Auto World Replicates Award-Winning 1969 Dodge Super Bee

When it comes to Mopar muscle, few cars turn heads quite like Dennis Herdsman’s 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee. Purchased back in 1996, this Super Bee has been a long-term labor of love, and it shows. In 2022, the car made waves at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN), earning the Brad Van Hemert Memorial Award—a recognition reserved for standout examples of originality and craftsmanship.

Now, Auto World is giving enthusiasts the chance to park their own version of this legendary Bee on the shelf, thanks to their upcoming 1:18 scale American Muscle Series release. Scheduled to arrive in August 2025 (with an estimated July ship date), this die-cast captures Herdsman’s blacked-out beauty in stunning detail.

A Super Bee That Buzzes With Originality – 

The real car is a numbers-matching masterpiece, powered by the 6.3-liter (383 cubic-inch) MAGNUM V8. Back in the day, that meant 335 horsepower and a stump-pulling 425 lb.-ft. of torque—plenty of muscle to back up the Bee’s bad-boy looks. Paired with a 4-speed manual and bench seats inside, this Super Bee is all about raw, old-school performance.

The exterior is just as memorable. Finished in Black (TX9), the car pops with a red Bumblebee stripe, dog dish hubcaps, redline tires, and dual hood scoops feeding the optional N96 “Ramcharger” hood system. The look is sinister, simple, and pure late-’60s Dodge attitude.

Auto World’s 1:18 Scale Tribute – 

Auto World’s die-cast version—part of their American Muscle Series—nails the details fans demand. The #AMM1347 release will feature:

• Opening doors, hood, and trunk

• A highly detailed interior finished in red, just like Herdsman’s car

• Real rubber tires mounted on black steel wheels with dog dish caps

• A fully detailed chassis

• Officially licensed Mopar badging

This isn’t just a toy—it’s a piece of Mopar history scaled down so collectors can appreciate it up close.

Why It Matters – 

The 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee was born as a working man’s muscle car—affordable, fast, and built with attitude. It offered the fun of Dodge’s big-block performance in a no-nonsense package. When Dodge added the hardtop body style that year and revised the front and rear styling, it gave the Bee even more bite. Throw in the Ramcharger hood option, and you had a street machine that could walk the walk.

Herdsman’s award-winning example embodies that spirit, and Auto World’s replica gives collectors the chance to own a piece of it without the million-dollar insurance policy.

If you’re a Mopar enthusiast, muscle car historian, or just love die-cast models, this one belongs in your collection. Come August 2025, the buzz around Auto World’s Super Bee is going to be loud.

The model is currently available for pre-order directly through the Auto World store for $115.49 USD, but we’ve also spotted it listed at several die-cast retailers for $104.99 USD.