Are you sitting down? Good. This 1970 ‘Cuda is a car that is likely to make you want to drool over its specification, and possibly go a bit weak at the knees as well. The Galen Govier report confirms the overall originality and authenticity of the car, while the eyes look at it and just can’t drink in enough of the car. I have to really thank Barn Finder Fordguy1972 for spotting this Plymouth for us because it is a pretty special car. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, it is listed for sale here on Craigslist.
The Bright Red paint and black vinyl top both look to be in first class condition. There are no obvious issues with the body or paint, and no obvious rust visible. The Galen Govier report (which is a few years old, but does provide a good guide to work from) does identify some non-original items on the car, including the hockey stripe and the painted racing mirrors. The owner states that all of the sheet-metal is original, with no patches or repairs. The glass looks good, as do the original Rallye Wheels. The shaker poking out of the hood gives some indication that this ‘Cuda is a special car.
Yeah, this one is special alright. This fully numbers-matching ‘Cuda sports the amazing 426ci Hemi V8 under the hood, which pumps out 425hp. That power then finds its way via the original 4-speed manual transmission to a Dana 60 rear end. This is a car that you don’t have to muscle, because it is fitted with power steering and power brakes, and it is that engine that will be doing all of the muscling. Further verifying the originality of the ‘Cuda is the fact that it still wears its cowl VIN, radiator support VIN, door VIN sticker, fender tag, and the VIN plate on the dash. The originality of the car even extends to the trunk, where the original spare tire, jack, and inflator can are all still present.
The black interior presents well and is largely original. Apparently, the wheel wasn’t originally rim-blow, but it is now. The remainder of the interior is original, from the pistol-grip shifter to the Rally gauges, and the original AM/8-Track Player. There really aren’t any issues to report, and that interior looks just as purposeful as the rest of the car.
A red Hemi ‘Cuda. It really has to be one of the more desirable cars on the market at present. It combines muscular good looks with a potent package under the hood. Off the showroom floor, this was a car where the numbers told the story. 0-60mph: 4.6 seconds. Standing ¼ mile: 13.1 seconds. Top speed: 134mph. The numbers don’t lie, and even some 48-years after the car went out of production, they remain impressive numbers that are hard to match by all but the best cars available on the market today. The Hemi ‘Cuda is a legendary car, and legendary cars attract legendary prices. Values of the Hemi ‘Cuda softened for a while, but they are beginning to climb again, and good, original cars can easily fetch $300,000 or more. This ‘Cuda has been verified as largely original and numbers-matching, which makes it extremely desirable. There are a couple of changes that would need to be made to return the car to 100% original form, but none of these appear to be major problems. The owner has set the price for this ‘Cuda at $250,000 OBO, which seems like an extremely fair price given what this car is.
Who puts a car like this on Craigslist?
One guy, it seems, has done it.
Wow.
unless the wing is factory, 1 think it just dose not fit at all still a beauty
what a nice car!!
That wing is for sure factory! I knew a girl that had one exactly like this one I mean exactly except for the paint! Her’s was that baby crap green color! Also with black graphics and that black wing across the trunk! FYI
Damn painted mirrors. I’m out.
While the painted mirrors are not original I actually like the looks of them much better than the OE ones. I know they need to be changed if you plan to make the car completely original (and for the value of it you should) but I think the painted ones just are more fitting.
“… one of the more desirable cars on the market…” Talk about understatement.
This is one of the most desirable cars of all time. This is the picture you see in the dictionary next to the word ‘iconic’. This is Woodward Avenue on Saturday night back in the day. This what every boomer boy dreamt about then and dreams about now.
Once more, Iconic.
A lovely thing ..
Isn’t the hood scoop supposed to be black? Or am I confusing it with a Ford.
red was the only color coded shaker because as prior to release showed red with red shaker. the shaker with gloss paint had glare issues and became matte black or silver because of this issue
The Shaker scoop was available painted body color in this color only, Tor Red. You would get a black shaker on this color car if you didn’t check the option. All other colors had black or argent colored scoops.
