Widely regarded as one of the most revered nameplates from the golden era of muscle cars, the Hemi Cuda is a paramount example of style and all-American V8 grunt. It’s no wonder a convertible was sold for $3,5 million recently at auction, but the coupe we’re talking about today is the ultimate reference-grade Cuda, with only 2,010 documented miles on the odometer.
Once a member of Steven Juliano’s exclusive collection, this 1971 hardtop example of the breed is still covered in its original Rallye Red paint and it’s the most original Plymouth Cuda in existence. Ordered new by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Heir ‘Dr. Zacho’ Reynolds, this car is also the highest factory optioned Hemi Cuda ever.
The 426 cubic inch tower-of-power under the bonnet is still complete with factory fluids, while the A727 TorqueFlite three-speed transmission has never been touched or serviced.
Fully documented from its factory punch card, this black vinyl top Cuda is kitted with lots of original stuff certain to get your pulse racing: Chrysler dual exhausts, black vinyl interior, 15-inch Rallye wheels with period Goodyear Polyglass rubber, Dana 60 rear end featuring a Sure Grip diff and 4.10 gears, an optional stereo with a microphone jack and recorder and heavy duty Hemi-spec suspension.
Gearheads will be happy to know that the 425 horsepower V8 mill is fed by two four-barrel carburetors for added oomph and aural pleasure, while stopping power is provided by a power assisted brake system with discs at the front and traditional drums at the rear.
The more spirited driver will be happy to find out that an optional three-spoke Rim Blow steering wheel interfaces with what happens underneath the front wheels, while swapping cogs is taken care of by a chrome column shifter.
For the more aesthetically conscious fellow, the ‘cuda by PLYMOUTH’ emblem at the rear is original as well, just like the showroom fresh rear windshield louvers. If what you’ve read before made you question both your sense of time and perception, there’s one bit that’s certain to get you all tiddly – the price, of course.
Currently in the inventory of RK Motors Charlotte, this sort of automotive royalty isn’t cheap at all. Specifically, you’ll need to come up with a whopping $1,999,990 in cold, hard cash in order to make this all-original octane-rich 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda yours. Now, how much was that lottery ticket again?