— Fully restored former street racer
— “A34” factory Super Track Pac option
— 1-of-21 HEMI® engine-powered 4-speed hardtop Super Bees
The 1970 Coronet series received a facelift for the new model year, incorporating a rather distinctive front end, featuring twin wrap-a-round bumpers with separate grilles. Love it or hate it, the styling of the front end of the 1970 Coronet was not something easily forgotten! These B-body cars were intermediate-sized and the Super Bee model was one of the performance versions of the Coronet line, the other being the R/T, which was more of an upscale performance car.
E74 = FACTORY HEMI ENGINE
When this Super Bee was ordered, the HEMI engine option was checked off, a well-worth addition of $848.45! The power output was listed at 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque listed at 490 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The 426-cube engine and its hemispherical combustion chambers was basically a race engine that was de-tuned for street duty, and thus fitted with 10.28:1 compression pistons, much lower than the 12.5:1 compression ratio of the 426 race HEMI engines of the 1960s.
RAMCHARGER INDUCTION
Using the famous “Ramcharger” name (based from the group of Chrysler engineers that got together in the early 1960s and campaigned drag race cars) all HEMI engine-equipped Super Bees (and R/Ts) in 1970 model year came with this N96 fresh-air package as standard equipment, incorporating twin scoops and with a lever handle under the dash for opening and closing air flow.
SUPER BEE HARDTOP
The ’70 Coronet Super Bee ran on a 117-inch wheelbase and this example featured a white vinyl top, with “FK5” Dark Burnt Orange paint, featuring white “C” stripes. This was the last year for the Coronet-based Super Bee model, with the ’71 version based on the Charger platform. When this car was ordered, the A34 Super Track Pac was selected, a $235.65 option that included 4.10:1 rear gears, fitted inside the large 9 3/4-inch diameter Dana 60 rear axle. That option package also included power front disc brakes and a 25-inch radiator with shroud.
THESE NUMBERS TELL ALL
The fender tag has the specific details about how this Super Bee rolled off the assembly line: N96 (air scoop Ramcharger hood), A34 (Super Track Pac), FK5 (Dark Burnt Orange Metallic), E74 (426 cid engine), D21(manual 4-speed transmission).
CHARGER INSTRUMENT PANEL STANDARD
Super Bee models came standard equipment with the Charger dash, promoting the performance image with the full instrumentation. This particular car came with the optional N85 tachometer, which included a clock in its dial. Another factory option shown here, the S-81 three-spoke wood-grained wheel, which has a stainless-steel spider. As part of the 4-speed manual transmission choice, it came with the Hurst Pistol Grip shifter handle.
V6W = WHITE LONGITUDINAL SIDE STRIPES
There were two stripe options on 1970 Super Bees, the wrap-a-round Bumblebee being standard, and alternate “C-stripe” arrangement. In both cases, they were available in five colors: White, Black, Red, Green Blue.
ONE-YEAR BODY DESIGN
The total sales of the 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee hardtop hit 11,540, with 3,966 additional Super Bee coupe, which had fixed rear side window glass. This feature car was set up for serious performance with the chosen HEMI engine, 4-speed and low rear gearing (4.10:1). However, it wasn’t a stripped-down model beyond the “go-fast” components as it did come factory equipped with power steering, AM/FM radio, vinyl top, remote-control driver’s side mirror and passenger’s side mirror.
DUAL INLINE CARTER AFB CARBURETORS
The correct Carter AFB (Aluminum Four Barrel) 4-barrels were retained, restored to original condition (front # 4742S, rear # 4745S) and each was rated a 625 cfm, electric chock (rear), mounted atop the factory aluminum intake manifold.
IMPECCABLY RESTORED TO EVERY DETAIL
Close visual inspection of this rare HEMI engine-powered 4-speed Super Bee hardtop reveals the extreme detail that went into all aspects! The Rallye Road Wheels, the correct F-60 – 15 Polyglas GT rubber, pristine emblems, correctly labeled plug wires, markings, everything!
PECULIAR FRONT END STYLING
Without question, the studio that designed this new-for-1970 Coronet dual-loop grille arrangement provided a very untraditional look! For a performance look, the Super Bee grilles were blacked-out for added distinction. The twin scoops were standard on HEMI engine-powered cars, connected to the underhood Ramcharger fresh air system.
STREET RACER BACK IN THE DAY
When the car was found, it was still in “street racer” trim, which included lightweight Cragar “Super Trick” spun-aluminum wheels, drag slicks, headers, Lakewood scatter shield and aftermarket plug wires. A good “survivor” car, this HEMI engine-powered Super Bee had seen a few different owners over the years, and thankfully was still very much intact. With just 38,000 miles on the odometer, it was the perfect candidate for a quality restoration.
RESTORATION PROCESS
To say this restoration was intense is a major understatement. The engine, the driveline, the paint, the suspension, everywhere you look, it’s evident that great care and attention to detail was given in the process. Perfection!
Author: James Maxwell