The words “Hemi” and “Cuda” are almost inextricably linked, but Plymouth wasn’t able to introduce the engine to the road car until 1970, with this exact car. That’s right, this is the first-ever production ‘Cuda to get the legendary 426 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Hemi V8, and it could now be yours.
It could be yours, that is, if you have a rather large pile of cash burning a hole in your pocket. That’s because this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, chassis number BS23R0B100003, is being offered for sale via Motor Vault, for the princely sum of $2.2 million.
Not exactly a bargain, but the Alpine White car was not only the first ‘Cuda ever to feature the legendary, 425 hp (317 kW/431 PS) engine, it was only the third-ever E-Body Plymouth to feature the massive V8.
Read: This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Went To The SEMA Convention Cosplaying As A Four-Door Sedan
According to the seller, it was built on August 1, 1969, and this pre-production car has a Black interior and the iconic four-speed Pistol Grip shifter. The Alpine White exterior, meanwhile, got the stripe delete package. Other interesting options include the tac delete, the overhead console, and premium trim.
After a few years on the road and just 17,755 miles (28,574 km), the car was purchased by the current owner in 1983. Apparently aware of its significance, the car has been kept at the NATMUS Museum in Auburn, Indiana, for the majority of its life since then.
Although it was repainted in the factory correct color at some point in its life, the car is unrestored, meaning that it bears some signs of its age. Stone chips, cracking leather, and even some imperfections in the paint mean that this isn’t quite factory fresh. A veritable legend of American muscle cars, though, this 1970 ‘Cuda is a piece of history that is being offered to a new buyer in the same year that its descendant, the Dodge Challenger, is going out of production.
That, combined with the low miles and the incredible provenance, will doubtless give collectors good reason to open up their wallets.
