383/4-Speed: 1970 Dodge Super Bee

With the world focused more on eco-friendly and zero-emission vehicles, it is hard to comprehend that there was once a time when manufacturers weren’t concerned about emissions and were more interested in outright performance. For many of our loyal Barn Finds readers, that era falls within their living memories. One icon from that glorious period is the 1970 Dodge Super Bee. It was capable of pinning occupants in their seats under acceleration, even in its most conservative form. This Super Bee is an unfinished project, but it shows promise with most of its rust issues sorted and a healthy numbers-matching V8 under the hood. All it needs is a new owner with the vision and determination to recapture this classic’s former glory.

The muscle car era was in full swing as the 1960s drew to its conclusion, with Dodge releasing the Super Bee for the 1968 model year. Like a blazing comet, it lit the skies briefly before disappearing at the end of 1971. Our feature Dodge rolled off the line in 1970, with its first owner electing to cloak its exterior in sinister Code X9 Black. The seller confirms they replaced the rear quarter panels and patched the wheel wells, but there are a few remaining tasks for the winning bidder to tackle. They feel a new trunk pan is in order, while the driver’s side floor is rusty. However, critical areas like the rails are rock-solid, so returning this classic to a rust-free state will be pretty straightforward. The seller states that apart from the identified repairs and a replacement door, the car’s remaining steel, including the Ram Charger hood, is original. The glass is in good order, but some trim pieces require restoration or replacement.

The entry-level engine for the 1970 Super Bee was the 383ci V8, but with 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, it was no lightweight. The first owner teamed this car’s numbers-matching 383 with a four-speed manual transmission, passing on such power-sapping luxuries as power assistance for the steering and brakes. With this Super Bee capable of covering the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds, there was no doubting its muscle car credentials. The seller confirms that while the V8 is original, somebody replaced the transmission. The car runs and yard drives but isn’t roadworthy. However, they feel that returning it to active service is an achievable short-term goal.

The exterior isn’t the only area of this Super Bee requiring TLC because its interior has seen better days. The first owner ordered it trimmed in Black, with the front seat originally a bench. Those considering authenticity will be pleased to learn that the seller has the bench and is willing to swap out the buckets to achieve a factory appearance. The radio and a couple of gauges are gone, but the first port of call will be to spend time cleaning everything thoroughly. That will allow the winning bidder to assess what is fit for reuse, minimizing the chance of splashing cash on unnecessary items.

The seller listed this 1970 Dodge Super Bee here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,655, and the end is looming large. This classic deserves to return to its rightful place on our roads, and the twelve submitted bids suggest a few people are willing to give it a red-hot go. Do you feel the same, or doesn’t this magnificent muscle car tick the right boxes for you?