Nick fe5 was the only red you could get a body colored shaker. Ralley red not thor red. Just fyi
Top of the line classic here,owner may have added personal touches but this car is immaculate! Yes I’m a Mopar guy and think this is the most “wanted” muscle car out there!
But $250,000? Did I miss read that?
Nice looking car but no matter how you slice it, it still drives like a brick.
I think I know what many here is thinking. COME ON LOTTO/POWERBALL!!!!
Well, that’s what I’m thinking anyway.
Not to be an old sour pus or anything, but at a quarter of a million dollars, you have a car you can not drive, plus, as far as a car goes, my 2018 turbo Civic at 20Gs will almost keep up with it, plus far out handle it. I do not understand this market. Is it for bragging, investing, or something else?
It’s clear you don’t understand it, 1970 the cuda sold 4 approximately $5,500 naturally aspirated 425 horsepower 426 cubic inch let’s see Honda’s model that year was a 600 at about 36 horsepower 2 cylinder smaller than a beetle cost about $1,500. Fast forward 38 years top value on the cuda is 250k.. Honda 5K at best. No comparison in any category 1970. Honda’s come along way 2018 Civic turbocharged had 20K again is no comparison for the 2018 SRT Challenger yes the Challenger cost a little more it’s resale is much higher in 20+ years.Hondas will never see those numbers. Almost don’t count …zero to 60 in turbo Honda 3sec slower than cuda, compare your handling to the SRT 2018. Honda not a good return on your money sorry to tell ya, drive for fun to the dealer for repairs $$$
They made quite a few more HEMI ‘Cuda Hardtop models than that though only 5 HEMI ‘Cuda convertibles. Either way an incredibly small number of cars for a regular production model. That applies to all ‘Cuda’s for 1970.
Many “Limited Edition” exotics had production much greater than even the most populous ‘Cuda model, the 340 Hardtop, at 3492.
Lets be REALLY real here- Hondas of this year,well MOST ALL OF THEM are either razor blades or oxide particals.
Some people just don’t get it but if they did they wouldn’t drive a Honda
Not quite my take.
Yes some people don’t get it.
But if they do, they still might drive a Honda. As a DD. And have something like this in the garage, for sunny weekends!
I know its the cream of classic muscle, but there are only a few of these to go around, and a lot less dollars to go get one. For that money, you could get a nicer driving hellcat, make it a ragtop, and still afford to buy new tires when needed. IMHO.
Or you could spend 20Gs on a brand new car that is still fun to drive and with what is left over buy your two kids houses. Talk about being seen as Dad of the year! 49 year old status symbol, or economic security for your children, what is the best choice? Years from now, I suppose the buyer of this car will have a picture of it on his tombstone, but if he were to have bought his kids homes instead, just think of the legacy he would leave. As for me, I want to have as few awkward conversations as possible at the Pearly Gates.
Amen!
When the owner dies his kids can sell the car and then buy 2 small houses. I love my kid but I’m not dead yet. No one gave me a house.
People who have things given to them tend to take less care of them than if they have to pay for them themselves. If there are substantial assets involved with an estate you can count on the children fighting in court over the distribution of those assets. It’s a cliche.
I hope you meant to invest the remainder to be used as a down payment on your 2 kids future homes. $230K wouldn’t buy much of a house, let alone 2.
If you have 250 large to spend on a car, then you already have the means to buy the kids a house, and have probably already done so.
I will ask you this again. Why are you on this site? Anyone who would compare a new $20K car to this car has no idea what a collector car is. You seem to think every car that is not a new Honda is bought to be “status symbol”. Maybe if you drove a car like this you would understand.
Why are you here Sidney? You always seem to prefer new Hondas over classic cars.
This is a site for classic car enthusiasts, we don’t need to be constantly reminded that most classic cars are slow, and stop and handle badly compared to modern cars, and the highly desirable ones are expensive.
Many people can own or drive a Honda, a select few will buy these and they appreciate. The Honda , not.
Somehow you read the whole paragraph yet missed the main point. I fear for the public school system.
Then you’re on the wrong site. The person who has money to buy this car has enough money to buy each of his kids two houses each. When you’re that rich, you don’t have to worry about your legacy.
