Stored for 47 Years! 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda

If there is a Holy Grail for Mopar enthusiasts in the classic world, that honor probably falls to Plymouth’s Hemi ‘Cuda. These rare beasts offer stunning styling with exhilarating performance. This 1970 model recently emerged from a forty-seven-year hibernation, with the seller returning it to a running and driving state. Cars of this caliber come at a price, but the auction action suggests people are willing to pay for the privilege of owning this stunning survivor.

The information supplied by the seller is confusing, although there appears no doubt that it only recently emerged from a long slumber. The Fender Tag confirms that the existing Tor Red paint gracing its panels is correct, with the seller stating that 90% of it is original. It retains a healthy shine, with no evidence of significant cosmetic issues. Rust can be a problem with these classics, but the news seems extremely positive in this case. The underside shots reveal nothing but the occasional area of dry surface corrosion. The seller states that the floors and trunk pan are original, and there has never been any steel penetration. The glass is clear and the trim looks excellent, and the only criticism I can identify is the visible scratches on the factory Rallye wheels. It looks like someone has fitted and removed trim rings many times, with the paint scratched in that area. Another set of rings would hide the problem, but sending the wheels for restoration would add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.

Plymouth offered 1970 ‘Cuda buyers a wide selection of V8 engines to power their new purchase. However, the undoubted king was the 426ci Hemi beast. It placed an incredible 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque on the table, making it easy to understand why so many people consider it one of the best American production V8s produced during that period. It was also expensive, helping to explain why only 3.8% of 1970 ‘Cuda buyers ticked that box on the Order Form. This car is 1-of-284 Hardtops where the first owner teamed the Hemi with a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to storm the ¼-mile in 13.1 seconds. That number looks respectable against modern vehicles but made the car’s first owner “King of the Kids” in 1970. The seller states that this car’s Hemi is original, although they believe someone treated it to an upgraded camshaft. It recently received a new dual-row roller timing chain, oil pump, fuel pump, clutch, pressure plate, and alternator as part of its revival. It runs and drives, but it is unclear whether this classic is genuinely roadworthy.

The positive vibes continue inside this ‘Cuda, with no evidence of abuse or aftermarket additions beyond an oil pressure gauge to monitor the Hemi’s health. The Black vinyl trim is free from visible rips and other problems, with the same true of the dash, pad, console, and carpet. The driver faces a Rallye gauge cluster that includes a factory tach, swapping cogs with a beautiful pistol grip shifter. It isn’t luxurious by modern standards, but when there is so much performance potential lurking under the hood, most enthusiasts would be satisfied with the AM radio, which is the only creature comfort.

This 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda is a fantastic find, and it seems I am not The Lone Ranger when it comes to that opinion. It has attracted thirty-nine bids since the seller listed this classic here on eBay in Manchester, Connecticut. That action has pushed the price to $125,100 and, unsurprisingly, that figure falls short of the reserve. The sky is the limit with this Plymouth, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if it climbs past $200,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?