Solid 4-Speed Driver: 1970 Dodge Super Bee
Looking back to 1968, Plymouth couldn’t have timed the debut of their Road Runner much better, as this was the period when muscle cars were in full swing, and an affordable offering with a big block as standard equipment was quite appealing to many buyers. It didn’t take long for Dodge to develop a competitor using the same concept, and that same year the Coronet-based Super Bee was born. This 1970 model isn’t perfect, but it’s a nice driver with plenty of stings left to offer. The B-Body has been residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the past 3 years, but spent its early decades near the West Coast, first in California and then in Washington state.
The seller tells us the paint is around the 40-year-old mark and is upfront in stating that it still looks good from about 25 feet away. It’s always a plus when the fender tag is still present, with the EK2 code confirming that Go Mango is indeed the original color this one left the St. Louis plant wearing. The outside panels are believed to all be original, and while there are some bubbles in a few areas, compared to many of these cars I have to agree with the seller’s description that this one’s not to be considered rusty by any means. It’s more of a well-cared-for machine that would benefit from some TLC.
The minimum engine that could be had is a 383, and that’s what can be found in the bay here, with another positive being that this one came from the factory with a 4-speed. Neither the engine nor transmission are the numbers-matching components, but they are both stated as date correct. The big block is said to be running strong and has a Torker intake with a Holley carb on top. There’s also a new fuel tank, MSD ignition, plus a new dual exhaust system with Black Widow mufflers. The brakes have also been gone through, with replacement parts added where needed, so bringing things to a halt quickly shouldn’t be a problem.
It’s nice to get a couple of different views from the interior, one featuring a new carpet and buckets that were redone years ago, which were reupholstered using cloth inserts. Another photo shows these items removed, which reveals floorboards that appear to remain solid. The seller also mentions that a fresh dash pad has been installed, and says that all of the gauges are functioning except the tach, which needs an adapter due to the upgraded ignition.
Of the two, Plymouth sold more Road Runners than Dodge did Super Bees, so the latter is a less-common sighting but every bit as much deserving of praise. If you’ve been searching for some Mopar muscle that can be driven while you work on it, this 1970 Dodge Super Bee might be a good car to consider. It can be spotted here on eBay, where the current bid of $37,600 is still shy of reserve. What are your thoughts on this one?
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Comments
My thought is it’s great to see one of these in one piece and not a rusty hulk. Nice car.
My FAV car…
70 was a great year, and my favorite. Road Runner, Super Bee and Superbird were all fantastic..
Thought are
Varrrrrrrrrrroooom
Hatched shifter too and nice color
I luv it !!!!
Pardon my ignorance but, what is a “hatched” shifter?
It’s a pistol grip shifter.
Like it!! Looks good to daily drive and work on at the same time..
For the fun!
7 mpg on my stock Torino 428, 3.91 rear gear, over last 400 miles. Automatic.
5.2 sec., 0-60 capable but puttering around is just nuts to drive. No highway!
My Fuel filler behind license plate… now that is stoopid.
This super B Body is beautiful ride – my favorite!
Dump that Torker intake day 1, and get back to OEM one step at a time.
Because this is what old-school does!!! If anyone is worried about gas mileage then go buy an electric trash car!!! Leave these cars to people who would appreciate driving them….
Because you can !
Lots of bubbles under that worn out vinyl roof. I suspect there’s a reason why the faded vinyl wasn’t stripped off.
It’s what you can’t see underneath vinyl tops that make me nervous. Probably a good theory as to why it was not R&R, CCF. Potential to open up a whole can ‘o worms there…
Always makes me nervous to see a black painted engine bay in a Mopar. Means the person that did the restoration didn’t have a clue. Begs the question, what other hidden modifucations were done that are incorrect or won’t operate correctly? I think this one is currently at fair value in the mid 30’s
428 Torino w Cruise-O-Matic and a big gear ⚙️ that must be some ride TorinoSCJ69 🙌🤝🏁
Don’t try to grab third with the ash tray open, you will end up with busted knuckles. As far as the engine bay is concerned, I have painted them black when I had the engine out and I was not painting the rest of the car – better than cheap touch up paint.
Denba12, that’s exactly what I thought it was called. Never heard of the hatched (or hatchet???) reference.
The right car.
The right color.
The right options.
✔️✔️✔️
Mopar floors and trunk bottom to die for……kinda odd the motor and trans are matching – to another car…..up pushing 40g’s…..
most likely to need a roof skin judging by all those bubbles. still a cool ride but will need $$$ to be right
Clean floors and truck but the bubbles around the vinyl top can be extensive rust damage. Best to inspect in person!