In a direct response to Plymouth's famous Road Runner the boys at Dodge produced the Super Bee. Both cars were intended to be entry level Muscle cars of the day. The first generation of this model was essentially a two door coupe Coronet with a minor few changes.
The Super Bee and Roadrunner were basically the same car from top to bottom. First of all, structurally, the Dodge was a bit heavier by about 70 pounds, roughly an inch longer and was fitted with a beefier suspension. On the exterior it was more artful and flashy with raised badges on the front and rear where the Road Runner had some basic stickers.
Some of the interior of the Super Bee, especially the dash area, was mainly right out of the Dodge Charger parts bin. When in a head to head comparison on looks the Dodge was considered the winner by most. However even with nicer appointments, real Hurst shifters, and the like the price of the Dodge model was higher than the Plymouth version, which did not help it's popularity very much.
For 1968 the choices on power plants were either a 383 V-8 at 335 horsepower or a 426 Hemi putting out about 425 horsepower. Additionally, in '69, a 440 V-8 sporting three double barrel carb's producing around 390 horsepower was added as an option. This 440 option was priced roughly in the middle of the base model and the pricey 426 version at around $450.
Perhaps the most recognizable option appeared in the form of a hood package in 1969 with two air scoops forming an air induction system. This feature was called the "Ramcharger" and this scoop system not only looked much better than the simple vents used on the Road Runner but also forced air into the carburetors. A hardtop version of the model was also introduced that same year.
While the 426 Hemi was, and still is, a well known motor at the time and one of the "big boys" of out of the box horsepower it was also shockingly expensive. The whole idea of the model was to contend in the entry level, low cost muscle car segment which explains the $3000 price tag. To get the 426 Hemi in a Super Bee you'd have to plunk down an additional $1000! Needless to say in the first two years of production less than 300 426 Hemi models were produced.
In 1970 the model got an overhaul, at least in the looks department. Updated graphics, a totally redesigned front clip, new seats, the ignition was moved to the steering column and more was done to put a fresh look on the Super Bee. The problem was the car buying public just didn't like the new look and sales numbers dropped sharply that year.
The Super Bee monkier lived on into 1971 after a switch to the Charger platform but that's another article. Also, there is a thread of Mexican Super Bees as well as a revival of the name in the 2000's as well!
Will gets a kick out of old Dodge cars and trucks of all kinds. Be sure to check out DodgeRestoration.com to see photos and find more information. Thanks!
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