Our featured car this week is a 1970 Dodge Super Bee 440 six-pack in top banana yellow. Do you know why they call these the Super Bee? Late ’60s and early ’70s were a wild time. I mean, you still had the psychedelic influence of music with lots of bright colors and in-your-face designs. And it’s obvious in the muscle cars of that era. We’re looking at this 1970 Super Bee painted in this bright top banana yellow color with a white interior and a white stripe on the back. It’s about as in-your-face as you can get, and it’s characteristic of what was going on back then.
The Story Behind the Super Bee
The Super Bee came out after the Plymouth Road Runner, but it shares the same platform. The Plymouth Road Runner was wildly successful with its own persona, the Road Runner cartoon character and all that jazz. Dodge wanted their own version of the Road Runner, so they looked at the Coronet platform and came up with a persona for the car. They designed the Super Bee name and the Super Bee logo. The logo is a B with goggles, a helmet, pipes, and big tires. This logo came from an earlier design for the Dodge scat pack.
The scat pack started in 1968 as a branding for all the super hot Dodge muscle cars, grouping them together. The Super Bee joined the scat pack, and the scat pack B logo itself was derived from the bumblebee stripe that Dodge put around the back of the car. So, this cartoon character kind of thing was really prevalent on this particular car.
The Eye-Catching Design
In terms of color, the yellow hue of the Super Bee perfectly matches the vibrant top banana yellow shade of the car. Taking a closer look, you’ll notice that the goggles on the Super Bee logo feature oblong openings that cleverly align with the headlight openings found in the grill. Surprisingly, according to Mopar’s documentation, these grille openings were actually designed to resemble bee wings.
What sets this car apart is the extensive branding found throughout its design. Every aspect of the Super Bee seemed to bear a brand name. As a 440 six-pack model, the six-pack itself became a distinct brand. The car also boasted a RAM charger air intake system integrated into the hood, complete with dual scoops that forcefully directed air into the engine. From the prominent logos to the smallest details, branding was prevalent in every corner of this remarkable vehicle.
The Super Bee stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and branding prevalent during that era. It showcases the level of thought and creativity put into every aspect of the car’s design, ensuring that it would leave a lasting impression on anyone who laid eyes on it.
Car Headlights
Car headlights play a crucial role in vehicle safety, providing visibility and illuminating the road ahead during low light conditions. With advancements in lighting technology, modern headlights offer enhanced performance and efficiency. One popular type of headlights is LED (Light Emitting Diode), known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. LED headlights produce a bright, focused beam that enhances visibility while consuming less power compared to traditional halogen bulbs. Additionally, LED headlights can be designed in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creative and stylish lighting designs that contribute to the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.
Another type of headlights gaining popularity is HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights. HID headlights use a high-voltage electrical charge to ignite a gas-filled bulb, producing a bright and intense light output. HID headlights are known for their longer lifespan and better visibility, making them a preferred choice for many drivers. These headlights emit a distinct bluish-white light that not only improves visibility but also adds a touch of modernity to the vehicle’s appearance.
Furthermore, adaptive headlights have become increasingly common in modern cars. These headlights utilize sensors and advanced technology to automatically adjust the beam pattern and direction based on the driving conditions. For example, adaptive headlights can swivel in the direction of a turn, providing better illumination of the road ahead when cornering. This feature enhances safety by ensuring optimal visibility in different driving scenarios and reduces the risk of accidents caused by limited visibility.
Under the Hood
Under the hood of the Super Bee is where all the action happens. It features a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower. The engine is equipped with the fabled 6-pack three two-barrel carburetor setup. To feed the engine with fresh air, the car has a RAM charger air intake system with scoops mounted on the hood. The air intake system is more than just a big plastic box; it has a cable actuated door system that opens, allowing fresh air to come in from the scoops.
The 440 six-pack engine in the Super Bee generates 390 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. With this power, the car is able to achieve quarter-mile times around thirteen seconds and zero to sixty times in the high six-second range. The real top banana Super Bee was the 426 Hemi version, but the 440 was almost as fast and cost about thirty percent less. This resulted in higher sales for the 440-equipped Super Bees.
Interior Features
Inside the Super Bee, you’ll discover a car that offers both comfort and style. The clean white interior and bucket seats create an inviting atmosphere, providing a pleasant and enjoyable driving experience. Surprisingly, unlike many other muscle cars, the Super Bee does not include a console. However, it compensates for this by featuring a remarkable pistol grip shifter. Considered one of the finest shifters in the muscle car world, the pistol grip handle on the Hurst shifter adds a sense of power and control as you navigate through the gears. It’s an exhilarating feeling that truly enhances the driving experience.
The interior of the Super Bee is equipped with several notable features. A 150 mile-an-hour speedometer takes a prominent position on the dashboard, allowing drivers to keep track of their speed with ease. Additionally, a combination of a clock and tachometer provides essential information about time and engine speed. An array of gauges is also present, including fuel, temperature, oil pressure, and alternator gauges, ensuring that drivers have vital insights into the car’s performance. Moreover, for added peace of mind, an oil pressure idiot light is located at the bottom of the dashboard, serving as a helpful indicator in case of any oil pressure issues.
The Super Bee’s interior is designed to strike a balance between comfort and functionality. The white-themed cabin creates a sense of elegance and sophistication, while the bucket seats provide ample support and comfort during long drives. The absence of a console not only contributes to the overall simplicity of the interior but also allows for easier movement within the car. The standout feature, however, remains the iconic pistol grip shifter. Its distinctive design and placement make it an absolute joy to use, adding a touch of excitement and engagement to every gear shift. With its thoughtfully designed interior, the Super Bee ensures that drivers not only enjoy the power of the engine but also feel comfortable and in control behind the wheel.
Rarity and Recognition
The Super Bee is not an incredibly rare car, with a total production of approximately 15,500 units. However, the hardtop 440 six-pack four-speed variant, like our featured car, is more unique, with only about 599 units produced. The combination of the bright yellow color and white interior makes it a car that turns heads at car shows and drag strips. It’s a visually striking machine that stands out from the crowd.
Conclusion
The 1970 Dodge Super Bee 440 6-Pack is a true muscle car icon of its time. With its in-your-face design, powerful engine, and unique branding, it embodies the spirit of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The Super Bee offers a thrilling driving experience and a visual spectacle that captures the essence of the era. Whether you’re a muscle car enthusiast or simply appreciate automotive history, the Super Bee is a car that demands attention and admiration.
