From the front, this 1970 Dodge Super Bee looks undeniably purposeful. The bumper makes a bold statement, and the Ramcharger hood is designed to allow the V8 under the hood to inhale large amounts of cold air, unleashing maximum performance. It needs plenty of work, but its lack of structural rust and the included parts selection make it impossible to ignore. The seller listed the Super Bee here on eBay in Redwood City, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $3,238, but there is a BIN option of $30,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Dodge introduced the Super Bee for the 1968 model year, riding the crest of the muscle car wave. Based on the Coronet, the First Generation remained on sale until the end of 1970. The original owner ordered this final-year example in Go Mango, one of the company’s distinctive high-impact colors. It looks pretty tired, with many cosmetic flaws and shortcomings. There is no ignoring the rust, which is visible on the rear quarter panels and the lower front fenders. However, unlike an iceberg, the worst of its issues are above the surface. The seller states that the floors and rails are solid, and there is only minor rust in the trunk pan. The buyer will almost certainly replace the quarter panels, and I believe that adopting a nut-and-bolt approach to this restoration would be the most appropriate way of doing this Dodge justice. The seller includes the original wheels, the glass is clear, and some trim pieces would probably benefit from a trip to the platers.
Decoding the VIN reveals that this Super Bee left the line with the entry-level 383ci V8 under the hood. Generating a factory-quoted 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque, it represented a pretty handy starting point for a vehicle with genuine muscle car credentials. Those wishing to splash the cash could tick the boxes for the 440 Six-Pack or the 426ci Hemi, but the 383 remained the most popular choice by a wide margin. This Super Bee isn’t currently numbers-matching, though that need not be a big drama. Its engine bay houses a 440ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. The seller confirms that the Dodge runs and drives, but isn’t roadworthy. Remember the original 383? Well, the seller includes it, and most of the ancillary components in the sale, but the motor requires a rebuild. Therefore, returning this Super Bee to its factory form is viable, and the original Broadcast sheet will help the new owner to fill in any potential blank spaces.
This Super Bee would have made such an impact in its prime. The first owner teamed the Go Mango paint with an interior trimmed in Burnt Orange. The listing images reveal that the Californian sun has exacted a high toll, and that someone has replaced the seats. However, that’s as bad as the news gets. Included in the deal is a trim kit in the correct color. Therefore, it will take more time than money to whip this aspect of the Dodge into shape.
Let’s be honest, $30,000 is a lot of money for a project candidate. However, American muscle cars tend to write their own rules. As modern cars become more complicated and manufacturers focus on zero-emission vehicles, many enthusiasts wish to recapture the vibe of a time when Detroit ruled the roost. You can walk into showrooms today and purchase cars that offer comparable performance to this 1970 Dodge Super Bee, but most won’t possess the inherent character and pure presence this classic would have if the buyer returns it to its former glory. The listing statistics suggest that people agree, but is that enough for you to commit to this restoration?
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