Alright, Mopar fans—this is one you don’t want to miss. Crossing the block at Mecum Harrisburg 2025 on July 26th is a true unicorn: the first 1970 Plymouth Cuda Convertible ever built with the legendary 440+6 V8. Known as Serial No. 4, this Alpine White beast is a pilot car—making it not just rare, but one of the most historically significant E-body convertibles ever made.
This exact car first showed up at Mecum Kissimmee 2025 back in January, where it didn’t meet reserve. But with muscle car fever still going strong, its second shot at auction glory is coming up fast—and collectors are watching closely.
Let’s talk history. When Plymouth launched the Cuda as a standalone model in 1970, it was meant to be a full-on muscle machine. Built on the all-new E-Body platform it shared with the Dodge Challenger, the Cuda meant business. And this particular one? It rolled off the Hamtramck Assembly Plant line as a pre-production car—making it a true pilot vehicleused to test assembly and parts fitment before full-scale production began.
Under the hood is where things really heat up. This convertible packs the V-Code 440 cubic-inch Six-Barrel V8, good for 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 4-speed manual with a classic Hurst Pistol Grip shifter, giving it street-level dominance without going all-in on the ultra-expensive HEMI® option.
The outside is just as menacing. The car is finished in Alpine White (code EW1) with a black convertible top, Shaker hood scoop, Rallye wheels, blackout tail panel, and chrome exhaust tips. It even has no side stripes, which gives it a super clean, understated muscle car look. F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires round out the vintage vibe.
Inside, it’s equal parts muscle and luxury. You get premium black leather bucket seats, power windows, power top, wood-grain steering wheel, and even a deluxe AM/8-track stereo system. Power steering and front disc brakes give it just enough modern comfort to make it livable on the road—even today.
Being a pilot car, this Cuda has some quirks that make it even more unique. The Dutchman panel (that section between the rear window and trunk) isn’t standard, and the fender tag has some pre-production coding that never made it to full production cars. That kind of detail is like catnip to hardcore Mopar historians.
Restored back in 2005 by Rocket Restorations in Olympia, Washington, the car looks showroom fresh—and it only has 8,899 miles on the clock. It comes with full documentation, including a Chrysler Registry report and restoration photos.
Only two Alpine White 440+6 4-speed convertible Cudas were ever built. This is the first. That’s what makes it so important. It’s not just a car—it’s a one-of-a-kind chapter in Mopar history. And it’s gunning for a new owner at Mecum Harrisburg 2025.
If you’re into rare muscle, factory freaks, or just want to witness one of the baddest convertibles Plymouth ever made, don’t miss this one.
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