Nick, legacy comes from many things, money is only a small part. But, how one got his money and how he spent it, now that leaves a legacy, both good and bad. Mr Nobel was worried about his after inventing explosives that made war even more hellacious. Mr Carnage built librarys, but he got that cash by greed and market manipulations that were cut throat The robber barrons of that era were called that for a reason, history reflects that. They too had toys that only people like them could afford, but the wise remember troubling parts of those personalities.
I believe this is Billy OO7, am I wrong…Sidney? Ahahaha!!!
Troy, who? I am a bland Jewish physician. Billy007 sounds like some redneck James Bond wannabe. Curious, does he have my whit and wisdom?
Wit… Wisdom…even the same Honda!
@Troy s, if he drives a Honda, then he is a wise man. (Or maybe a girl, don’t want to be un inclusive, do we? Pretty androgynous name, Billy) I have owned many, and people consider me to be fairly clever, at least they think so after waking up from being on my table, well, most of them.
Still, $250.000$ ?????
Gold Wing or Harley, for the money on resale I’ll take the Harley!
Harley Jim, sad to say but Harley resale is in the crapper. I had my ’91 Fatboy up last summer for $7500. Hagerty has a #1 at $13 and a #2 at $10. I got exactly zero offers.
First: Best wheels ever offered on a production vehicle. Looked great on our ’64 Country Squire as well, same bolt pattern.
Second: This is a fantastic survivor! If you can afford this car, buy it – and drive it. You only live once.
Third: Kids need to experience buying their own houses so they appreciate them. If that doesn’t work, leave the car to your kids. They can sell it and buy a house then.
$250k is a mere pittance compared to the $1M plus that several others have gone for at auction. I would dearly love to own AND drive one. That being said, this car is in the toy speculation market and likely won’t be driven, just displayed as art and viewed as an investment (unless someone is wealthy enough and prefers to indulge instead as one would a 100 year old wine or other spirit).
Honda really, no clue. This car was the top dog in its day and for that it lives on as the greatist from a great era. Many wuold gladly pay that price and who cares if you dont get it. To try to justify a honda agenst it is like saying why buy a steak dinner when eggs are more affordable. Quite please
Thank you Bruce
Amen
Greatest from a great era? Truly, do you really believe that? Were you even breathing in 1970? Ever drove one? I have, they are awful cars. A small block was by far better in all ways, safer too. My Honda comment was that it would cost less then 10% of the asking price and would be a better all around car. The money left over would be better served elsewhere. My opinion, but my opinions are always educated ones, they do not spring up from raw emotion.
Agreed. Having driven both the old and new musclecar, I know that driving the now-status symbol afraid to drive it because its value will depreciate old car does not compare with today’s complete performance car.
@Mark, thank you for the supporting comment. Funny, now I am being compared to some clever person named Billy007. Guys, what kind of reputation does he/she have on here? I am fairly new here, but I do not remember ever reading anything from someone with the avatar. If I am going to be compared, I hope it is an optimistic person of worth. . Would really hate to be accused of being some stinker. Mark, glad you see the value in common sense, why drive (or not) something 10X the cost that is a lesser car because of some 50 year old perception? THIS is the greatest era of the automobile, not then. Just like today is the golden age of television, not the 50s. We who lived then thought so, but an adult has to look at all the facts and forget emotion.
Beautiful car, but even with a life of “money is no object” I could never justify to myself spending that kind of money on a car; but in saying that, I would be equally happy owning one that wasn’t numbers’ matching 😁.
Virtually identical car sold recently in Scottsdale for $173,000.00. Restomod hemi cuda sold for $170,000.00. Others sold for $187, 210, 214 and the highest for $231,000.00 They were all gorgeous cars. There are virtually no $250K sales anymore (certainly no $300K!), the moment has passed. Someone is trying to get out while they can. All I recall about Hemi cars was that they were a beast to tune.
It says O.B.O So I’m thinking he might sell for 225,000? Good deal if your comparing the cars at Scottsdale. I’m assuming you talking about Barret Jackson.
