1970 HEMI ’CUDA: This Matching-Numbers Holy Grail of Muscle Cars is Offered With No Reserve

August 20, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

This 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda has all its original sheet metal, matching-numbers original drivetrain, 4-speed manual transmission and factory documentation – and will be selling with No Reserve during the 2020 Fall Auction.

Owning a HEMI ’Cuda is a dream that only a few muscle car lovers will ever experience due to their rarity. Many feel the HEMI ’Cuda is the Holy Grail, and it certainly has earned its place in the annals of muscle cars with its iconic shape, limited production and tire-shredding power.

The Motor City-born brawler proved its mettle on the racetrack. A report on the new 426 HEMI ‘Cuda in the May 1970 issue of Motor Trend magazine said they recorded a HEMI ’Cuda doing 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds during their test. Their quarter-mile time was 14 seconds at 102 mph.

Only 652 1970 HEMI ’Cuda hardtops were built, and just 14 convertibles were sold in the U.S. market (three were also built for sale in Canada, and one other convertible was sent overseas). According to Mopar expert David Wise, Plymouth built 284 4-speed HEMI ’Cudas for 1970.

Here is the chance to own your dream. Barrett-Jackson is delighted to offer an exceptionally rare and magnificent 1970 HEMI ’Cuda with No Reserve as part of the special Fall Auction, October 22-24 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

This street brawler was ordered for maximum performance and was built on April 8, 1970. It is one of those aforementioned 284 that features not only the legendary Street HEMI, but also an A833 New Process Gear 4-speed manual transmission with the famous pistol-grip Hurst shifter and a Super Track Pak axle package. It also has the famous “Shaker” hood. The R -Code 426 Street HEMI was a hefty $871.45 option for the muscular ’Cuda sport coupe, which had a base price of $3,164. New for 1970 on the Gen II street HEMI was an updated hydraulic-lifter camshaft, and the mighty “Elephant” exhales through a set of high-flow cast-iron exhaust manifolds feeding a dual exhaust and exiting out the rear valence panel with chrome tips. The HEMI offers 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 490 ft/lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm

Finished in Rallye Red, this matching-numbers ’Cuda – which still retains its original sheet metal – lays its power to the road via the Dana 60 Series axle with 4.10:1 gear ratio. A set of 15-inch steel wheels were painted in the identical Rallye Red color and wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas GT F60-15 tires finished with dog-dish hubcaps. Inside is the original luxurious white and black interior complete with white vinyl bucket seats with a leather insert, overhead console and a Music Master AM radio.

This ’Cuda underwent a complete, documented, no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration in 2018 and features 33,000 original miles. It is accompanied by a copy of its original Chrysler Broadcast Sheet confirming original equipment. The all-important Trim Tag has been decoded.

A HEMI ’Cuda like this ‒ with all its original sheet metal, matching-numbers original drivetrain, 4-speed manual transmission and factory documentation – is a rare find indeed. This is an incredible opportunity to own an exceptional example of one of the most coveted and iconic muscle cars of all time.

To register to bid on this and other vehicles at the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Fall Auction, click HERE.