The 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda represents the absolute zenith of the Mopar E-body era, combining a short-wheelbase aesthetic with the most feared engine in Detroit history. While many muscle cars were defined by their street presence, the Hemi ’Cuda was a purpose-built weapon that dominated both the drag strip and the showroom floor. This specific example is one of only 368 automatic-equipped coupes produced for the model year, making it an elite rarity among enthusiasts. With a documented history of racing in the early 1970s and a comprehensive restoration by Motech Performance, this Ivy Green Metallic legend is a blue-chip asset.
Ivy Green Metallic Curves and Shaker Induction
The exterior design of this 1970 model is finished in its factory-correct Ivy Green Metallic, a sophisticated hue that contrasts beautifully with the aggressive black hockey-stick graphics. Its silhouette is defined by the iconic Shaker hood, which is secured by authentic pins and feeds fresh air directly into the massive V8 below. The car features fog lights, louvered rocker-panel moldings, and a black tail panel that emphasizes its wide, muscular stance. Rallye 15 inch wheels are mounted with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires, completing a period-correct visual character that has been maintained through two professional high-level refurbishments.
White Vinyl Cockpit with Rallye Instrumentation
Stepping inside reveals a striking Parchment and Black environment, featuring high-trim white vinyl front bucket seats and a woodgrain-trimmed center console. The driver is greeted by a woodgrain steering wheel and a full Rallye instrument cluster, which includes a 150 mph speedometer and an 8,000 rpm tachometer. Significant interior details include the Slap Stik shifter for the TorqueFlite transmission and a Chrysler Solid State AM radio. Modernized with a quartz clock movement, the cabin remains a time capsule of 1970s performance luxury, providing a focused environment for managing the 426 cubic inches of displacement under the hood.
The Elephant Engine and Super Performance Axle
The mechanical heart of this beast is the original 426ci Hemi V8, featuring dual four-barrel carburetors that deliver a factory benchmark of 425 hp/431 PS and 490 lb-ft/664 Nm. Power is routed through a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission to a Dana 60 rear axle, part of the A32 Super Performance Axle Package. This setup includes a 4.10:1 final-drive ratio and a Sure-Grip limited-slip differential for maximum off-the-line traction. The driving experience is enhanced by factory power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes, while the special Hemi suspension and front sway bar ensure the car handles its massive power with authority.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 426ci Hemi V8 (Dual 4-Barrel) |
| Transmission | A727 TorqueFlite Automatic |
| Rear Axle | Dana 60 w/ 4.10:1 Ratio (A32 Package) |
| Exterior Color | Ivy Green Metallic (EF8) |
| Interior Color | White Vinyl (H6XW) |
| Production Total | 1 of 368 (Hemi Automatic) |
| Odometer | 20,000 Miles |
| Induction | N96 Shaker Fresh-Air Hood |
Auction Pedigree and Documented Provenance
In the 1970 market, the Hemi ’Cuda faced off against the Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 and the Ford Mustang Boss 429. While its competitors were formidable, the Plymouth’s unique combination of the Dana 60 rear end and the Hemi’s breathing capabilities made it the king of the stoplight. Today, provenance is everything, and this vehicle excels with its original window sticker, Galen Govier reports, and PHS documentation. Its unique selling point is the documented original engine and transmission, a rarity for cars that were raced in the 1970s. For a collector, this represents one of the most secure investments in the muscle car world.
The Definitive Expression of Mopar Power
This 1970 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda is a masterclass in automotive preservation and power. From its rare Ivy Green finish to the numbers-matching 426ci heart, every detail reinforces its status as a premier example of American engineering. It carries the weight of a 20-year restoration history and a 100-point potential that few survivors can claim. Whether viewed as a historical artifact of the horsepower wars or a functional high-performance machine, this ’Cuda remains a crown jewel for any serious collector. It is an enduring symbol of a time when the only thing that mattered was how fast you could reach the end of the quarter mile.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
