What model of car is The King in Pixar’s Cars?

The King in Pixar’s Cars is a 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

The King is the veteran Piston Cup champion and a major rival of Lightning McQueen during the film’s final race. His design is based on the highly recognizable 1970 Plymouth Superbird, an aerodynamic muscle car created for NASCAR competition.

The real Superbird used a tall rear wing and a pointed nose to improve high-speed performance on racetracks. In Cars, those features are translated into The King’s blue racing body and prominent rear spoiler. The character’s voice is provided by Richard Petty, a legendary NASCAR driver who raced Plymouths and won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships.

The King is sometimes confused with Chick Hicks because both are established competitors in the Piston Cup race. Chick is a green 1979 Shyster Cremlin, while The King is the blue Superbird.