1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda

Constructed in 1970 at the Hamtramck assembly plant, the 1970 ’Cuda presented here was originally equipped with Plymouth’s top-of-the-line “R”-code 426 Hemi V-8 and a four-speed manual gearbox, making it one of only 284 examples specified with this ultra- desirable combination.

In addition to its high-performance driveline, the Hemi ’Cuda was further equipped with power-assisted front disc brakes, “shaker” hood, bucket seats, center console, elastomeric bumpers, Track Pack rear end, Rallye instrument cluster, rear window defogger, and a solid-state radio with stereo tape deck. The long list of factory options necessitated two data plates in the engine bay and contributed to a remarkable $5,361.85 MSRP – over $2,000 more than the ’Cuda’s base price.

Brilliantly finished in Rallye Red with a black vinyl-covered top and sport stripes, the Hemi ’Cuda was sold to its first owner through Fair Chrysler-Plymouth Inc. of Sacramento. Shortly after its original sale, the Hemi ’Cuda was repossessed and subsequently resold on November 20, 1970, to Andrew Farrar, a farmer living in Willows, California.

Mr. Farrar thoroughly enjoyed his new ’Cuda and, as might be expected, the car earned a feared reputation as a local stoplight dragster. In an effort to encourage unwitting competitors, Mr. Farrar even went so far as to replace the 426 badges on the hood scoop with those from a 383 and removed the telling Hemi graphics. Mr. Farrar regularly drove the Hemi ’Cuda for the next two decades, eventually retiring the 49,000-mile muscle car to a barn on his property in 1989.

In 2008, Mr. Farrar decided to remove the car from storage and sent it to Cruces Classic Cars of Chico, California, for a comprehensive service that included attention to the brake, cooling, and fuel systems. Back on the road after some two decades in static storage, the barn-find ’Cuda immediately caught the attention of the current owner, a well-known Southern California collector.

Today, this three-owner Hemi ’Cuda remains in excellent unrestored condition throughout, down to its original blue and yellow California license plate and Fair Chrysler-Plymouth frame. As intended, the ’Cuda offers a thrilling behind-the- wheel experience and, under the direction of the current owner, it has been mechanically sorted and maintained by Catton’s RC Performance in Huntington Beach, California.

Not only is it in fine cosmetic and mechanical condition, the Hemi ’Cuda also retains important documentation, including the original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet, MSRP label, vehicle warranty papers, and dealer payment record as well as copies of the 1970 California title issued to Mr. Farrar. Furthermore, the Hemi ’Cuda is presented with an impressive file of supporting paperwork that includes the operator’s manual, illustrated Facts & Features manual, service manual, and original literature, including the ultra-rare 426 Tune-Up & Modification Tips brochure.

Of all the legendary E-body models, the unforgettable Hemi ’Cudas of 1970 and 1971 are regarded as the ultimate Mopar muscle cars, with the ultra-rare four-speed models representing the most exclusive, top-of-the-line specifications. With its mammoth dual-quad 426, shaker hood, quick-release hood pins, scorching color schemes, white-letter tires, and Hurst pistol-grip shifter, the Hemi ’Cuda is the very embodiment of Detroit’s approach to high performance in the early 1970s.

Ideally optioned, comprehensively documented, and preserved in outstanding unrestored condition, this Hemi ’Cuda is surely among the finest surviving examples in existence. Those with an appreciation for the golden age of the American muscle car are sure to be rewarded by a closer look at this wonderfully original, factory-built Hemi ’Cuda.