This 1970 Dodge Super Bee was abandoned in Oregon by its owner, reportedly while fleeing from law enforcement.
The car was left on a rural farm in 1983, where it remained untouched for decades. It wasn’t until 40 years later that the Dodge was rediscovered.
Now, the team who found it is working to bring it back to life. Jeremy, from the YouTube channel Shade Tree Vintage Auto, came across this forgotten Dodge Super Bee on an Oregon farm last year.
He shared its fascinating backstory, revealing it had once belonged to a fugitive who abandoned the car during a run from the authorities.
The vehicle was simply left behind and went unattended for four decades until Jeremy stumbled upon it.
Surprisingly, despite being exposed to the elements for so long, the Dodge remained in relatively good condition.It’s not the only classic car to survive years of neglect outdoors.
For example, a Dodge Challenger 340 gleamed after its first wash in 40 years, and a 1969 Super Bee looked remarkable even after spending years in hiding.
Abandoned Dodge Super Bee Found in Oregon After 40 Years
Though the Dodge’s original factory paint had faded and some areas showed damage, it was far from a rusted-out shell.
The interior, while worn, had also held up reasonably well. Mechanically, the car still featured its stock 383 cubic-inch naturally aspirated V8 engine.
After a few attempts and some minor tweaks, Jeremy managed to get the engine running again.
What Happened to the Muscle Car?
Spending 40 years off the road was no small feat, and bringing the Dodge Super Bee back to full functionality required much more than standard maintenance.
The car had issues with its air filters, fuel gauges, and persistent oil leaks that needed addressing.
After extensive work, Jeremy restored the vehicle and gave it a new lease on life. However, restoring it required swapping out the original 383 engine for an upgraded 440 cubic-inch block.
With a refreshed transmission and newly installed brakes, this iconic muscle car is once again hitting the road. Considering its colorful history, this Dodge Super Bee is an extraordinary barn find.
Interestingly, it’s not the only muscle car with a fugitive connection. A 1969 Corvette 427 was similarly hidden to evade the police, and three Dodge Challengers were locked away after multiple encounters with the law.