My opinion is that us Baby Boomers are growing ever grayer, and maybe a nice warm nursing home bed is preferable to an over priced losing investment. When my generation is dead, no one will care about our youthful dreams, only theirs, that is just the plain logic of this. Why is this so hard for people to see? Guys, people who buy this at this price are in the 1%, but they are going to see a life change soon, and then prices will plummet.
For $250,000 you’d think the owner could install tires that were made in this century. It’s a safety thing. Otherwise, awesome car.
Only 1/4 million? Wheres all the Mopar freaks?
Mini-tubs, sub connectors and a 500 inch Hemi under the hood and she’d be a helluva racer!
If I acquired this thing, she would no longer be a queen, but a working girl. It’s MY 250k, I’ll spend it how I like and this thing should be proving itself, doing what it was made for, DRAG RACING!
Hey who woke up Keith? Mopar freaks are everywhere! This is called “Rapid Transit”
If I’m the kind of person buying my kids a house the best reason for doing that is so that they can play video games in their own basement instead of mine.
When your “Civic” becomes a legend maybe only then will you be able to understand what this car means to people like us that know what beauty and power really mean in a car.
But it’s still a MOPAR……:”Mostly Old Parts And Rust” :<(
Nice “Mopar”.
Grow up Alan,ok looking at the pic you already did!
You want a nice home? You work for it… you want a nice car, you work for it. If your kids need or want either or both, show them the above statement. I am so thankful that I came from a average family and do appreciate everything I have. I have been told that I am “Well Off”, for all that I own, but most everything I do have, has been taken care of and bought through out my entire life time. So, If anyone wants a one of a kind auto for $250,000.00 and can afford it, so be it. Yes, it does take it out of my reach, but I’m satisfied with my 69′ 340 swinger and enjoy driving it at any time I desire.
Terry, my guess is that we are close in age. Do you feel we had economic advantages that young people today do not have? That is how I feel. Giving a young person a hand up is not spoiling them, it is compassion and shows parental love. Many young people that I see today work just as hard if not harder then we did/do, yet the opportunities and rewards are no longer as generous for them. Many would not be able to afford a home of their own without a little assistance, and these are college educated 60 hour a week people. If your kids are hard workers but have been cut a raw deal by society, I see no choice here whether you buy a car at this price or allow them to not achieve the American Dream like we did. If they are lazy brats, different story. I guess it is how you raised your kids. I myself, have not given my kids homes, a little help with a down payment maybe, though I am not in the same league as a 250K impulse buy kind of guy. Certainly put them through college, stuff like that. Being a tough love kind of person and a selfish one is often a fine line.
You make plenty of good practical points about cars, yet I feel differently about them. I’m 67. My house and both my kids houses oddly enough appraise within a few thousand dollars of each other. Nothing was handed to me including a car. I did give the kids their first cars (less than $1000 each, hers a Horizon, his a Shadow). We also gave them extravagant Christmas/housewarming gifts: 13″ TV’s when we first moved into our new house I had just finished in late 1990 (note I didn’t say “house I had built”.) Otherwise, we didn’t hand much to them either. My wife and I drive a 2001 and a 2009. Both bought used with very low miles. Both are Mopars as I’ve been a Mopar loyalist, for better and sometimes for worse, since my step dad bought a ’56 Windsor in ’61, just when I was really getting interested in cars. Loved being the only guy in my high school driving a Mopar. Now, I also have a few ’40’s – ’70’s Mopars. I buy cheap (that’s why I love perusing the daily barn finds email), work on them and paint them myself, and enjoy them even though they don’t drive so effortlessly, smoothly, and economically as a late model and, as you say Sydney, the performance really couldn’t match the Honda you mention. (Maybe the max wedge car, in a straight line? Nah, maybe not even that.) If I had the money to spare, I would love to have a new Hellcat, and I would love to have this car about which we are debating. That’s because I do have emotional pleasure about my cars, as impractical as that is. I know they would drive quite a bit differently. I wouldn’t be buying either one as daily drivers and I wouldn’t compare them to practical yet competent and sporty daily drivers. I know I won’t be taking my collector cars, or my daily drivers, or my Cummins powered 1990 work truck for that matter to my grave. That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy them now.
