The 1969 Dodge Super Bee A12 was a midyear performance package that paired a 440-cubic-inch V8 with three two-barrel carburetors and serious chassis hardware. Its appeal was not just the engine: the package combined a Dana 60 Sure-Grip axle, 4.10 gears, black steel wheels and a distinctive lift-off fiberglass hood with the Super Bee’s value-conscious identity.
What does A12 mean on a 1969 Super Bee?
A12 identifies the 1969 440 Six Pack engine-conversion package in the 1969 Registry’s code reference. The Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet; a historical overview describes it as Dodge’s lower-priced muscle car alongside the Plymouth Road Runner, with the 440 six-pack arriving midway through the 1969 model year. 1969 Registry code reference Historical overview
The A12’s defining feature was a 440-cu.-in. RB-series overhead-valve V8 fitted with three Holley two-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake. Classic Muscle’s profile, last reviewed July 15, 2026, gives the factory rating as 390 hp at 4,700 rpm and 490 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. Those are source-reported specifications; period Dodge AMA specification sheets are available as a useful factory-era reference for verification. Classic Muscle A12 profile Automotive History Preservation Society: 1969 Dodge AMA specifications
1969 Super Bee A12 specifications and equipment
| Item | A12 specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 440-cu.-in. RB-series OHV V8; three Holley two-barrel carburetors on an aluminum intake |
| Factory-rated output | 390 hp at 4,700 rpm and 490 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm, as listed by Classic Muscle’s profile reviewed July 15, 2026 |
| Transmission choices | A833 four-speed manual or heavy-duty 727 TorqueFlite automatic, as listed by Classic Muscle |
| Rear axle | Dana 60 Sure-Grip with 4.10 gears |
| Chassis and brakes | Heavy-duty suspension and 11-inch drum brakes, as listed by Classic Muscle |
| Wheels and tires | 15 x 6-inch black steel wheels and G70-15 redline tires, as listed by Classic Muscle |
| Hood | Flat-black fiberglass lift-off hood secured with pins |
| Body styles | WM21 two-door coupe or WM23 two-door hardtop |
The black hood, steel wheels and three-carburetor induction gave the car a purposeful look, but the package’s meaning lies in the combination: a large-displacement engine, steep gearing and heavy-duty components. Classic Muscle says disc brakes, air conditioning and cruise control were not offered with the package; check factory documentation for a particular build rather than assuming every surviving car has its original configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- 1/24 scale diecast model measuring 8x3x3 inches
- Openable doors, hood and detail interior, rubber tires
- not a RC, not battery operated
How many 1969 A12 Super Bees were built?
Classic Muscle reports 1,907 U.S. A12 Super Bees, attributing the registry figure to Hemmings and Hot Rod. Its breakdown is 420 WM21 coupes and 1,487 WM23 hardtops; it also reports 1,093 four-speed cars and 814 automatics. The profile cautions that Canadian and export records are not consistently included, so this is a reported U.S. registry total, not an uncontested worldwide factory count. Classic Muscle A12 production figures
How to identify and authenticate an A12
Start with the VIN and fender tag, then corroborate the claim with documentation and component evidence. The Registry’s code tables identify M in the fifth VIN position as the special-order engine code that includes the 440 Six Pack, and A12 as the conversion-package code. They also decode 21 as coupe and 23 as hardtop. The WM model-line identifier is associated with the Coronet line used for the Super Bee. 1969 Registry code reference
Rank #2
- 1/24 scale measuring approx 8x3x2.75 inches
- Made of diecast metal, with plastic parts and rubber tires
- Openable doors and hood
- Check the VIN. Look for the M engine code in the fifth position; a VIN is an identity clue, not proof that the car retains its original drivetrain.
- Read the fender tag. Look for A12 and confirm that the body-style code matches the claimed coupe or hardtop.
- Seek factory and ownership records. A broadcast sheet and ownership history can help establish how the car was built and what has changed.
- Compare component evidence. Check body stampings, engine and transmission numbers, and axle evidence against the car’s documentation.
A flat-black hood, black wheels, stripes, badges or six-barrel induction can be added to another car, so appearance alone does not establish factory A12 identity. For detailed period specifications, the Automotive History Preservation Society lists 1969 Dodge AMA sheets covering the Coronet, Super Bee and Charger. 1969 Dodge AMA specification sheets
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What auction results can—and cannot—tell you
Classic Muscle records a $62,000 high bid with reserve not met on September 26, 2024; that car did not sell at that bid. The same profile lists completed sales of $264,000 on January 13, 2024, $86,900 on April 1, 2023, and $154,000 on January 12, 2023. These are individual auction observations involving cars with different condition, equipment, restoration and documentation—not a current price guide or a reliable value range. Classic Muscle auction records
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Best Value
- Official licensed product
- 1/27 scale diecast model measuring 7.5x3x2.5 inches
- Openable doors, hood and detail interior, rubber tires
- fully assembled, not a building kit, not a RC, not battery operated
- Ships in factory window box, sold by All Star Toys
Rank #4
- Limited edition. Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has steerable wheels. Officially licensed product. Has opening hood and doors. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment. Dimensions approximately L-10.5, W-4, H-3 inches.
Rank #3
- CLASSIC MUSCLE FOR EXPERIENCED MODELERS: MPC's 1/25 scale 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee is great project for any experienced modeler who likes 70's muscle cars. Add it to your collection today!
- FEATURE PACKED: The 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee kit features details like 440 six-pack 390hp V-8 engine, twin hood scoops, detail interior, 2 rim options and pad-printed vinyl tires. Kit also includes ALL-NEW decals and vintage-style packaging.
- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale. 149 parts. 8.25" long. Parts molded in white with chrome plastic, clear parts, clear red parts and black vinyl tires. Skill level 2 – Suggested for modelers age 14+ PAINT AND GLUE REQUIRED.
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