Chassis no. WM21H9G196387

447-cid, 520-hp OHV V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 117-inches

Less well known and much rarer, Dodge’s Super Bee was the counterpart to the Plymouth Road Runner. Intended as a low-cost, no-frills muscle car, it was Spartan compared to the Coronet R/T but cost $350 less. The name was derived from Chrysler Corporation’s designation for the body: “B” series intermediate, with an added superlative. B. Edward Ewing has another derivation. It spells out his initials: BEE.

It was sibling envy that led to the Super Bee. The Road Runner was selling well from its introduction in late 1967, so Dodge general manager Robert McCurry asked for a version for his division, in effect challenging Plymouth for supremacy in performance. The Super Bee first appeared at the 1968 Detroit Auto Show.

Based on the Dodge Coronet, it had a 117-inch wheelbase and an interior inspired by the Charger. Available engines were a 335-hp, 383-cid wedge or a 425-hp 426 hemi. Heavy duty suspension was included and transmissions could be either the A-727 Torqueflite or A-833 four-speed manual with Hurst Competition-Plus shifter.

A hardtop coupe joined the introductory pillared model in 1969, along with a Six-Pack version of the 440-cid engine, making 390-hp. An air-induction hood, called “Ramcharger,” was optional.

This 1969 Super Bee was treated to a fresh restoration by its third owners, Jerry and Rickie Lane, along with significant engine upgrades. It has a 447-cid RB block, 10:1 Mopar Performance pistons, Mopar Performance solid lifter cam and adjustable rockers and 452 heads. The heads have been ported and fitted with oversize valves, and empty into Hooker competition headers. A Mopar steel crankshaft has been installed. Completely rebuilt in 2002, the engine has been dyno-tested at 520-hp.

Finished in Jade Green, it has the Ramcharger lift-off hood with display stands. The undercarriage has been extensively powder-coated, the brake lines are stainless steel, and it has a 1-1/4 inch sway bar and polyester bushings. The four-speed transmission has a pistol-grip shifter, and the rear axle is a 4.11 limited slip unit.

Fewer than 28,000 Super Bees were built in 1969, just a fraction of the more than 84,000 Road Runners over at Plymouth. The Road Runner had won the sales race, but the Super Bee held the edge for panache. This Super Bee is certainly a car unto itself, never to be duplicated.