You know we all have our opinions on what a car is worth and at times a car might be worth a bit more than we think we would consider paying for it, all that means is we would not buy that car, ok I understand all that. The world is not just us, this car will sell for a quarter of a million dollars no matter we agree or not. It’s an extremely desired beautiful vehicle, it worth a nice pile of cash!
Highly, extremely sought after muscle car for years now. One reason, big reason was the fact so few people actually bought them new that they are and always have been quite rare, all hemi powered mopars are rare. Would have made one heck of a street/strip or race car IF you had the mechanical skills to go with it.
Nice car I’d buy it if it were a Triple Black Convertible, guess I’ll have to wait , huh.
I actually saw the only black on black hemicuda convertible in desmoines in the last 90s- I was there to look at the guys original 427 competition cobra. both are well over 2 million dollar cars now.
That…. Car…..
I almost posted after looking at Nick’s production list above, but now I have to…
I wonder if there is documentation for the ownership trail?
When I was barely out of high school, the scene in my Miamisburg, Ohio neighborhood included a few muscle cars. One of the older guys had a ’67 GTO convertible, followed by a 442. A friend of his occasionally came by in a ’67 (I think) Satellite, with a 426 Wedge for power. Once he leaked that a new car was coming…
Continued Part 2
Continued…
That summer, we were stunned to see a Barracuda Hemi Convertible at the end of the cul de sac one Saturday afternoon. Black, with a black interior, and a 4-speed. That is how it plays in my mind, from now nearly 50 years ago. Got a close look at the car only once, saw it rolling out of our street on one other occasion.
I always wondered what became of the car. Black is what I recall, but it may have been a very dark blue. What I am certain about is how all the young gear-heads swooned at the engine compartment. Oh…. My….
So few Hemi Cuda Convertibles built… No doubt in my mind that I saw one up close and personal, when it was brand new. Could this be the one? Just maybe…..
Damn, when it was new I went and looked at one. I had just made buck Sergeant and was making about $120 / month. Couldn’t afford it then, can’t afford it now.
Funny thing I have a 70 cuda In my garage ,440 4sp car and my daily driver is a 16 turbo civic .and nothing beats the sound of that beast when I fire it off and go for a ride 😎 and im 61 yo 😁
The heckw ith kids, if I own this car, well it is going into the ground with me. And I am not a Mopar fan
The EPA might have something to say about that unless you spring for a really tight vault, but lets hope it is less leaky then the Oklahoma people used. Of course, who would really want to dig up your old corpse anyway? Hey, NOW there is an idea. Lets put this car in a vault and in 50 years lets dig her up and see who wants it? My bet, not too many people.
@Sidney – I disagree with you there. Some cars are iconic and will always have value. The Hemi ‘Cuda is definitely one of those.
How about teaching you’re kids to develop their own financial security!
It does come with a full tank of gas, right?
Great words of wisdom Sidney,I have a daughter and a son,both are hard working citizens and they love their jobs, they help mom and pop so we do our best to return the favors!Yes this is a nice Mopar!
Sidney, I respect your comments but you may be a bit too pragmatic for this site.
I grew up with vehicles from the ’40s to the present. For reference, my first brake job was on a 1947 Ford truck. I was only 12 and it was only 24. Sat on the fender or in the engine bay or crawled under many a Ford, GM, Mopar and AMC. This car was excellent compared to anything about mid-60s and before. Compared to now, a basic Rio or Civic is functionally more refined in every practical aspect.
This special machine was a toy then and is but a toy now. I’d love to have it to play with, would probably drive it every day to enjoy what is, price and value be damned. Sadly, whom ever buys this will likely lock it up in a garage, haul it to shows, and never really know what it’s about.
There is my point. The price is absurd. I am with Michael above (a proud and practicing Civic owner!), having one to play with is great for the evenings and weekends, but I bet Mike got his back when we were young and hung onto it. Spending the cost of two houses ((the cost here in snowy windy Wisconsin where I am snowed in today) makes no sense at all. The uber rich have distorted the prices so few regular people can afford a piece of their youth, and that is sad. Guys, I rail not against the car, the car is beautiful (for what it is), it is the skewed economics (and all that stands for in the big picture here in this once proud nation) that I protest.
