Dodge Coronet Super Bee
Inspired by Plymouth's hugely successful Road Runner, Dodge created the Super Bee for 1968 as its own no-frills muscle car. Based on the Coronet two-door coupe, the Super Bee followed the same formula: big engine, heavy-duty running gear, minimal luxury, and an aggressive price. Dodge even borrowed the insect-themed naming convention — where the Road Runner was a cartoon bird, the Super Bee was... well, a cartoon bee.
The Super Bee's standard engine was the 383 V8 with the same performance modifications as the Road Runner's 383: cylinder heads from the 440, a hotter camshaft, and unsilenced air cleaner. Output was 335 horsepower — identical to the Road Runner. Available upgrades included the 440 Magnum, 440 Six Pack, and the legendary 426 Hemi.
What distinguished the Super Bee from the Road Runner was its Dodge identity — different bodywork, trim, and personality. The Super Bee rode on the Coronet/Charger B-body platform with its own unique grille, taillights, and bumblebee stripe. The Dodge dealer network was also a factor — in some regions, Dodge dealers were more numerous or more performance-oriented than Plymouth dealers.
The 1969 Super Bee received the attractive new Coronet body with more flowing lines. The 1970 model was the final year as a standalone model; for 1971, Super Bee became an option package on the Charger. The 440 Six Pack Super Bee is the performance sweet spot — 390 horsepower, three two-barrel carburetors, and the dramatic fiberglass lift-off hood with its massive scoop.
The Super Bee has long lived in the Road Runner's shadow on the collector market, which means comparable Super Bees typically sell for 10-20% less than equivalent Road Runners — making them an excellent value for the performance they deliver.
Super Bees offer excellent value compared to Road Runners — identical performance at lower collector prices. Verify the unique Super Bee VIN and trim codes. Hemi and Six Pack cars are the most valuable. The 1969 body style is the most attractive. Check the standard Mopar B-body rust areas: trunk, quarters, torsion bar crossmember. The Ramcharger fresh-air induction hood is a desirable feature. Many Coronet 440/500 cars have been converted to Super Bee spec — documentation is key.
Super Bee production: 7,842 (1968), 27,846 (1969), 15,506 (1970). For 1971, Super Bee became a Charger option package rather than a standalone model. Hemi Super Bees are rare: approximately 125 (1968), 166 (1969), and 36 (1970). The 440 Six Pack option was available for 1969-1970.