As we are about to enter 2022, there is a new lineup of car auctions on the horizon. Mecum Auctions will kick off the new year, with a show in Kissimmee, Florida from January 6th to the 16th. With that being said, one of the stars set to cross the auction block is one of the most desired and rare Mopar muscle cars ever – the 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda convertible.
Just how rare is the 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda convertible? Only 14 examples were produced for the 1970 model year.
This particular E-Body crossing the auction block is said to be 1 of 3 HEMI Cuda convertibles exported to Canada. According to historians on the matter, it has been reported that of the 3 sent to Canada, 1 was destroyed and 2 others were delivered in the popular high-impact exterior color, Lemon Twist (FY1).
Mecum says that Legendary Motorcar in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada, recognized the importance of the car when it was originally brought to them. Under its direction, the Cuda benefited from an extensively thorough rotisserie restoration. Once the car was disassembled, the entire body was stripped down its bare metal, revealing that it had been preserved and still in a solid and excellent shape.
Every part was returned to its original form, with assembly-line markings and tags correctly reproduced throughout the engine bay and undercarriage. Even the original chrome parts were triple-plated, and the stainless components were professionally polished before the car was reassembled.
Under the hood, of course, is the legendary 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI E74 V8. The HEMI used 10.25:1 compression forged pistons, a race-bred reciprocating assembly, dual 4-barrel carburetors, massive-port cylinder heads, and a free-flowing dual exhaust that ends in chrome tips. It was underrated at 425 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft. of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a console-shifted Slap-Stik shifter operated A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission and Sure-Grip rear differential.
This particular car featured a lot of unique options, gone were the iconic “hockey stick” shaped decals on the side in favor of M25 body-sill moldings, M31 body-belt moldings, and M88 deck-molding treatments. A set of J45 hood pins, road lamps, and a black convertible top also highlight the options list.
Inside, the Cuda is highlighted by its Saddle Tan (H6T5) interior color. This rare package also features wood-grain accents, AM Music Master radio, front bucket seats, and interior-matched top boot.
Upon ordering the car, the original purchaser had the premium wheel design deleted in favor of body-colored 15-inch steel wheels with small-diameter hubcaps, and the HEMI-mandated F15-60 Goodyear Polyglas tires.
The car includes its original two broadcast sheets, owner’s manual, finance paperwork, pictures of the restoration, and previous registrations. The documentation alone upholds the car’s lineage.
To see more learn more about the auction, see more photos, or place a bid, you can visit the Mecum auction website. The car is part of the Shelton Collection at the auction, a collection that features a number of Cudas and Challengers.
1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Convertible in Lemon Twist Image Gallery:
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