The Auto Archaeologist also uncovers a few other Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars in desperate need of restoration and a return to the streets.
Fortunately for YouTubers like Ryan Brutt and his YouTube channel Auto Archeology, there’s a never-ending supply of out-of-the-way barns containing epic classic cars. In his latest video, Brutt visits one such place in Missouri, which houses a treasure trove of Mopar muscle cars from the 1960s.It’s a brief but worthwhile look at mostly Dodges from the 1960s, including a very rare 1969 Dodge A12 Super Bee. Brutt’s access within the barn is somewhat limited, so viewers will have to settle for quick glances at these unique finds. But lovers of original Mopar muscle will find more than enough to whet their whistles.
Explaining The Uniqueness Of The Dodge A12 Super Bee EngineBrutt casually mentions that the 1969 Dodge Super Bee in front of him is an A12 variant. However, he doesn’t dive into the details beyond mentioning its six-pack (three, dual carburetors) configuration. This is an uncommon car that some Mopar fans may not know.
Introduced in February 1969 (and giving the car a 1969.5 designation), Dodge launched the A12 edition with a potent 440 cubic-inch V8 instead of the 383 that served many Dodge Coronet muscle cars that year.But this was no ordinary 440, it came from the Dodge Coronet R/T. Engineers added an Edelbrock aluminum intake and the six-pack carburetor setup giving the A12 Super Bee 390 hp (over the 375 hp from the stock 440). Other interior upgrades include a new camshaft and beefier connecting rods.
Exploring More About The 1969.5 Dodge A12 Super Bee
Other distinguishing features of the A12 Dodge Super Bee include a hingeless fiberglass hood in place of the steel unit. Four pins secured the lightweight piece, which came with a prominent hood scoop. At some point, the owner cleverly personalized this Dodge by adding a “RAM-bunctious 440” moniker to the hood scoop.
Given the budget focus of the Dodge Super Bee, it’s unsurprising to see a basic bench seat in the cabin. This Dodge pushed horsepower, not luxury, although bucket seats were optional.
However, every A12 had rally gauges, including a 150 mph speedometer. The A12 variant never reached 1970 and Dodge only produced 1,907 Six Pack Super Bees.Other Drool-Worthy Mopar Muscle Cars
Brutt teases Mopar fans with more Dodge and Plymouth muscle despite being covered in dust. A 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II and 1968 Dodge Dart, both without engines, stand guard at the barn’s entrance.
Meanwhile, buried in a far corner is another engineless wonder, a 1971 Dodge Charger R/T that left the factory with a six-pack 440 and a four-speed gearbox. Nearby, a pair of 1969 Dodge Coronet hardtops and another 1969 Dodge Super Bee stand ready for restoration.
Hopefully, someone is able to bring all of these neglected Mopar classics back to their former glory.
