The merging of old and new has been a fundamental aspect of hot rod culture for as long as people have been building fast cars. This restomod project is no different, converting a Plymouth Satellite into a Plymouth Superbird clone. But that’s not all. With a 707 hp Hemi Hellcat V8 engine under the hood, this thing will smoke the original.
The project started with a rotisserie restoration of a 1970 Sport Satellite before the decision was made to transform the plain jane coupe into a replica of the NASCAR dominating Plymouth Superbird. In came the front nose cone, flip-up lights, front fender air extractor scoops, Road Runner racing decals, and of course the massive rear wing.
Instead of having to choose between the period-correct 425 hp 426 Hemi V8, or the 390 hp 440 Super Commando, a 707 hp 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 Hellcat engine was chosen for the project. Few modifications were required to get the Hellcat to fit under the hood of the Plymouth Superbird restomod, the main obstacle was having to relocate the battery to accommodate the angling of the intake plenum. The engine is hooked to a modern Tremec 6-speed manual transmission and feeds an 8.75-inch differential.
A modern engine in this Plymouth Superbird clone requires modern suspension and brakes to go with it. In the front, an RMS F-frame was installed with new rack-and-pinion steering, in the back an RMS 4-link suspension was installed. Wilwood disc brakes are found in all four corners, with 6-piston calipers chomping the front rotors, and 4-pistons handling the rear.
Inside, the Plymouth Superbird restomod has retro-looking bucket seats, a proper Pistol Grip shifter with boot mount, and an upgraded steering wheel. The dash has a custom carbon fiber inlay and houses a modern Thunder Road gauge kit.
The car was finished in Mopar’s iconic FJ5 lime green paint, along with the appropriate decals and headlamp blackout area. The multispoke modern wheels and low-profile tires don’t really suit the car at all, but those can always be changed if you’re willing to shell out the $250,000 to $300,000 it’s expected to fetch at Mecum’s upcoming Kissimmee auction.
Image via Mecum Auctions
