Offered for only two years, the Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda is one of the most desirable and valuable classic Mopars out there. That’s because Plymouth sold fewer than 800 units in 1970 and 1971.
The third-gen Barracuda was a big hit in its first year in showrooms, moving nearly 49,000 units in 1970. However, only 666 customers went with the range-topping 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8. In 1971, total sales dropped to 16,492 examples. Only 114 of these cars got the 425-horsepower lump.
That’s a total of only 780 HEMI ‘Cudas and a tiny 1.2% of the entire 1970-1971 Barracuda production for the US market. This number includes both hardtop and convertible models, but the drop-top is incredibly scarce at only 21 units made. Plymouth sold 14 in 1970 and just seven in 1971.
The latter is arguably the most expensive Barracuda ever sold at auction as of 2024. The current record sits at $3.8 million and was established in 2014. Another 1971 HEMI ‘Cuda convertible sold for $2.5 million in 2016, while another failed to sell despite a high bid of $4.8 million in 2021.
The 1970 version is not quite as expensive, but it’s still a seven-figure rig. Back in 2019, a restored and highly original Lemon Twist example crossed the auction block for $1.98 million. Well, the very same car just changed hands at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2024 and broke the $2-million mark.
Expected to sell for $2.5 to $3 million, the flawless ‘Cuda failed to meet its initial estimate. The hammer fell at $2.145 million, including fees. That’s still an impressive figure and a new record for 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cudas, regardless of body style.
Restored on a rotisserie by Legendary Motorcar of Ontario, Canada, this Mopar is one of 14 HEMI ‘Cuda convertibles produced for the 1970 model year. It’s also one of only nine rigs fitted with the automatic gearbox. It still has its numbers-matching drivetrain combo, while the FY1 Lemon Twist paint is factory-correct. The same goes for the tan interior, a rather unusual pairing to the yellow exterior.
And even though there’s no official info on it, this HEMI ‘Cuda is most likely a one-of-one gem thanks to its color and options combo.
Like most million-dollar classics, the Mopar has a documented ownership history, restoration photos and paperwork, and two broadcast sheets. All the production markings and tags still grace the engine bay and the undercarriage.
It doesn’t sport the most appealing color combo for a High-Impact-era ‘Cuda, but I must admit she’s a beauty. Is it worth the eye-watering sticker? Well, classic car prices are on the rise, and the $2-million mark will soon become the norm for the drop-top model. The coupe version, on the other hand, remains a tad more affordable, with many examples still going for significantly less than $1 million.
