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American Muscles | Episode 10 – Dodge Super Bee
Dodge Super Bee
Words Christian Parodi / Photos Garage Kept Motors
I recently had the opportunity to drive a proper beast, a 1969 Dodge Super Bee A-12, and I have to say it was an experience I won’t ever forget. It’s simply and ferociously brutal, just as I imagined, actually much more. Equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8 engine and an upgraded suspension system, the Dodge Super Bee A-12 is designed to burn down the road with unrivaled power. As I stepped on the throttle, I could feel the throaty roar of the engine and its crushing power on my back. I was scared, I’m honest.
A little back-history: the Super Bee was introduced in 1968 as Dodge’s response to the growing demand for high-performance muscle cars. The name “Super Bee” was inspired by the famous Looney Tunes cartoon, “Speedy Gonzales”, which had a recurring phrase “¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!” which means “Let’s go! Let’s go! Hurry! Hurry!” in Spanish. This name perfectly captured the essence of a muscle car capable of delivering heart-stopping performance. The Dodge Super Bee A-12 was equipped with a 440 Six Pack V8 engine with three double-barrel carburetors. This powerful power unit was capable of delivering up to 390 horsepower, making the Super Bee A-12 one of the most powerful muscle cars of the time. Thanks to this power, the A-12 could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds, offering a thrilling and adrenaline-filled driving experience.
When I stepped hard on the gas, during a short but intense test drive, I was catapulted forward with a force that left me breathless. The acceleration was so intense that I could feel my body pressed against the seat with impressive force. The car’s handling was surprisingly good for a car of that period. Despite its size and weight, the Super Bee A-12 handled corners well and responded promptly to the driver inputs, making it effective even by today’s standards. The driving experience is a mix of adrenaline and power, but the icy shiver that goes up your spine with every acceleration is something impossible to find on a modern sports car. The Super Bee is emotion in the wild and then it is also aesthetically perfect. For me it’s the best in the game.
… to be continued
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