The 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda remains one of the best-known cars of the muscle car era for a good reason. A radical restyling from its previous A-body roots, the E-Body platform represented a big leap forward for Plymouth and the HEMI Cuda is an extremely well-endowed example. The HEMI Cuda was created for a mere two years, and owning one is a status symbol to this day. With a meticulous restoration done by the late Dave Walden, this car is believed to have had the highest MSRP of any Cuda hardtop delivered in 1970 with a sticker price that exceeded $5,500.
Of course, the highest of those options was the 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 engine, which in this case was topped by the just-released Shaker hood scoop. That scoop feeds copious air to the dual Carter AFB carbs and heads placed atop an engine with 10.25:1 compression, the NASCAR-style heavy-duty reciprocating assembly, and the new-for-1970 hydraulic cam layout. Dual exhaust with an H-pipe ends in chrome tips through the rear valance. This car has the A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and the A36 Performance Axle with 3.55 Sure Grip gears. When built, it received heavy-duty E-body HEMI suspension parts, plus power steering and power front disc brakes as well. These options alone tacked on more than $1,250 to the base $3,164 Cuda model price.
The flawless paint is stunning X9 Black Velvet with a matched black top and a gorgeous Saddle Tan interior with leather front bucket seats. Inside is an amazing group of components including power windows, a rear defogger, a three-spoke rim-blow steering wheel, a six-way driver’s seat, a console with floor shifter, A01 Light Group, a Rallye instrument group with tach and clock, an AM/FM radio with optional dual rear speakers.
Meanwhile, the exterior was dressed out with the rear-mounted aerodynamic spoiler, tinted glass, dual chrome mirrors, road lamps, a Shaker hood with pins, and the exclusive Cuda rocker moldings. The final touches were 15-inch Rallye road wheels and a set of Goodyear Polyglas GT white-letter tires that were wrapped in plastic from the time the restoration was completed until late 2022.
This car’s accolades include an OE-certified Gold Certificate, and a window sticker and broadcast sheet included in this sale. Following Walden’s unexpected illness, this car was purchased from his family and has never been offered at auction since the painstaking restoration effort was completed. Well documented, in a color combination rarely seen, and coming with a very long list of extensive options adding to its desirability, this “very best” HEMI Cuda is ready for the very best ownership.
The car is scheduled to cross the auction block on Friday, January 13th, 2023. For more information on the car or the bidding process, you can visit Mecum.com.
1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda in Black Velvet Image Gallery:
Source: Mecum
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