The Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda, a fleeting apparition in automotive history, remains an unattainable dream for most enthusiasts. Produced for a mere two years, its scarcity mirrors its desirability, transforming this Mopar muscle car into one of the most coveted classics. With less than 800 examples ever built, the HEMI ‘Cuda’s astronomical price tag is a testament to its legendary status.
While Plymouth experimented with the potent 426-cubic-inch V8 in dragsters during 1968, it wasn’t until the introduction of the third-generation Barracuda in 1970 that the engine became a regular option. Despite nearly 49,000 Barracudas sold that year, only a fraction, a mere 666, were equipped with the formidable HEMI.
The combination of the engine’s hefty price and exorbitant insurance premiums contributed to its limited appeal. Production numbers dwindled further in 1971, with just 114 HEMI ‘Cudas finding buyers. The final nail in the coffin came in 1972 when Plymouth discontinued the HEMI option altogether, leaving a mere 780 examples as the ultimate testament to raw power and exclusivity.
Today, well-preserved HEMI ‘Cudas command six-figure sums, with some convertible models, the rarest of the rare, surpassing the million-dollar mark at auction. The 1971 HEMI ‘Cuda Convertible reigns supreme as the most expensive of its kind. With only seven produced, these drop-tops have commanded astronomical sums at auction.
A 2014 sale reached a staggering $3.8 million, and while a 2021 example failed to meet its $4.8 million reserve, it underscores the skyrocketing values of these automotive icons. The 1970 model, though less exclusive with 14 units built, is no bargain. A pristine Lemon Twist example shattered records in January 2024, selling for $2.14 million.
This record was short-lived, as the same car reappeared on the auction block just a month later with a higher price tag. Ultimately, it hammered for $2.53 million in August 2024, cementing its status as the second most expensive Barracuda ever sold.
This particular car, meticulously restored and boasting a rare combination of options, exemplifies the extraordinary appeal and investment potential of these legendary muscle cars.
