By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

Sometimes it’s not the nicest paint, shiniest chrome or the highest theoretical top speed that makes you cool. Sometimes it’s having something that money can’t buy that brings people in for a closer look, and completely turns their opinion on cars upside down. This 1970 Dodge Super Bee on Craigslist is a prime example of just that. She probably won’t be winning any show trophies anytime soon, and your average passerby will likely ask when you plan on painting it, but those in the know will certainly agree that this green survivor car is muscle car gold.

The muscle car’s best years had already passed by the time the 1970 models were hitting dealership floors, but you’d have a hard time believing it looking at Chrysler’s roster for 1970. The new E-body Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda were poised for success in the pony car and personal luxury markets, and the A-body Dart and B-body Charger and Road Runner all wore exciting new facelifts. But probably the most striking redesign for that year was the B-body Super Bee. Offered as an upgraded version of the low-buck Road Runner, the Super Bee could be had with any of Chrysler’s performance-oriented big-blocks from the 383 four-barrel up to the 426 Street Hemi. But the big news for 1970 was a completely revised appearance with softer lines and a lengthened front clip to support the new twin-loop bumper. Despite the swanky new look, Super Bee sales fell hard, down over 50% to just 15,506 units.

Considering relatively few Super Bees were built that year, and the hard use these cars would see on the streets, there aren’t too many twin-loop cars kicking around these days, and even fewer that haven’t been restored. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, this numbers-matching 383 four-barrel Bee is a stunning survivor in my opinion with a character all its own.

From the seller’s ad, we can tell this is a numbers-matching 383 four-barrel car, which means this baby would have been rated at 335 hp and 425 lb-ft from the factory. Pretty stout for the Super Bee’s base engine right? Gearshifts are handled by the New Process A833 four-speed manual transmission directed by Mopar’s iconic pistol-grip shifter. All together, the interior of this B-body is a sea of green and faux-wood tones that has likely seen more action over the years than a college dorm room, not to mention being twice the size as well.

Momma Mopar’s green theme continues on the exterior, where you’ll find what looks to be the remains of the original code F4 Light Green paint with the light green Super Bee C-stripe — what a combination! Of course the elements have worked their magic on the car’s original finish, which now has primer and raw steel shades bleeding through. The twin-loop bumper looks to be in great shape on the car, along with most of its other finishing details, including the rare power bulge hood. Undoubtedly some will find the black steel wheels and dog-dish caps to be a bit underwhelming, but I’m loving the combination on this charismatic muscle machine. Plus, those cheap Milestar tires are just begging for unrelenting burnout action.

Honestly, I love this car, and I love it exactly as it is. You could go out and find another twin-loop Bee, but you’ll never find another one quite like this. This car is ready to be enjoyed, leaned on and driven for another 50 years, and for that reason, I’m thoroughly envious of this car’s owner.

See the Super Bee here on Inland Empire Craigslist for $35,000.