1970 Dodge Super Bee: History, Specs, And Value

The 1970 Dodge Super Bee is a classic muscle car that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Known for its powerful engine options, aggressive styling, and relatively affordable price tag, the Super Bee was a popular choice for those looking for a performance car in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This article delves into the history, specifications, and value of this iconic vehicle.

What Made the 1970 Dodge Super Bee Special?

The 1970 model year was a significant one for the Super Bee, as it marked a major redesign of the Dodge Coronet platform on which it was based. The car received new front and rear styling, as well as a more aggressive stance. Under the hood, the Super Bee offered a range of powerful engine options, including the legendary 440 Six Pack and the mighty 426 Hemi.

Key Features of the 1970 Dodge Super Bee

• Engine Options: The 1970 Super Bee offered several engine choices, catering to different performance preferences:
  • 383 Magnum V8: The base engine, producing 335 horsepower.
  • 440 Six Pack V8: A potent upgrade with three two-barrel carburetors, delivering 390 horsepower.
  • 426 Hemi V8: The top-of-the-line engine, producing a monstrous 425 horsepower.
• Aggressive Styling: The 1970 Super Bee featured a bold new design, with a prominent hood scoop, aggressive grille, and distinctive rear styling.
• Performance Suspension: The Super Bee came standard with a heavy-duty suspension system, designed to handle the car's powerful engines.
• Affordable Price: Compared to other high-performance cars of the era, the Super Bee was relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers.

A Brief History of the Dodge Super Bee

The Dodge Super Bee was introduced in 1968 as a budget-friendly muscle car based on the Dodge Coronet. It was Dodge's answer to the popular Plymouth Road Runner, offering similar performance at a competitive price. The Super Bee was produced for four years, from 1968 to 1971, before being discontinued.

The Super Bee's Evolution

• 1968-1969: The first generation Super Bees were based on the Dodge Coronet and featured a distinctive bumblebee tail stripe. Engine options included the 383 Magnum and the 426 Hemi.
• 1970: The Super Bee received a major redesign, with new front and rear styling. This was arguably the most iconic year for the Super Bee.
• 1971: The final year for the Super Bee as a Coronet-based model. Production was moved to the Charger platform for this single year, making the 1971 Super Bee a unique and rare car.

Engine Options and Performance

The 1970 Dodge Super Bee offered three main engine options, each delivering impressive performance for its time.

383 Magnum V8

The base engine was the 383 cubic inch Magnum V8, producing 335 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the optional engines, the 383 Magnum provided plenty of performance for most drivers.

440 Six Pack V8

For those seeking more power, the 440 Six Pack V8 was a popular choice. This engine featured three two-barrel Holley carburetors, delivering 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The 440 Six Pack provided blistering acceleration and was a formidable performer on the street and strip.

426 Hemi V8

The ultimate engine option for the 1970 Super Bee was the legendary 426 Hemi V8. This engine was a true powerhouse, producing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Hemi-powered Super Bee was one of the fastest cars of its era and is highly sought after by collectors today. (Source: [Mopar Muscle Magazine](invalid URL removed))

Design and Styling

The 1970 Dodge Super Bee featured a distinctive and aggressive design that set it apart from other muscle cars of the era. The redesigned front end, with its prominent hood scoop and aggressive grille, gave the Super Bee a menacing look. The rear styling was also updated, with new taillights and a bold rear panel.

Interior Features

The interior of the 1970 Super Bee was functional and performance-oriented. Standard features included bucket seats, a Hurst pistol-grip shifter (for manual transmission cars), and a Rallye instrument cluster. Optional features included air conditioning, power steering, and a radio.

Exterior Colors

The 1970 Super Bee was available in a variety of eye-catching colors, including:

• Bright Blue Metallic
• Citron Yella
• Hemi Orange
• Plum Crazy
• Sublime

Production Numbers

The 1970 model year saw a total of 15,506 Dodge Super Bees produced. Here's a breakdown of the production numbers by engine: — Puka Nacua Injury Update: News & Analysis

• 383 Magnum: 11,942 units
• 440 Six Pack: 2,344 units
• 426 Hemi: 151 units

As you can see, the 426 Hemi-powered Super Bees were the rarest, making them the most valuable today. (Source: [musclecarclub.com](invalid URL removed))

The Value of a 1970 Dodge Super Bee Today

The value of a 1970 Dodge Super Bee can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Engine: Hemi-powered cars are the most valuable, followed by 440 Six Pack cars and then 383 Magnum cars.
• Condition: Cars in excellent, original condition command the highest prices.
• Rarity: Rare options and colors can increase a car's value.
• Documentation: Cars with original paperwork and documentation are more desirable to collectors.

Current Market Trends

As of 2023, a 1970 Dodge Super Bee in good condition can range from $40,000 to $100,000 or more. Hemi-powered cars in pristine condition can fetch upwards of $200,000 or even $300,000 at auction. (Source: Classic.com)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the rarest 1970 Dodge Super Bee?

The rarest 1970 Dodge Super Bee is the one equipped with the 426 Hemi engine. Only 151 units were produced with this engine, making it highly sought after by collectors. — Eagles Vs. Cowboys: Score, Highlights, And Analysis

How can I identify a real 1970 Super Bee?

To identify a real 1970 Super Bee, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN should start with the letters "WM" for a Coronet-based Super Bee. Also, look for the Super Bee emblems and the bumblebee stripes. Consulting a Mopar expert or enthusiast group can also help verify authenticity. — Philippines To Colorado Time: What Time Is It?

What is the difference between a Dodge Super Bee and a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Super Bee was initially based on the Coronet platform and later briefly on the Charger platform in 1971. The Charger was a separate model line with its own distinct styling and features. The Super Bee was positioned as a budget-friendly performance car, while the Charger was more of a premium muscle car.

What are some common problems with 1970 Dodge Super Bees?

Some common problems with 1970 Dodge Super Bees include rust, particularly in the lower body panels, and mechanical issues related to the age of the car. The 426 Hemi engine can be expensive to maintain and repair due to its complexity and rarity.

What is the best engine to get in a 1970 Super Bee?

The best engine for a 1970 Super Bee depends on your priorities. The 426 Hemi is the most powerful and valuable, but it's also the most expensive and requires specialized maintenance. The 440 Six Pack offers excellent performance at a slightly lower cost, while the 383 Magnum is a solid base engine that provides good performance for most drivers.

What transmissions were available in the 1970 Super Bee?

The 1970 Dodge Super Bee was available with either a 4-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The 4-speed manual was the preferred choice for performance enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 1970 Dodge Super Bee is an iconic muscle car that represents the pinnacle of performance and styling from the era. With its powerful engine options, aggressive design, and relatively affordable price, the Super Bee was a popular choice for enthusiasts and remains highly sought after by collectors today. Whether you're a Mopar aficionado or simply a fan of classic cars, the 1970 Dodge Super Bee is a true legend that deserves its place in automotive history.

If you're considering purchasing a classic muscle car, the 1970 Dodge Super Bee is an excellent choice. However, be sure to do your research and inspect any potential purchase carefully to ensure you're getting a genuine and well-maintained example. Contact a classic car appraiser or Mopar specialist for assistance in evaluating a Super Bee's condition and authenticity.