The Dodge Super Bee is a high-performance muscle car that was produced by Dodge from 1968 to 1971. It was based on the Dodge Coronet, a mid-size car that was known for its reliability and durability. The Super Bee was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Dodge Charger, which was a larger and more expensive car. In this article, we will explore the history of the Dodge Super Bee, its design and features, and its performance capabilities.
A Brief History of the Dodge Super Bee
The Dodge Super Bee was first introduced in 1968 as a 1969 model. It was designed to compete with other muscle cars of the time, such as the Plymouth Road Runner and the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. The Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet, which was a mid-size car that was known for its reliability and durability. The Coronet was a popular car, but it was not known for its performance capabilities. The Super Bee was designed to change that.
The Super Bee was named after the “Bee” line of cars that Dodge had produced in the 1950s. The “Bee” line was known for its performance capabilities, and the Super Bee was designed to live up to that reputation. The Super Bee was produced from 1968 to 1971, and it was available in a variety of trim levels and engine options.
Design and Features
The Dodge Super Bee was known for its aggressive styling and sporty features. It had a distinctive grille and hood, and it was available with a variety of engine options, including a 383 cubic inch V8 and a 440 cubic inch V8. The Super Bee also had a number of performance-oriented features, including a heavy-duty suspension and a four-speed manual transmission.
The Super Bee was available in a variety of trim levels, including the base model, the A12, and the Six Pack. The A12 was a high-performance trim level that was available in 1969 and 1970. It came with a 440 cubic inch V8 and a number of performance-oriented features, including a heavy-duty suspension and a four-speed manual transmission. The Six Pack was a high-performance trim level that was available in 1969 and 1970. It came with a 440 cubic inch V8 and a number of performance-oriented features, including a heavy-duty suspension and a four-speed manual transmission.
Engine Options
The Dodge Super Bee was available with a variety of engine options, including:
- 383 cubic inch V8: This engine produced 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque.
- 440 cubic inch V8: This engine produced 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
- 440 cubic inch V8 with Six Pack: This engine produced 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
Performance Capabilities
The Dodge Super Bee was known for its impressive performance capabilities. It was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, and it had a top speed of over 130 mph. The Super Bee was also known for its handling and braking capabilities, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Drag Racing
The Dodge Super Bee was a popular choice among drag racers, thanks to its impressive performance capabilities. The Super Bee was capable of running the quarter mile in just 13.5 seconds, making it a formidable competitor on the drag strip.
Notable Racing Victories
The Dodge Super Bee had a number of notable racing victories, including:
- 1969 NHRA Winternationals: A Dodge Super Bee driven by Ronnie Sox won the NHRA Winternationals in 1969.
- 1970 NHRA U.S. Nationals: A Dodge Super Bee driven by Ronnie Sox won the NHRA U.S. Nationals in 1970.
Collectibility and Legacy
The Dodge Super Bee is a highly collectible car, thanks to its rarity and performance capabilities. The Super Bee is considered to be one of the most desirable muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s, and it is highly sought after by car collectors.
Restoration and Maintenance
Restoring and maintaining a Dodge Super Bee can be a challenging task, thanks to the car’s rarity and complexity. However, there are a number of resources available to help car enthusiasts restore and maintain their Super Bees.
Restoration Tips
Here are a few restoration tips for Dodge Super Bee owners:
- Use original parts whenever possible.
- Consult with a professional mechanic or restorer if you are unsure about any aspect of the restoration process.
- Join a Dodge Super Bee club or online community to connect with other owners and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Dodge Super Bee is a legendary muscle car that was produced from 1968 to 1971. It was known for its aggressive styling, sporty features, and impressive performance capabilities. The Super Bee is a highly collectible car, and it is highly sought after by car enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned car collector or just starting out, the Dodge Super Bee is a car that is sure to impress.
| Year | Engine Options | Performance Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 383 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8 | 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, top speed of over 130 mph |
| 1969 | 383 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8 with Six Pack | 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, top speed of over 130 mph |
| 1970 | 383 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8 with Six Pack | 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, top speed of over 130 mph |
| 1971 | 383 cubic inch V8, 440 cubic inch V8 | 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, top speed of over 130 mph |
Note: The performance capabilities listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the specific trim level and engine option.
What is the Dodge Super Bee and how did it originate?
The Dodge Super Bee is a legendary muscle car produced by Dodge from 1968 to 1971. It was created as a low-cost, high-performance alternative to the popular Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner. The Super Bee was designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers who wanted a powerful and stylish car without the high price tag. The name “Super Bee” was chosen to evoke the idea of a fast and agile vehicle, with the “Bee” part of the name paying homage to the Dodge Coronet’s “B-Body” platform.
