70 HEMI 'CUDA " THE MOST SAUGHT AFTER OF ALL !! "

From 1966-71, Dodge stuffed their massive Hemi into the small E-Body platform and the 1970 Hemi 'Cuda is widely accepted as one of the most saught after of these. Only 652 were built when new, including 14 rare convertibles, making an original Hemi 'Cuda a rare sight. The Hemi 'Cuda was forced in scarcity due to the extra $900 it cost to build one-nearly a third of the standard purchase price. At $250, the 390 bhp 440 V8 became the norm and made the Hemi Cuda an exception. Motor Trend tested the 426 Hemi ’Cuda in their May 1970 issue, reaching 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds at 102 mph. The long list of options made available for 1970 Barracudas included such goodies as a Track Pak with a 3.54:1 differential ratio, Rallye wheels, a range of exciting colors including Plum Crazy, pistol grip shifters, hockey stick sport stripes, hood pins and a variety of creature comforts. Of all the options, the R-code steet Hemi 426 was the most legendary Mopar engine. It typically delivered 425 bhp through the solid 727 Torqueflight automatic and a 3.55:1 Sure Grip rear axle. That is, unless the car was one of the 284 that got a 4-speed manual. With their classic shape, tire-shredding American power, limited production and huge popularity a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda can easily fetch over $150 000 USD. This is a remarkable amount for a car with the same build quailty as a mass-produced Plymouth. However, the aggressive sound of Hemi combined with visual street cred and Barrett-Jackson publicity now make these Cudas more expensive than most Ferraris produced in the same era. Changes for 1971 were minimal and included a more complex 6 inlet grille design and fender gill louvers. Only 100 or so of these were built and the seven ultra-rare 1971 convertibles are the most expensive muscle cars money can buy. In 72, the government and EPA kicked the muscle car in the ass with emissions regulations. After that time, no more Hemi or more big block models could be ordered

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Plymouth Barracuda " Hemi Under Glass "

The "Hemi Under Glass" was an exhibition project by Hurst that was originally featured at drag strips across the country in the 1960's and 1970"s. Hurst hired driver Bob Riggle to drive the mid-engine wheel-stander down the drag strip to the fascination of spectators everywhere. Riggle drove the Hemi Under Glass up until 1975 when he moved back to his home in Arizona.

Three different versions of the Hemi Under Glass were built, each based on the Plymouth Barracuda model year 1966-1968.

From the mid-70's through the 1980's the Hemi Under Glass was forgotten about, and the 1966 version was even destroyed in 1987. However, Bob Riggle decided to bring back the Hemi Under Glass and in 1992 began building a replica of the 1966 version. In 1995 Bob completed an authentic replica of the 1968 Hemi Under Glass and has toured the country with the car ever since, amazing crowds once again with his full-track wheel-stands.
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)