In 1968, Chrysler unveiled two entry-level muscle cars, the Super Bee and the Road Runner. Both were based on the Dodge Coronet and Plymouth Belvedere, serving as stripped-down versions of the Charger and GTX, respectively.
Road Runner Dominance
The Road Runner quickly emerged as the more popular choice, outselling the Super Bee from 1968 to 1971 by a significant margin. The Road Runner boasted sales of nearly 176,000 units, while the Super Bee found homes for 56,202 units. Consequently, the Super Bee was discontinued in 1971, while the Road Runner continued production until 1974.
Similar to the Road Runner, the Super Bee achieved its best-selling year in 1969. Dodge sold approximately 27,800 Super Bee units during that year, marking it as a common classic, albeit with some variations in rarity based on specifications.
Rare Super Bee Versions
Among the Super Bee variants, the HEMI Super Bee stands out as the scarcest, with only 166 units sold. The A12 version, featuring the 3×2-barrel 440-cubic-inch V8, saw slightly more production, with 1,907 units. Notably, certain options could transform a seemingly common Super Bee into an exceptionally rare gem.
One such exceptional Super Bee is the Bright Green Poly example. Equipped with a 440 Six-Pack, this particular model is rarer than the average A12. Only 267 four-speed coupes like this were built. What makes it truly unique is that it’s the sole A12 known to be equipped with a factory green Mod Top option.
# FAQs
### FAQ 1: What is the Mod Top option?
The Mod Top was a vinyl top with a colored, floral pattern introduced in 1969 to attract a younger audience and more women into dealerships. It included a matching pattern for the seats and was available in various colors, usually matching the car’s paint scheme.
### FAQ 2: How rare is the Mod Top Super Bee?
The Mod Top Super Bee, especially in the Bright Green Poly variant, is exceptionally rare. It is the only A12 known to have been equipped with the factory green Mod Top option, making it a one-of-one gem.
### FAQ 3: Why was the Mod Top option discontinued?
The Mod Top option was discontinued in 1970 after Dodge and Plymouth combined sold fewer than 3,000 floral top cars. Despite its unique appearance, the option did not catch on, and the material used was prone to premature fading.
### FAQ 4: How valuable is the 1969 Bright Green Poly Super Bee?
The 1969 Bright Green Poly Super Bee recently crossed the auction block at Kissimmee 2024, fetching an impressive $264,000. Its rarity and finely restored condition contributed to its substantial value, surpassing even that of a 1969 HEMI Super Bee.
