In the automotive world, few vehicles can match the allure and rarity of the 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Convertible. Given the hefty insurance premiums that often rivaled monthly payments, it required remarkable bravery to purchase such a high-powered, open-top muscle car in its day. Changing consumer preferences also led to a decline in the popularity of convertibles, making this model exceptionally rare. By the end of the 1970 production run, Plymouth had only manufactured 14 HEMI Cuda convertibles worldwide, with a mere three designated for the Canadian market, like this particular gem.
This exclusive 1970 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Convertible will be a highlight at the Mecum Monterey 2024 auction on Saturday, August 17th. It promises to attract considerable attention with an estimated value between $2,000,000 and $2,500,000. This car has already achieved legendary status in the collector community, having been showcased at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) Mopar E-Body HEMI Convertible Invitational. It is extensively documented, including two broadcast sheets, comprehensive ownership history, restoration photographs, and related paperwork. Additionally, it features in the limited-print MCACN book, “In Search of the Holy Grail.”
The motivation behind the original owner’s decision to purchase this car remains a mystery. However, it’s clear that they prioritized color and horsepower over a life of drag racing. The vehicle entered the collector sphere when a customer commissioned a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration by Legendary Motorcar in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. The restoration process involved stripping the body to bare metal and refinishing the paint, interior, and components to factory specifications. The car’s detailing is meticulous, with correct production markings and tags throughout the engine bay and undercarriage, triple-plated chrome, and polished stainless trim. Legendary Motorcar later became the car’s caretaker, with owner Peter Klutt likening these 1970-71 models to the Bugatti Royales of Europe, given their extreme rarity and high collector status.
The car’s powerhouse is a 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 engine. Featuring 1970 specifications, this engine includes 10.25:1 compression, large-port heads, dual Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetors, and an H-pipe dual exhaust. The year also introduced a hydraulic cam and valvetrain layout for easier maintenance and a fresh Shaker air scoop, finished in argent on this car. The A727 TorqueFlite transmission and HEMI suspension ensured a Sure Grip differential, and the car came equipped with power brakes.
The body was refinished in the eye-catching High Impact FY1 Lemon Twist color, enhancing its striking appearance. The car features body sill, belt, and deck moldings, dual exhaust with bright tips, hold-down pins for the Shaker hood, and a chrome rear-view mirror. The black convertible top complements an exceptional H6T5 Tan vinyl interior, a rare and stunning match to the bright paint and black top boot. Inside, the car boasts bucket seats, a C16 center console with wood-grain applique, and a factory round-knob Slap-Stik shifter. It also includes a standard dash layout, an AM radio, manual top operation, painted steel wheels, and Goodyear Polyglas GT F60-15 tires, offering a dynamic appearance with understated elegance.
Owning any 1970 HEMI Cuda convertible is a rare privilege, but this Y07 export model, the only one ever built in FY1 Lemon Twist with an H6T5 Tan interior, represents a unique opportunity for collectors. It reflects the bold choices of its original buyer and the meticulous craftsmanship of its restorers.
For further details, visit the car’s dedicated auction page on Mecum.com.
1970 Plymouth HEMI® Cuda Convertible Image Gallery:
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