Video: Numbers Matching 4-Speed Hemi ‘Cuda Rakes In 3.78 Million

By now, you’ve likely heard that another Hemi ‘Cuda convertible has crossed the Mecum auction blocks for an insane amount of money. Looking at the figures, there were 14 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles in 1970, and in 1971 just 11 of these rare musclecars were produced. That’s the kind of number you’d expect for an exotic, not for a car that originally sold for a few thousand bucks in the early 1970s.

But this car, a one-of-two 1971 4-speed Hemi ‘Cuda convertible, has something on the other 24 cars built in that two year span: it is reported that it’s the only documented numbers-matching Hemi ‘Cuda convertible in existence. What’s in a number? To enthusiasts who demand perfection, it’s everything to be numbers matching. Purists will spent good money on a set of factory steel wheels with a specific date stamp on them so their car will be more accurate. Some people go to great lengths to find parts that were produced in the time frame that would have been believable for their car.

These very rare 25 Hemi ‘Cudas convertibles that were produced over a two year period weren’t very popular in their day, and a couple of them ended up sitting – and rotting until they required lots of replacement body panels. There have been a couple of these cars changing hands in the past few years, and we keep watching the astronomical prices rise. One recent sale was thought to reach more than a million dollars, but it was pointed out that it didn’t have the original sheet metal, this car was painted In-Violet.

In a day and age when many of us like to drive our cars and spend some serious seat time behind the wheel, we can let these deep-pocket auction warriors have the Hemi ‘Cudas of the world, because the truth is that these cars were a pain to drive, and nobody really liked them back then. Now, it’s a different story and for 3.5 million bucks, plus a hefty commission placed on top of that, it’s probably that the only time this car will ever be driven is when the price is driven up and the car is being rolled across another auction block.

The four-speed pistol grip is nice, but we’re guessing it’s not going to get used much, at lest not on the street. The B5 blue paint is an awesome color, and looks great on just about any Mopar and we’d love to see this car on cruise nights or local hangouts. But as long as people are willing t0 pay more for a car than half the homes on a suburban block, the chances of seeing one of these rare beauties in person is going to be slim to none. That’s a shame because, dammit, cars are meant to be driven. Amiright?

The history of this car is rather interesting; even though this ‘Cuda is documented as the only numbers-matching 4-speed convertible in existence, it was once seized by authorities in a drug bust. It was later sold at auction for about $405,000 – which was pretty much unheard of at the time. Cartoonist Russ Meyer had owned the car and sold it for a quarter-million bucks to a buyer in Oregon prior to the drug bust. After a full restoration by Julius Steuer of Los Angeles, California, in 2000, the car was then traded for a number of Corvettes from a private collection. That’s a lot of money that’s been passed around for this one significant car in automotive history.

The car is equipped with the 4-speed, a Dana 60 rear end with the 4.10 Super Track Pak, a 26-inch radiator, and power brakes, meaning this car was actually built to be driven. There was another B5 blue Hemi ‘Cuda built in ’71, its price is going to be up there, however, it probably won’t fetch the same amount. We watched a hard top version cross the blocks for a mere half a million in 2011, but the convertibles are considered the cream of the crop. What’s your take on these overpriced collectables? Would you buy this car if money was no object? Better yet, would you drive the hell out of it?

About the author

Michael Harding

Michael is a Power Automedia contributor and automotive enthusiast who doesn’t discriminate. Although Mopar is in his blood, he loves any car that looks great and drives even faster.
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