The Plymouth Barracuda, born on April Fool’s Day 1964, was a pioneer in the burgeoning pony car market. However, its early success was overshadowed by the Ford Mustang, which quickly became the iconic face of the genre.
Despite facing stiff competition from rivals like the Camaro, Firebird, Javelin, and eventually its own Dodge sibling, the Challenger, the Barracuda persisted for two generations. In 1970, the Barracuda underwent a significant transformation, adopting the new E-body platform shared with the Dodge Challenger.
This move marked a turning point for the model, as it gained a more muscular and aggressive stance. Unfortunately, both the Barracuda and Challenger would ultimately meet their demise in 1974. While the Challenger would later be revived, the Barracuda remains a beloved and sought after classic, its legacy solidified by its unique history and distinctive design.
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, a quintessential muscle car, has long been revered as the pinnacle of automotive performance. Among these iconic vehicles, the convertible models are particularly sought after and command significantly higher prices due to their rarity and desirability.
Plymouth’s 1970 model year saw a total production of 48,867 units, including 666 examples equipped with the legendary 426 V8 engine. Of these 666, only 5 were convertibles, making them incredibly rare and valuable collector’s items. The remaining 661 were hardtops, further emphasizing the exclusivity of the convertible models.
One such Hemi Cuda convertible is set to cross the auction block at Mecum Las Vegas this weekend. This particular example is a fully restored, matching-numbers car with a 425-horsepower 426 V8 engine, a Torqueflite automatic transmission, and a Dana 60 rear end with a 4.10 gear ratio. While the interior is not original, it is factory-correct and beautifully executed.
The car’s original broadcast sheet is still in possession of the current owner, providing valuable information about its history and specifications. Although the fender tag is missing, the Rallye Red paint is confirmed to be the original factory color.
Given the rarity and desirability of 1970 Hemi Cuda convertibles, this example is expected to fetch a substantial price at auction.
While the average value for hardtop models is around $220,000, the record breaking sale of Nicolas Cage’s former Hemi Cuda for $605,000 last January highlights the potential for these extraordinary vehicles to command extraordinary prices.
