Craig Jackson Takes His 1970 Plymouth HEMI® ‘Cuda To Jay Leno’s Garage

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Mopar enthusiasts are treated to a beautiful 1970 Plymouth HEMI® ‘Cuda convertible owned by Craig Jackson, the Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. Jackson is no stranger to rare and remarkable automobiles, but his Plum Crazy HEMI ‘Cuda holds a special place in his heart and muscle car history.

Dubbed “The Quintessential Muscle Car,” the 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda is a legendary vehicle that captures the essence of American muscle power. With its distinctive styling, potent performance, and limited production numbers, it’s a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The story of Craig Jackson’s acquisition of this beauty is as captivating as the car itself. During his visit to Leno’s Garage, Jackson shared how he stumbled upon the HEMI ‘Cuda and knew instantly that it was a must-have addition to his collection. It’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of the chase that resonates with anyone who has ever sought their dream car.

The iconic 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI® V8 engine is a true icon of American muscle. With its hemispherical combustion chambers and cross-flow valvetrain, this powerhouse delivered exceptional torque and horsepower, boasting figures upwards of 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.

HEMI ‘Cuda models have soared to unprecedented heights in the collector car market, commanding record-breaking prices that reflect their iconic status and rarefied allure. These legendary muscle cars, particularly coveted examples from the 1970 model year, have consistently fetched astronomical sums at auctions such as Barrett-Jackson and Mecum.

The real highlight of the episode is when Jay and Craig take the Plum Crazy HEMI-powered muscle car out for a drive around the canyons of Los Angeles. With its throaty exhaust note, the HEMI ‘Cuda convertible sounds epic. For Jackson, it was a chance to relive the glory days of muscle car culture and share his passion with one of the most renowned automotive enthusiasts in the world.