Sidney, we can all appreciate your anger with the economic system in its proof of Paretos Principle. That being said, time capsules like this Cuda are to many a source of enjoyment, a celebration of what is seen as a simpler time, or a purity of design purpose. Some enjoy driving for the sake of just driving, and that in itself is a shared ground, a common denominator. WHAT we drive may be vastly different but we all appreciate how a machine can transport us-figuratively and literally-to a place we can enjoy. That it has the same appeal to like-minded drivers is a point towards a universal commonality as we see of the sociological step in Maslows Law..
@Nevadahalfrack, But don’t you see? You and almost every one you know will never be able to drive something like this because an ultra small percentage of the population has so much disposable cash that they can drive the price up to absurd levels. I am no commie, but can’t we all agree that Capitalism is broken? Kids, I made 375 grand last year, I am no wannabe, but even I can not afford something like this. If the money men were out of the game, maybe regular people could love and drive them again. You all salivating at these like a dog going after a bone, just fuels the rich boys smugness to buy them up even more to show off. Perhaps if we all just forgot these cars, the rich boys would yawn and find something else to brag about then we could all quietly sneak back into the market.
Made 375k last year, but can’t afford a 250k car? So …. If someone makes 37,500 can they afford a 25,000 car? Most likely, yes.
@Sidney – With that kind of income, if you paid off all your debt and kept a tight budget, you could buy one of these within a few short years! Capitalism isn’t broken. People just borrow too much money and then wonder why they can’t afford anything.
What do you do Sidney out of interest? I have salary envy ..
You make $375,000 and you cannot buy this car? Please STOP “you do not want to buy this car” I am 42 years old, make ten times less than you and I am buying one of these. Why? Because I want to drive it, feel it, see what is like. I am sick and tired of the front wheel drive toyotas and hondas that I have been forced to drive all my life. Capitalism is broken? Please STOP. I lived under communism and you don’t know what is like. They pay you $20 a month and even then you cannot find anything to buy. Oh my GOD with a $375,000 salary I will get myself a trip to space in the next rocket ship. You only live once and money is made up. See the movie “Margin Call”
Brett iam almost shure it was ralley red not shure about thor red. Iam going to have to break out my books again. Lol
Hemi Cuda, what more is needed to say?!? Yes it is legend and forever will be so long as cars are talked about. If I could afford it, I would certainly drive it. Not the investment car kinda guy but the I want that car kinda guy. Cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. If you are going to going to buy it and put it in a bubble what was the point in the first place. Going way back to the top, the mirrors are correct, they werent always chrome and right side is optional. Rallye red is the only color you could get with body color shaker. Tor red is the same color as Dodge’s Hemi orange. The wing was also optional and came on more than just cudas and challengers. Next, why is there even a comparrison of Hondas and collector cars. Obviously a car 40+ years newer no matter what car should be more comfortable and ride/handle better. When you get in a car like this/these it should fill you with emotion! That’s passion for your hobby. I get excited just looking at my stuff when I open the garage door much less wanting to fire up and go for a beat lap. I go to car shows early and leave late just to hear the cars, cause that’s even better than looking at them. As for the house comments, todays youth is spoiled enough, and it shows. Im only 35, but when I look all I see is a total lack of respect in all areas. Not all but too many just expect everything given to them and carry a total lack of respect for people and authority. Im sure every generation says that about the one following it, but I worry where we’re headed in the future. I worked two jobs in high school. Went to college got a better job and worked hard to get the things I have. If it came down to needing more I’d get a second job again before I would get rid of anything I worked to aquire. Lets get back to enjoying the cars on this site while they’re still popping up!
I have always said, “it’s not how much money you make, it’s what you do with it”. Some people may have an income of , say $375,000.00, but have expenses of $376,000.00. Check out the “LOTO” winners, not many are doing well financially.
Those expenses probably make for a comfortable lifestyle though? I know what you mean though.
I knew a lottery winner a fee years back who blew the lot real quick ..