The Super Bee was first introduced in 1968 as a 1968.5 model, with a limited production run of just over 7,800 units. The car was an instant success, thanks to its powerful engine options, aggressive styling, and affordable price. Over the next few years, the Super Bee underwent several design and engineering changes, including the addition of new engine options and styling updates. Despite its relatively short production run, the Super Bee has become a beloved and iconic muscle car among collectors and enthusiasts.
What engine options were available in the Dodge Super Bee?
The Dodge Super Bee was offered with a range of powerful engine options, including the 383 Magnum V8, the 440 Magnum V8, and the 440 Six Pack V8. The 383 Magnum was the base engine, producing 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. The 440 Magnum was a mid-level option, producing 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The 440 Six Pack was the top-of-the-line engine, producing 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured three two-barrel carburetors and a distinctive “Six Pack” air cleaner.
In addition to these engine options, some Super Bees were also equipped with the legendary 426 Hemi V8, which produced 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Hemi engine was a rare and expensive option, but it made the Super Bee one of the fastest production cars of its time. Other engine options, such as the 340 V8 and the 360 V8, were also available in later model years.
What were some of the key features and options of the Dodge Super Bee?
The Dodge Super Bee was known for its aggressive styling, which included a distinctive grille, hood scoop, and rear spoiler. The car also featured a range of performance-oriented features, including heavy-duty suspension, power steering, and power brakes. Inside, the Super Bee had a simple but functional interior, with options like bucket seats, a console, and a AM/FM radio. Some Super Bees were also equipped with a Hurst four-speed manual transmission, which was a popular option among performance enthusiasts.
Other options available on the Super Bee included air conditioning, a vinyl roof, and a range of wheel and tire upgrades. Some Super Bees were also equipped with a “Ramcharger” hood scoop, which featured a functional air intake and a distinctive “Ramcharger” decal. The Super Bee was also available in a range of colors, including some bold and eye-catching hues like “Sublime Green” and “Plum Crazy Purple.”
How did the Dodge Super Bee compare to other muscle cars of its time?
The Dodge Super Bee was part of a crowded and competitive muscle car market in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Other popular muscle cars of the time included the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Chevelle, and the Plymouth Road Runner. The Super Bee was known for its powerful engine options, aggressive styling, and affordable price, which made it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers. However, the Super Bee was not as well-known or widely popular as some of its competitors, which has made it a more rare and valuable collector’s item today.
In terms of performance, the Super Bee was highly competitive with other muscle cars of its time. The car’s powerful engine options and lightweight body made it a formidable competitor on the drag strip and the street. However, the Super Bee was not as refined or sophisticated as some of its competitors, which had more advanced suspension and braking systems. Despite this, the Super Bee remains a beloved and iconic muscle car among collectors and enthusiasts.
What is the current market value of a Dodge Super Bee?
The current market value of a Dodge Super Bee can vary widely depending on the model year, engine option, and condition of the car. In general, early model year Super Bees with rare engine options like the 426 Hemi are highly valuable and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Later model year Super Bees with more common engine options are less valuable, but can still sell for thousands of dollars.
According to recent auction results, a restored 1968 Dodge Super Bee with a 383 Magnum engine can sell for around $20,000 to $30,000. A restored 1969 Dodge Super Bee with a 440 Six Pack engine can sell for around $40,000 to $60,000. A rare 1970 Dodge Super Bee with a 426 Hemi engine can sell for over $100,000. These prices are highly dependent on the condition and originality of the car, as well as the reputation of the seller and the auction house.
Are there any notable owners or collectors of the Dodge Super Bee?
Yes, there are several notable owners and collectors of the Dodge Super Bee. One of the most famous owners of a Super Bee is NASCAR driver and car collector, Richard Petty. Petty owns a restored 1968 Dodge Super Bee with a 383 Magnum engine, which he has shown at various car shows and events. Other notable collectors of the Super Bee include car enthusiast and TV personality, Jay Leno, and muscle car collector, Bruce Meyer.
In addition to these individual collectors, there are also several car museums and collections that feature the Dodge Super Bee. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has a restored 1969 Dodge Super Bee with a 440 Six Pack engine on display. The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, also has a restored 1970 Dodge Super Bee with a 426 Hemi engine in its collection.
Can I still buy a Dodge Super Bee today, and if so, where?
Yes, it is still possible to buy a Dodge Super Bee today, although it may be difficult to find one for sale. There are several ways to buy a Super Bee, including through classic car dealerships, online marketplaces, and car auctions. Some popular online marketplaces for classic cars include Hemmings, eBay Motors, and ClassicCars.com. Car auctions like Barrett-Jackson and Mecum also frequently feature the Dodge Super Bee.
In addition to these online marketplaces and car auctions, there are also several classic car dealerships that specialize in muscle cars like the Dodge Super Bee. These dealerships often have a wide selection of restored and unrestored Super Bees for sale, and may also offer restoration services and other support. Some popular classic car dealerships include RK Motors, Gateway Classic Cars, and Streetside Classics.