There are certain combinations of engines and vehicles that just work well together and create something special. What if you combined a mythical Hemi with an ultra-rare Plymouth? Well, you’d get this, the Ball Stud Hemi sitting in an M-code Barracuda. This improbable pair is an epic example of Mopar history in a single package.

The Ball Stud Hemi was an engine that Chrysler was developing to replace the famed 426 cubic-inch Hemi. This engine used a canted valvetrain and featured rocker arm shafts that used a ball and stud system, rather than the traditional Hemi rocker arm system. That ball and stud arrangement is what gave the engine its unofficial name. This engine showed a lot of promise and could have turned the horsepower wars of the muscle car era on its head in favor of Chrysler.

The EPA’s looming regulations and the gas shortages of the 1970s helped to put an end to the muscle car era and forced Chrysler to end its pursuit of the Ball Stud Hemi. All of the engine prototypes were destroyed, except for one, and it landed in the hands of Mopar icon Dick Landy. The engine remained with Landy for several years before he decided to sell it to John Arruzza, who for some reason modified the engine.

In a wild twist of fate, the Ball Stud Hemi ended up finding a home under the hood of a rare 1969 M-code Plymouth Barracuda. This particular car was worked over by Sox & Martin for Super Stock battle. The car was campaigned by Tom Hoover for several years and was then sold. The Ball Stud Hemi and the Barracuda were married together and eventually donated to the National Auto and Truck Museum.

You’ll want to watch this video from the Hot Rod Hoarder to learn more about the Ball Stud Hemi, the stunning Barracuda, and how they were put together.