The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda is one of those muscle cars we'd buy over any European sports car. You just need to look under the hood. When you are powered by a 426 Hemi, pumping out blistering loads of horsepower, then you know you are packing some muscle. It not only attracts the gearhead but also the keen collector, especially when you check out how much a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda costs.
The Hemi 'Cuda means business. It is not only one powerful beast on the roads, but it also has a racing legacy. And let's not get this 'Cuda confused with the Barracuda. It has its own distinctive identity. It goes by its own name. It has created its own legend. Let's check out why every gearhead should own a Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda.
10 The Wonder Years - The Muscle Cars
Like The Wonder Years, a television show set in late-60s suburban America, the muscle cars of this same era narrated their own story. The power of their engines told their own story.
Muscle cars like the 1968 Dodge Charger, which is certainly worth saving for. Or maybe, the 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Convertible, which will turn heads. But one muscle car was going to reel in some much deserving attention. The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda certainly deserves to be one of the best classic muscle cars.
9 It Is A 'Cuda - Not A Barracuda
The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda has its own unique identity. It owns the road because of who it is. But don't start saying, "I've landed a Barracuda", when in fact, this is a 'Cuda.
The 'Cuda may be from the same family, but this is a 'Cuda. Its high performance distinguished it. It flaunts more muscle. It exudes more power.
8 How The 'Cuda Came To Be
John Herlitz is one of the men behind this scintillating ride. He was a well-recognized designer at Chrysler because of his work on the 'Cuda.
The 'Cuda made its entrance in 1969. It was going to make its mark, even though sales slumped in 1971. But that also could be reflected in its limited production numbers. The Hemi 'Cuda was even featured in the NHRA Pro Stock racing lineup.
7 The Plymouth 'Cuda Catches The Eye
The Plymouth 'Cuda certainly entrances with its muscle, its style, and its look. Just check out the all-seeing round headlights. Its grille looks like it wants to sink its teeth into anything that gets in its way.
The 'Cuda came in a range of colors to make its impact, including Sassy Grass Green, Lemon Twist, and a Plymouth 'Cuda in vitamin C Orange, among others.
6 The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Has The Power
What makes the heart race about the Hemi 'Cuda is what is under its hood. When you are cranking out 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with its 426 Hemi engine, then you know you are packing some power.
Of course, you have other options. You could choose the 275 horsepower 340 cu in V8 up to the 440 six-barrel, pumping out 390 horses. But to unleash the real beast, you wanted the 426 Hemi. But then to think you could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, now the exhilaration sets in.
5 The Extras
The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda was offered as either a standard three-speed manual, the four-speed manual, or the three-speed TorqueFlite automatic. It was equipped with an upgraded suspension setup.
And just to imbibe a little taste of past times. The 'Cuda featured a cassette stereo player, a flashback to its era, and may be unfamiliar to some.
4 Something About The Hood Scoop
The 'Cuda's hood scoop is a very distinctive feature. However, one overlooked downside to the Plymouth AAR Cuda's Hood Scoop was its functionality.
We also cannot forget the chrome "gill" vents on the '71 'Cuda. The vents convey a fish-like vibe. But if the streets were an ocean, the Hemi 'Cuda makes any marlin look like a minnow.
3 The Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible
The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda not only came as a hardtop but also as a sleek convertible. Let's not forget that the convertible is also a rare find.
In fact, it is so rare that a 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda sold at auction for a breathtaking $2,420,000. It makes the Hemi 'Cuda convertible quite a collectible.
2 The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Collectible
The convertible may be a collectible, because of its rarity, but so too, the hardtop Hemi 'Cuda is also on the collector's radar.
With only 652 hardtops built in 1970 and even less in 1971, it sets the coupe as one highly-desirable muscle car. But when you glean its exterior and absorb the awesomeness of what is under its hood, then there is only one question to ask.
1 Getting Your Hands On A Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda
The big question is, how do I get my hands on one of these scintillating rides? Based on Hagerty's, a 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda, powered by a 440 cu in Six-Pack is valued at $430,000. Of course, the value goes up, based on the car and its condition.
The Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda certainly makes any gearhead take a deep breath, soak in every inch of its awesomeness, and exhale with desire. Its powerplant amazes. Its body allures us. Its features entice us. The Hemi 'Cuda is one exciting ride.
Sources: Nilsson, Ola (2017). 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda (Muscle Cars in detail, no. 2). CarTech.