Two American legends go head to head in yet another battle.
America is a land full of competition whether it's in the world of automotive manufacturing, racing, or modification cars seem to fit right within that attitude. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the drag strips of Detroit, natural rivals always form in an aggressive struggle to take the title of the best. This is best reflected when looking back at the first muscle car revolution in which cars across multiple brands went head to head grinding gears and throwing beers at the first hot rod to pull up to the light. Fortunately, in the age of the second muscle car revolution, we have technology on the side of the enthusiasts which allows us to capture these mini battles on camera for the world to see. This brings us to today’s race between two automotive legends including one of the rarest American muscle machines to date.
First up is a gorgeous 1969 GTO Judge which holds a massive 400 ci V8 which allegedly produces 370 horsepower. However, this engine was famously underrated as you could tune the carb to produce well over 400 horsepower. Another ridiculously cool part of that glorious V8 is the Ram Air IV which considerably reduces the numbers of these beasts still on the road to just 627. The torque spec is rated at a whopping 445 ft/lb which lets the car shoot off the line in raging fashion.
Our competitor is a buzzing Super Bee of the same year with the special A12 name accompanying it. Under the hood is a massive 440 ci V8 with three Holley two-barrel carburetors. This crazy powerhouse was rated at 390 horsepower and 490 ft/lbs of torque which, supposing the underrating rule applies to both cars, should make quick work of the Judge.
Of course, that is exactly what the Super Bee did as the two cars lined up for a throw-down that truly showed the difference between a GM car and a Mopar Muscle Monster. This came with a stunning 11.96 second quarter mile for the Bee and 12.11. We suppose that is what happens when you mess with the Bee, you get stung, Judge or not.
