are not permissible under current NASCAR regulations. The front end lacks a splitter and roof flaps, which are required for modern safety and aerodynamic compliance. Electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems, which are now ubiquitous in NASCAR, were not used in the 1970s. Instead, carburetors were the norm.

Why the 1970 Plymouth Superbird Would Struggle in Modern Inspections

Even with modifications, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird would not meet modern inspection standards. The wheelbase, engine size, and overall design are simply too out of alignment with today's specifications. The safety equipment, weight, and aerodynamic features required by NASCAR would need to be added, and the car's engine would need to be significantly downsized or replaced.

Additionally, Richard Petty, one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history, was once eager to put the Superbird to the test. In 2021, at the Talladega Superspeedway, Bill Elliott, a famous driver renowned for his speed, brought his 85-87 Thunderbird to race. This car, which had a top speed of 9...212.839 mph, was still able to maintain its performance under modern NASCAR standards.

Back in the Day: The Superbird’s Initial Struggles and Championship

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was intended to be a revolutionary car capable of dominating the NASCAR circuit. However, it faced numerous challenges, including difficulties passing initial inspections. The car had to be modified extensively to even be competitive, and even before it was fully prepared, it struggled to meet the existing NASCAR standards.

The Superbird was eventually allowed to race, but it was not without controversy. Richard Petty was particularly frustrated with NASCAR for initially rejecting the car, as it was designed to be a top-tier competitor. The Superbird's performance on the track, however, spoke for itself, proving that it was a formidable machine even by modern standards.

Today, modern NASCAR vehicles are meticulously designed and tested to ensure they meet the latest regulations. This has resulted in a more balanced and fair competition, but it also means that historical race cars like the 1970 Plymouth Superbird would struggle to pass current inspections. Nevertheless, the Superbird remains a cherished piece of racing history, embodying the spirit of innovation and competition that defined the sport in the 1970s.