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When Dodge decided to create a real muscle car, they created the Super Bee. The car was a limited-production car, and only made from 1968-1971. The company drew inspiration for their vehicle from two other cars: the Coronet from Dodge, and the Plymouth Road Runner. Some traditionalists say this car was just a cheap knock off of the Road Runner, though there were a lot of people who love the Super Bee.

When the first Super Bee rolled off the production line, it was priced at a reasonable $3,027, making it one of the middle of the road muscle cars produced during this area. Dodge gave customers the option to equip their Super Bee with a Hemi engine. The Hemi added around $1,000 to the base price, and only a handful of people went for that option. This V-8 engine had 425 horsepower, while the standard Big Block engine had only 335 horsepower. Customers could also grab a four speed manual transmission from Mopar, or pick up high performance racing tires.

The Super Bee came in a variety of bright colors, with the orange and green being the most popular options. Each one also came with a large stripe that went from the front of the car to the back, with a small bee plastered on the stripe, the bee being the car's logo. The 1970 Super Bee was given a duel oval grill, and a new front end.

A total of 15,506 Super Bees were created in 1970 alone. Each car was available in three engine styles: a 383 in, 6.3L Big Block V-8 with 335 hp, a 426 Hemi V-8 7.0L 425 hp, or a 440 in 7.2L Big Block V-8 with 390 hp. Each engine style had its own advantages and disadvantages, though the first was often the one chosen. The 383 Big Block came standard with the Super Bee, while the other versions added to the total price.

This new look signaled the end for the car. Customers didn't like the new style, sales dropped, and Dodge stopped production. It is worth noting though that the company did produce four concept cars relating to the Super Bee. All four were designed as convertible versions of the car, and all four have seemingly disappeared. The following year the company rolled it back out for a limited run of around 5,000 before being discontinued.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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