THE LEGEND! 1968 ,426 Hemi ,Dodge Super Bee
- Rob Barrett
- Dec 30, 2023
- 2 min read

The year 1968 marked a significant chapter in automotive history, particularly for muscle car enthusiasts, with the introduction of the powerful 426 Hemi engine and the birth of the Dodge Super Bee.
The 426 Hemi Engine:
The 426 Hemi, short for "Hemi-head," was a high-performance engine developed by Chrysler. It featured a hemispherical combustion chamber design, allowing for better airflow and combustion efficiency. The 426 Hemi had its roots in racing, where it demonstrated exceptional power and speed. In 1964, it made its debut on the NASCAR circuit, and its success led Chrysler to offer a detuned version for the public. In 1968, the engine was made available for street use, unleashing a new era of high-performance muscle cars.
The Birth of the Dodge Super Bee:
The Dodge Super Bee, introduced in 1968, was a direct response to the growing demand for powerful and affordable muscle cars. Based on the Dodge Coronet platform, the Super Bee was positioned as a no-frills, high-performance vehicle. It was designed to be a stripped-down, budget-friendly alternative to the pricier muscle cars of the time.
The Super Bee was available with various engine options, but it gained legendary status when paired with the mighty 426 Hemi. The combination of the Super Bee's lightweight design and the raw power of the 426 Hemi made it a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the drag strip. The Super Bee featured distinctive "Bumble Bee" stripes, a robust suspension system, and other performance-oriented features.
The 1968 Dodge Super Bee with the 426 Hemi became an icon of the muscle car era, embodying the spirit of high performance, speed, and a no-nonsense approach to driving. It remains a highly sought-after classic car today, cherished for its place in automotive history and its contribution to the golden age of American muscle cars. The 1968 Super Bee with the 426 Hemi is a symbol of the muscle car's heyday, representing a time when raw power and speed were paramount in the world of American automotive enthusiasts.
The 1968 Dodge Super Bee equipped with the 426 Hemi engine was a formidable muscle car with impressive performance figures for its time. The specific horsepower and 0-60 times can vary based on the specific configuration and any modifications made to the vehicle. Here are general estimates:
Horsepower:
- The 426 Hemi engine in the 1968 Super Bee was conservatively rated at 425 horsepower. However, it is widely believed that the actual output was higher, potentially exceeding 450 horsepower. The engine's hemispherical combustion chambers, high compression ratio, and other performance enhancements contributed to its exceptional power.
0-60 Times:
- The 0-60 mph acceleration time for the 1968 Dodge Super Bee with the 426 Hemi engine was quite impressive for its era. Generally, it is estimated to be in the low to mid-5-second range. Keep in mind that these are approximate figures, and actual performance can vary based on factors such as tire grip, road conditions, and specific vehicle setup.




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