A Plymouth Superbird hardly needs help attracting attention. Its towering rear wing and pointed nose already make it one of the most unmistakable products of Detroit’s muscle-car era.
Some examples, however, have histories that go far beyond cruising and car shows. One particular 1970 Hemi Superbird spent much of its early life doing exactly what its aerodynamic bodywork was designed to do: moving extremely quickly.
Mecum is now preparing to auction the famous Lindsley family Superbird at Kissimmee 2027. The car combines genuine factory Hemi provenance with nearly two decades of competition at El Mirage and Bonneville.
Its owner also recently detailed its remarkable history on the Mopars5150 YouTube channel, including how the original engine survived years of racing. Plenty of Superbirds are collectible, but very few can claim a résumé quite like this one.
Built To Chase Records
The Alpine White Plymouth is one of just 135 Hemi-powered Superbirds produced, according to Mecum. Jim Lindsley purchased the car new and turned it into an SCTA land-speed racer, campaigning it at El Mirage and Bonneville between 1970 and 1988.
Its record book began filling quickly. Mecum says Jim and Larry Lindsley became the first father-and-son team to enter the 200 MPH Club after the Plymouth recorded a 206-mph one-way speed at Bonneville in 1971.
A year later, it reached 211.76 mph. In 1973, Larry Lindsley recorded 209.91 mph in A Production and 210.52 mph in B Production, with the latter run qualifying above the existing class record and earning first in class.
It Eventually Hit 220 MPH
The Superbird’s biggest headline came in 1975. Mecum states that it reached 220 mph at Bonneville and became the world’s fastest production car, a record the auction house says stood for several years.
That achievement came after substantial development over the car’s racing career. On Mopars5150, current owner Troy Hawkes explained that the Lindsleys experimented with fuel injection, different engines, gearing, and even weight distribution while continuing to run the Plymouth competitively.
Evidence of that life can still be seen on the body. Holes in the passenger-side front fender came from a period fuel-cell installation, while an opening in the rear tail-lamp panel once provided access for the parachute cable.
The Original Hemi Survived
Remarkably, the car still has its original 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8. Hawkes explained on Mopars5150 that the original engine was raced during the Superbird’s first two seasons before being removed and stored while other race-prepared engines took over.
The original Hemi was reunited with the car during its first restoration in 2000 and is now fitted with the proper carburetors one would expect to find. Its original transmission is gone, although the Plymouth currently uses a correct 1970 Hemi-spec 727 automatic.
The car was refreshed in 2021 to recreate its 1970-1971 racing appearance. Hawkes also worked from period photographs and material supplied by the Lindsley family to reproduce its graphics as accurately as possible.
A Superbird With Serious Documentation
Its history is backed by an extensive collection of vintage racing photographs, an original broadcast sheet and the original pink slip carrying Jim Lindsley’s name. Mecum also lists the original 15×7 Rallye wheels among the items accompanying the car.
The Plymouth has since appeared at major events, including the 2022 MCACN Wings Over America Invitational, and served as a pace car at Houston Motorsports Park in 2023. It has also appeared in numerous publications and advertising campaigns.
Mecum will offer the Lindsley Hemi Superbird as Lot R615 at Kissimmee on Friday, January 15, 2027. No estimate is listed, but with factory Hemi rarity, documented race history, and genuine 200-mph-plus Bonneville credentials, this is anything but an ordinary wing car.