Revealed after nearly five decades in hiding, a pristine 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda has captured the hearts of collectors but remains stubbornly unclaimed. This survivor, hailing from Manchester, Connecticut, has twice turned heads at auction but hasn’t met its reserve price.
Initially listed in September, the Hemi Cuda attracted a high bid of $125,100, falling short of the owner’s expectations. Unbowed, the car reappeared in early October, sparking a bidding war that drove the price up to $259,700.
Despite this significant increase, the bid once again fell short of the undisclosed reserve, leaving the Hemi Cuda in its original Connecticut home. So, was the owner foolish for refusing a quarter million dollar offer? Not necessarily.
The golden age of muscle cars has witnessed a dramatic rise in value, with particularly rare Hemi-equipped Mopars routinely exceeding the $250,000 mark. According to classic.com, the average price for a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda hardtop sold at public auction since 2020 sits at $219,308.
While the unclaimed Cuda didn’t quite reach a price 18% higher than the average, its exceptional condition and pedigree one of only 284 hardtop Hemi Cudas with a four-speed manual transmission produced in 1970 justify the owner’s confidence in its worth.
The 1970 HEMI Cuda, a classic muscle car, has been preserved in remarkable condition. Despite its age, it boasts 90% of its original paint and original, rust-free sheet metal. The car’s original 426 HEMI V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission remain intact.
While the current listing doesn’t specify, previous information suggests the engine may have a higher-lift cam. The Cuda’s low mileage, just 20,612 miles, further adds to its value. These exceptional qualities place the Cuda in a select group of fewer than 20 examples worth over $250,000.
The most expensive 1970 HEMI Cuda hardtop sold for $605,000, and several others have fetched over $300,000 at auction. The Cuda’s remarkable preservation is a testament to its owner’s care and attention to detail. The car’s original paint and sheet metal are rare finds in a classic car, especially one that has been driven for over 50 years.
The original engine and transmission are also highly sought-after by collectors. The Cuda’s low mileage further adds to its appeal, as it is a relatively rare example of a classic car that has not been heavily driven.
Given the Cuda’s exceptional condition and rarity, it is likely to be a highly desirable car for collectors. The car’s recent auction price of $250,000 is a testament to its value. It is possible that the Cuda could fetch an even higher price if it were to be auctioned again in the future.
It remains to be seen if the owner will sell the Cuda through eBay or a major auction house like Mecum. Regardless of where the car is sold, it is sure to be a highly anticipated event for classic car enthusiasts.
