1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Hard Top

426ci OHV Hemi V8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed 'Pistol Grip' Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Purchased new by the consignor's father
*Possibly the sole Export model delivered to Europe from new
*One of just 60 examples factory-fitted with 'Pistol Grip' 4-speed manual transmission
*Campaigned in period at prominent Scandinavian racing events
*Comprehensive restoration carried out by marque specialist Loyd Lind

THE PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA

In early 1963 Chrysler engineers put a Hemi head on a modified raised-block 426 wedge to create a competitive NASCAR engine, the 426 Hemi. It was shaped by all the experience gained in years of competition, and best of all for Mopar enthusiasts, to be eligible for NASCAR competition it had to be available in a regular production street configuration. The Street Hemi incorporated many of the race version's performance components, including the crankshaft, connecting rods and cross-bolted main bearing caps. The milder grind camshaft used hydraulic lifters and lower rate springs, in an attempt to limit rpm and keep to the 425-limit imposed by management. With dual Carter AFB carburetors, it was the most awesome engine of a period when awesome engines were the rule. History has passed judgment on the Street Hemi, making it the most sought and valuable power plant of the Muscle Car era.

The new for 1970 'Cuda was now built to accommodate the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi. At a 70 percent premium over Plymouths largest powertrain, the 440-cid 390-hp Six Barrel, the Hemi was only for serious race minded individuals. In addition to the enormous price tag, the race spec Hemi-powered 'Cudas were only built for two model years, 1970 and 1971 adding to the rarity and allure.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This rare and expertly restored 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Hard Top was ordered new by the consignor's father in 1971 as an Export model and destined for competition in Europe. The original owner was the official importer of Plymouth in Denmark, therefore the factory agreed to sell him a car that he could use for racing and promotion of the brand. The car is believed to be the only 1971 Hemi 'Cuda that was built for Export. The Hemi was one of the later cars built, resulting in it being delivered from the factory with 1972 model year features including 1972 cowl sheet metal, front seats, and four bow headliner. Being a serious performance car enthusiast and racing aficionado, the car was perfectly optioned. After ticking the ultimate option on the spec sheet (the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine), the original owner continued with his fantastic decision-making process by specifying the legendary 'Pistol Grip' 4-speed manual transmission. With the pinnacle of powertrains, the soon-to-be owner did not feel the need to order a radio but did opt for the rim blow steering wheel. The exterior was finished in Double Red while the interior was done in classic black. Being an export car, the speedometer is in Kilometers. The Hemi 'Cuda is 1 of just 108 cars produced in 1971; of which just 60 are believed to have been built with the manual transmission.

Once in Europe, the Hemi 'Cuda saw great success on both racetrack and the drag strip. After a successful competition career, of which many old black and white images exist, the car was retired and sold back to America. In 2008, the original owner found the very car that he ordered new and raced in 1971. Having always missed the car, he purchased it and commissioned a comprehensive 6-year rotisserie restoration by marque specialist Loyd Lind which was finished in 2014. During the restoration, the body and mechanics were all restored back to original factory specifications. The interior - which is believed to be partly original according to Lind - was in fantastic condition, so the decision was made not to disturb it. Offered from the son of the original owner, this very special Hemi 'Cuda is ready for new adventures. Just 300 miles have been added to the odometer since the comprehensive restoration and the car remains in immaculate restored condition. If you are in search of arguably the ultimate American muscle car with period international racing provenance and panache, this is the Hemi 'Cuda for you.