At the point when Chrysler patched up the B-body stage for 1971, the two-entryway Dodge Coronet model, which had filled in as the establishment for the Super Bee, was exorcized from the arrangement. Instead of let a decent muscle vehicle name go to squander, Dodge relocated it to the Charger, where it served one last year as a more efficient exhibition section, opened beneath the top-line R/T.
Just 5,054 Super Bees were inherent its last year and this Bright Blue Metallic 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee is one of 69 worked with the 440 Six Pack, programmed transmission and 4.10-outfitted Dana pivot, as per the dealer.
It supposedly has a known history, right back to its first proprietor, and it was beforehand essential for Otis Chandler’s milestone muscle vehicle assortment. It was additionally recently claimed by professional grappler Paul Wight (a.k.a. “The Big Show”) and highlighted on the December 1987 front of MoPerformance magazine.
POWERTRAIN
According to the seller, this ’71 Super Bee retains its numbers-matching 440 Six Pack engine. Its rebuilt history is unknown, but it is said to start easily and without smoke. The seller notes it is a “good running” engine that “never runs hot.”
There are no reported leaks with it, either. It is paired with a non-original TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic that is believed to be from 1968 or ’69 production. It is said to “shift great,” but has a small leak. A Sure Grip-equipped, 4.10-geared Dana 60 rear axle rounds out the drivetrain combination, as part of the available Super Track Pak. It also has the correct 26-inch radiator and fan shroud.
EXTERIOR
The exterior wears a respray of the original “B5” Bright Blue Metallic paint, which was reportedly done in 2009. Bodywork at the time included some rust repair of the lower rear rocker panels. The seller reports the paintwork remains in very good condition, with a couple of paint chips on the body-color front elastomeric bumper.
The glass is also said to be in very good condition, with no cracks or scratches, while the window seals are reported to be in “excellent” condition, with no known leaks. The headlights and taillights are said to work normally, but the backup lamps do not. Additional exterior features include a body-color rear bumper, front and rear spoilers, tinted glass, left and right painted racing mirrors, and 15 x 7-inch Rallye wheels with trim rings.
INTERIOR
This Bee’s black vinyl interior appears to be in very good condition, with minimal visible wear and seat covers, carpet and the headliner in “excellent,” condition, according to the seller. There are no apparent cracks or splits in the dash pad or door panels. All of the lights and gauges are said to work normally, as does the original door buzzer and AM/FM radio. Additionally factory equipment and options include a rear speaker, bucket seats and console.
CHASSIS
The chassis and restoration have reportedly been maintained to factory specifications, with equipment including power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes. The seller reports the car “drives straight, with no shaking.” Also, there are no known leaks with the power steering system, while the front brakes have “newer” pads and rotors. The seller also reports the trim rings on the Rally wheels show some wear and that the wheels themselves are wrapped with new reproduction Polyglas tires that have approximately 300 miles on them.
DOCUMENTATION
This vehicle will be sold on a clean Florida title in the seller’s name. Additional paperwork includes a 2010 “Wise” report that rated the car in #2 condition, along with letters from previous owners, a copy of the title from Paul Wight’s ownership, and a copy of the 1987 MoPerformance issue in which it was featured on the cover.
As one of the last true muscle cars, the 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee helped close out an important era of factory high-performance. This example’s notable provenance and rare 440 Six Pack along with its Super Track Pak equipment further distinguish it as a Mopar with purpose.
