HomeCar CultureBook Review: “In Search of the Winged Holy Grail”

Book Review: “In Search of the Winged Holy Grail”

A retrospective on Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird

-

No American car produced after World War II was as outrageous as the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona and 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird. Built to certify speed and stability modifications on production cars per NASCAR rules, these vehicles upped the ante in a way that no car has ever done — just compare the “Aero Warriors” to the aero cars that preceded them, the Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler Sports Special (sometimes known as the Spoiler II).

Because these cars were so special, the folks who run the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) have authored a book on some of the more interesting examples that were in attendance at the 2022 MCACN event. Titled In Search of the Winged Holy Grail, Bob Ashton, MCACN managing member and lead promoter, and several contributors covered the history of 29 prime Aero Warriors. There has never been a gathering of wing cars like this since they were built.

Original or restored, with the 440 four-barrel, 440 six-barrel (Superbird-only) or 426 Hemi, you’ll find a myriad of colors and histories within In Search of the Winged Holy Grail. To wit, you’ll find the Bobby Allison NASCAR Daytona, the Superbird that was driven from Indiana to Alaska and back, the first Daytona, an unrestored Petty Blue Superbird, a Daytona that set a 220-mph record at Bonneville and Richard Petty’s own personal Superbird, among others.

Only 500 copies are being produced, which means In Search of the Winged Holy Grail is a limited-edition book that will soon be made of unobtanium. Of course, since its printing is of a limited run, the book will be an instant collectible once it’s sold out and will only gain in value (if the previous Hemi’Cuda convertible book is any indication). To inquire and/or order your copy, visit MCACN.com and fill out the form.

Diego Rosenberg
Diego Rosenberg
Lead Writer Diego Rosenberg is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and Princeton, New Jersey, giving him plenty of exposure to the charms of Carlisle and Englishtown. Though his first love is Citroen, he fell for muscle cars after being seduced by 1950s finned flyers—in fact, he’s written two books on American muscle. But please don’t think there is a strong American bias because foreign weirdness is never far from his heart. With a penchant for underground music from the 1960-70s, Diego and his family reside in the Southwest.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent Posts

spot_img