Vehicle Description
These amazing, purpose-built 1969.5 Dodge Super Bee A12s have
finally become such A-list collectables that finding one you can
drive is getting tougher all the time. Kind of funny that a car
built for abuse on the track has become so valuable that nobody
takes them out to play anymore, but here's one that's cosmetically
gorgeous but still ready to get out and play.
First off, this is a real A12, as denoted by the 'M' as the fifth
digit in the VIN. The rest of the fender tag is a bit cryptic
because these cars were simply 383 Coronets pulled off the assembly
line and given a full makeover. But it's definitely legit. It was
original a code R4 Charger Red car, but when it was restored, it
was given a proper coat of Hemi Orange. Nothing else says
performance quite the same way and given the show-quality
workmanship, I don't think anyone is going to complain. All the
correct A12 hardware is there, though, including the butch
fiberglass lift-off hood, which offers just the right shade of
satin black, four hood pins, and proper "SIX PACK" decals that
aren't just there for show. Out back, you get a black bumblebee
stripe which really needs to be there on something called a "Super
Bee," but otherwise there's not much ornamentation. Sure, both
bumpers are nicer than anything coming out of the Hamtramck factory
in '69, and the unobtainable grille up front is in outstanding
condition, but the overall look is purposeful, not ornamental, and
that's what we like most.
Bench seats and nothing but the essentials were the recipe for the
A12's success on the track. If it didn't make the car go faster, it
wasn't installed, it was just that simple. This one was restored
with that philosophy in mind, and the use of original materials and
patterns gives it an honest look that celebrates simplicity and
purpose. The gauges are in excellent condition and give you a
fairly comprehensive view of the engine, although a tachometer was
still an option on the A12 cars. Yes, there's an AM radio plus heat
and defrost, but virtually no A12s were delivered without them, so
that's not a demerit (and you may actually prefer at least a few
creature comforts between �-mile passes). The trunk is neatly
finished with a correct plaid mat and a full-sized spare tire
assembly plus jack.
The heart of the A12 is a 440 cubic inch mill topped by the Six
Pack induction system. In the lightweight Super Bee, it was
formidable and in the hands of the right driver, usually faster
than even the mighty Hemi. This one has been rebuilt to stock specs
and includes the giant Six Pack air cleaner that seals itself to
the hood for a ram-air effect. Correct Hemi Orange paint,
reproduction clamps and hoses, and a heavy-duty 26-inch radiator
add to the A12 look under the hood. Power steering and brakes were
not available, so don't ask, and the exhaust manifolds are
beautifully finished. The chassis is very well finished, and aside
from some stainless mufflers, is completely stock. The 727
TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission is probably the best bet
if you want to win races and it's backed by a bulletproof Dana 60
with acceleration-happy gears inside. It even wears blacked-out
wheels without hubcaps, just as it did in 1969, as well as a set of
recent redline radials that look right but handle far better than
the old bias-plys.
So go ahead, spin the tires and rev the engine, the A12 was built
for it. It isn't friendly, but it's ready to rock and still strikes
fear into the hearts of your fellow motorists. Call today!
