The Super Bee specification holds a special place in the hearts of all classic Dodge enthusiasts. It’s been resurrected several times since its discontinuation in 1971, and Mexico did get to enjoy it for longer, albeit in a different segment than the one used for the United States.
Back home, the Super Bee lived out its brief existence as a mid-sized muscle car, based on the two-door coupe version of the Dodge Coronet. The only reason it existed in the first place was because of how successful the Plymouth Road Runner was at that time, forcing Dodge’s hand to put forth a similar product.
Unfortunately for them, the Super Bee never sold as well as the Road Runner, and the main reason for that was the price tag – the Super Bee was more expensive for no good reason, and buyers didn’t like them apples not one bit.
Now, if you’re intending on buying one of these original Super Bees today, my advice would be to get a HEMI V8-powered one, if you can. Those are obviously more expensive, and for good reason – they had 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. That’s Pro Tip no.1. Another tip would be to opt for either a 1968 or a 1969 variant, because Dodge hadn’t ruined the front end via that horrific 1970MY facelift just yet.
Too harsh? I think not. The twin-looped front bumper looks almost silly from certain angles, and most people believe that it is for this reason that sales fell off so dramatically in the 12 months following the update, although 1971’s higher insurance premiums for performance vehicles certainly didn’t help.
Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a 1970 model year Super Bee, if for some reason you actually dig the so-called “bumble bee wing” front fascia, which to be fair looks a bit better on a dark body color – case in point, this 1970 Super Bee Hardtop we just found getting auctioned off to the highest bidder.
It was factory-finished in Black, and subsequently repainted in the same hue under current ownership. Visually, it’s a good-looking muscle car, and exterior highlights such as the white Super Bee tail stripe, dual exhaust outlets, chrome bumpers, dual side-view mirrors, and dual hood scoops further add to the appeal.
As for the wheels, they measure 15 inches in diameter and have been fitted with chrome hubcaps plus Goodyear Polyglas GT bias-ply tires.
Inside, you’ll find white vinyl bench seats (front and rear), color-coordinated headliner and door panels, a woodgrain dash, Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, Pioneer CD stereo, plus a three-spoke steering wheel with the Dodge-exclusive Fratzog symbol.
Finally, the power unit. Unfortunately, it’s not the Hemi V8, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad, quite the contrary. This “entry-level” 383 ci Magnum V8 with the four-barrel carburetor used to be factory rated at 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Those are still pretty good numbers.
