There are probably few cars that better define the glory days of the pony and muscle car era than the E-Body Mopar offerings. They possess stunning good looks and swollen flanks that make even the most humble model look purposeful. The most desirable are the Hemi-equipped vehicles, and this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda is one of those cars. It isn’t a show-quality classic, but the seller describes it as a high-end driver with no needs. The bidding has been as frantic as you might expect from such a desirable vehicle since it was listed here on eBay in Elkhart, Indiana. The price has raced to $60,100, although that figure falls short of the reserve.
This ‘Cuda is a largely original classic finished in Jamaica Blue with a Black vinyl top. It is unclear whether it has ever been repainted, but the seller admits it has received some touch-ups under their care. The vinyl top is new, as are its trims. The front and rear valances were repaired and repainted, and any Argent surfaces were refreshed. The bumpers are new, and the remaining trim has been buffed and polished to as-new condition. The result is a car that presents exceptionally well, although the seller admits it isn’t a trailer queen. They believe it retains all of its original steel, with no known rust or accident repair history. The floors aren’t of show quality, but they are rock-sold. The glass appears spotless, and the stripes are crisp and free from checking or lifting. However, the exterior is only the entree in this rather tasty meal.
The main course reveals itself when we lift this Plymouth’s hood. This car is 1-of-368 Hemi ‘Cuda Hardtops produced in 1970 and ordered with a three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite transmission. That doesn’t make it the rarest version, but these aren’t a classic you see every day. I previously said I felt these cars defined the high-performance era, and when any classic can produce a 13.5-second ¼-mile ET on its way to 144mph, there is no doubting its credentials. The VIN confirms this ‘Cuda is the real deal, although it isn’t numbers-matching. The transmission and rear end are original, but the 426ci Hemi and some of its ancillaries are described as era-correct. That will impact the car’s potential value, although it hasn’t slowed buyer interest. The seller detailed the engine bay to a high standard, repainting a few items in their correct colors to achieve a high-end finish. The appearance doesn’t flatter to deceive because the ‘Cuda runs and drives well. They say the winning bidder could rock up at a Cars & Coffee and feel justifiably proud of the crowds this classic would draw when they lift the hood.
With the entree and main course behind us, it is time to move on to dessert. This ‘Cuda’s interior provides another highlight because finding anything to criticize is challenging. It recently received new door trims, carpet, dash pad, and correct leather and vinyl seatcovers. The seller restored the gauges and applied new faux woodgrain. The console, headliner, and overhead consolette are original, and their condition is excellent. Another interior highlight is the rimblow wheel, with the listing indicating that everything works as it should. The new owner won’t need to spend a dime inside this classic.
Some enthusiasts prefer these E-Body Mopar models finished in one of the high-impact shades like Lime Light or In Violet, but there’s something particularly attractive about the Jamaica Blue shade gracing this Plymouth’s panels. It allows the ‘Cuda to retain its aggressive looks but adds a touch of class. This isn’t a trailer queen but a stunning driver the new owner can enjoy as its creators intended. It has attracted thirty bids, and I expect that total to climb significantly before the hammer falls. Will you be among the passionate enthusiasts making a play for this muscular beast?
What a sweet ride!! Great color and very clean.
The few hemis I got a chance to drive back in the day left an impression. Fun for short bursts of speed, but not fun to drive in general. Went poorly around a corner, rough running. The owners told me stories about hard they were to keep in tune or pass a gas pump. Plus in those days, when they were considered daily drivers, the insurance premiums were killers, and not in a good way. This would be a fun car around town, to race at a street light, but not for much more than that. I think I could find a better use for 60 grand.
I heard the autoloaders were a nicer drive than the stik 😲
Wow, that’s a long way to go, with a lot of negative words, to make a negative point. Bet you’re a hoot at parties, Granegative.
They are called opinions Maxie, I believe we are all allowed to have them. If you were about to lay down six figures for an old car, wouldn’t you be interested in a lot of different opinions from someone with real world experiences from back when the car was new? I truly believe that if you only want a trailer queen, then by all means, go hemi. But, if this is a road car, and will be driven fairly regularly, then don’t my comments have merit?
You won’t get this car for 60 grand, and neither will anyone else. So, you don’t really need to worry about it.
That is the reason they have always said the 440 6 barrel was a better street engine close on horsepower, hydraulic lifters easier to keep in tune.
gh that hemi was also big cammed and built for the track. the never did well at low rpms but man would they twist up tight.
Let’s see the fender tag.
Apparently you did not take the time to view all the photos that the seller has provided as there are several photos of the fender tags. Yes, it took 2 tags to tell this cars history.
And they have the decoding of the tags listed in the Ebay listing.
Wow a Gran Coupe Cuda Hemi!!! That is rare as hen teeth!!! Double fender tags!!! I was watching GYC they were showing a 71 Challenger RT with a sunroof. Oh it had a Hemi and 2 fender tags at the Brother’s Museum. It goes for 1 million!! So this Cuda will go $100,000.00 before the reserve is drop. 2 days to go on the auction. I will be surprised if this Hemi is sold. Good luck to the seller..🐻🇺🇸
Wow car looks great! I am not crazy for the color and I am sure the price will be over $100,000. Looking for lime green cuda. Probably an impossible thing.
Keep me in the loop on this one!
Mopar guys – Could you add A/C to this baby? There doesn’t look to be much room in that engine bay. Thx.
Never have seen one with a/c. Still remember that rumbling sound!
if memory serves it was too tight with the hemi and the shaker hood
The Hemi heads were never drilled for a/c brackets, nor are there bosses to drill into, so there is no way to attach the a/c compressor to the engine
I had a 68 Hemi RodRunner-4 speed and Dan-bought it with 300 miles on it in 69- paid $1500 -very fun car for an 18 year old high school senior!
It’s sellers like this that pushed classic car prices out of the reach of the working class man. They were going for a couple thousand throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Not the seller’s fault, it’s the buyers that are spending the money.
EB7 is a rare color that looks geat in person. Probably 75% or more of the original hemi cars are not #’s matching, so yes it will impact the price but still likely to be a $125K car IMO based on everything else about it. Lots to like here based on the pics.
The Hemi heads were never drilled for a/c brackets, nor are there bosses to drill into, so there is no way to attach the a/c compressor to the engine. No 426 Hemi ever left the factory with A/C. Not just Cudas, but the entire Dodge/ Plymouth line
Ended at $100,100. Reserve Not Met.