Is a Dodge Coronet a super bee?
No—the Super Bee is not a separate Dodge Coronet model; it is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Coronet offered as a factory performance package from 1968 through 1970. This article explains how the two relate, when the Super Bee existed, and how to tell them apart.
Dodge Coronet: the base model
Understanding the Coronet helps clarify what the Super Bee sits on. The Coronet was Dodge’s full-size flagship, available in multiple trims and configurations over the years, and it served as the foundational chassis for several performance variants.
Key points about the Coronet lineup:
- Platform: built on Dodge's B-body full-size chassis, shared with other Mopar models of the era
- Trim range: ranged from basic fleet and family seats to higher-spec variants like the R/T and other performance packages
- Era and evolution: the Coronet evolved through multiple generations, remaining a staple in Mopar’s lineup during the 1960s and early 1970s
- Identification: standard Coronet badges and trim level designations mark the base model unless a performance package is added
In short, the Coronet is the baseline car, and the Super Bee appears as a performance-focused option on that same platform.
Super Bee: the performance variant of the Coronet
From 1968 to 1970, Dodge offered the Super Bee as a factory performance package on the Coronet. It turned a regular Coronet into a more muscular, more visually distinctive version without creating a separate model name outside the Coronet line.
What distinguished the Super Bee from a standard Coronet:
- Engine options: available with high-performance powertrains, including a 383 V8 (and, in some configurations, larger or more powerful engines such as the 426 Hemi) to boost performance
- Styling cues: distinctive “Super Bee” graphics, decals, fender badges, and aggressive exterior styling cues like hood scoops
- Suspension and brakes: performance-oriented tuning typical of Mopar performance packages to improve road behavior
- Production years: primarily 1968, 1969, and 1970, aligning with Mopar’s late-60s muscle-car era
Thus, the Super Bee is a performance package applied to the Coronet, not a standalone Dodge model in its own right.
Identification cues: telling a Super Bee apart from a plain Coronet
For collectors and enthusiasts, certain visual and badge cues help distinguish a Super Bee from a standard Coronet.
- Bee emblems and Super Bee badging on the exterior
- Hood design with scoops or ram-air styling associated with performance variants
- Side graphics or stripe packages featuring “Super Bee” lettering
- Seat and interior trim options that may reflect performance-oriented configurations
When these cues appear together with the underlying Coronet body, the vehicle is typically recognized as a Super Bee rather than a plain Coronet.
Summary
The Dodge Super Bee is not a separate car from the Dodge Coronet; it is a high-performance variant offered on the Coronet’s platform during the late 1960s (primarily 1968–1970). The Super Bee combined stronger powertrains, distinctive styling, and performance-focused options to create a muscle-car variant within the Coronet lineup. Understanding this relationship helps enthusiasts correctly identify cars, evaluate VINs and trim codes, and appreciate Mopar’s muscle-car history.
How much is a 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee worth?
The value of a 1970 Dodge Super Bee varies significantly based on its condition and original engine, but can range from approximately $30,000 to over $100,000, with the average price for a good condition car around $48,700. Rare configurations like the 440 Six-Pack or 426 HEMI can be worth much more, with some recent sales exceeding $170,000 for exceptional examples.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A fully restored or highly original car in excellent condition will command a much higher price than a project car.
- Engine: The 440 Six-Pack and 426 HEMI engines are the most valuable options. The standard 440 engine is also desirable.
- Options: Rarity of other factory options can impact the price.
- Market trends: The collector car market fluctuates, and specific auction results can provide a snapshot of recent activity.
Pricing examples
- Average condition: Approximately $48,700 for a good condition car with average specifications.
- High-end examples: Exceptional models, especially rare Hemi-powered or A12 versions, have sold for over $170,000 to $240,000 in recent years.
- Recent sales: As of late 2025, there have been numerous sales ranging from approximately $40,000 to $85,000 for well-maintained, but not necessarily the rarest, models.
Where to find a value
- Classic.com: This site tracks a wide range of sales data for Super Bees, providing an average sale price and recent auction results.
- Hagerty Valuation Tools: Hagerty provides valuation tools and data based on different condition levels, with a good condition 1970 Super Bee averaging around $48,700.
- Bring a Trailer and other auction sites: These sites are useful for seeing real-time sale prices for specific cars.
What is the Dodge Coronet the same as?
The new Coronet was a twin of the four-door Plymouth Satellite and featured more flowing styling. It was offered as a sedan and wagon, the related and also restyled Dodge Charger covering the coupe market.
What is Super Bee in Dodge?
A Dodge Super Bee is a mid-sized muscle car produced by Dodge, first released as a two-door coupe based on the Dodge Coronet from 1968 to 1971. It was known for being a high-performance, affordable muscle car that competed with the Plymouth Road Runner, featuring powerful V8 engines like the 383 Magnum or the optional 440 Six-Pack. The name is a play on the "B" body designation for Chrysler's mid-sized cars.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and features of the Dodge Super Bee: 52sDavid FreiburgerYouTube · Apr 24, 2025
Key features and history
- Original models: From 1968 to 1971, the Super Bee was built on the Coronet platform, with the 1971 model year transitioning to being an option on the Dodge Charger.
- Engine options: It was initially equipped with a 383 cubic inch V8 engine and later offered other powerful engines, including the 440 Six-Pack, which featured a matte-black fiberglass hood, according to HOT ROD Network and Hagerty.
- Performance and handling: The Super Bee was a street-oriented performance car that came with heavy-duty suspension and brakes. Some versions, particularly the A12 package, were built with drag strip performance in mind.
- Design: Its design was often highlighted by unique racing stripes, a distinct "Super Bee" badge, and a bumblebee tailstripe. The 1970 model year featured a refreshed look with a new grille and high-back bucket seats.
Modern versions
- "Last Call" editions: Dodge revived the Super Bee nameplate for a limited-edition, drag-strip-focused Charger model as part of the brand's "Last Call" lineup in 2023.
- Engine: These modern Super Bees are powered by the 392 Hemi V8 engine, which produces 485 horsepower.
- Performance features: They include unique features like adaptive dampers with a Drag Mode, lightweight brakes, and special wheels with drag radial tires, as noted by Hagerty Media and DodgeGarage.
Is a Dodge Super Bee a Coronet?
The original Dodge Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet two-door coupe, and was produced from 1968 until 1970.
