If you prioritize a long-term ownership history, you might be very attracted to this 1968 Dodge Super Bee. This iconic muscle car has been part of the same family for thirty-two years, with the seller acting as its custodian for the past twenty-five. It presents superbly, and the upgraded V8 hiding under the hood will have boosted its already impressive performance. However, all good things must end, meaning that this Super Bee is destined for a new home. We always appreciate input from our readers, so I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Dodge listed here on eBay in Galloway, Ohio. It could be yours for $52,000, but the seller will consider offers.
When Pontiac released the GTO, I’m sure that most motoring journalists wouldn’t have contemplated just how strong the muscle car market would become in the 1960s. It seemed that every man and his dog wanted a slice of the action, and Dodge was no exception. With other Chrysler marques enjoying success, Dodge launched the Super Bee in 1968 as its affordable alternative to more expensive badges like the Plymouth GTX. Deriving its name from the B-Body platform upon which it was based, the First Generation Super Bee graced showroom floors from 1968 until 1970. Our featured Super Bee rolled off the line in 1968 and has been part of the same family for over three decades. It has led a sheltered life, receiving a comprehensive restoration upon entering the seller’s care. The process involved replacing a long list of steel, including the rear quarter panels, trunk extension, front floor pans, doors, and the front torsion bar crossmember. Once the body was rust-free and as straight as an arrow, it received a fresh coat of paint and a new vinyl top. The seller chose Clean White, which is very similar to Alpine White. When combined with the Black vinyl and Black “Bumblebee” stripes, this Dodge looks stunning. Its presentation is virtually flawless, while the image gallery confirms that rust hasn’t made a return appearance. The trim and glass are excellent, as are the Magnum 500 wheels.
Dodge released the Super Bee with the 383ci V8 as its entry-level engine. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 335hp and 435 ft/lbs in that year’s Sales Brochure, confirming the Super Bee’s muscle car credentials. However, much has changed since this Dodge left the line. The 383 was consigned to a corner of their workshop, and the empty engine bay received a 440ci powerplant of 1977 vintage. After receiving a 0.030″ overbore, the builder fitted 10:1 pistons, a 1969 steel crank, and upgraded the camshaft, conrods, and other internal components. They topped it off with a Holley 750cfm Double-Pumper carburetor, bolted to a stock HP intake. The cash splash didn’t end there, with the three-speed TorqueFlite transmission rebuilt and internally upgraded. We can speculate about the motor’s output, but the figures are guaranteed to exceed those produced by the original V8. However, for those preferring authenticity, this deal includes the factory 383, allowing the buyer to return the car close to “stock” form. Although not stated explicitly, the indications are that this Super Bee is a turnkey proposition.
The seller’s refurbishment of this Super Bee included a partial retrim in the correct Pearl White vinyl. They replaced the seat covers, carpet, and headliner, adding a pedal dress-up kit for a striking visual statement. The results justify the effort and expense, because this interior looks stunning. It isn’t marked, stained, or yellowed. The dash and pad are excellent, with the column-mounted tachometer and a pair of underdash gauges the only obvious additions. The latter brings us to the only genuine criticism: the installation looks slightly rough, with loose wires hanging down. That isn’t the end of the world, and addressing that perceived shortcoming would cost more time than money. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing.
This 1968 Dodge Super Bee is an interesting classic, and it will be fascinating to gauge our readers’ feedback. The updated V8 will undoubtedly deliver significant performance gains, which many enthusiasts will welcome. However, the seller’s decision to include the numbers-matching 383 would allow the buyer to return the car close to its factory form. What I would like to discover is whether most of our readers believe that is the right move, or would you prefer to enjoy this classic as is?
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