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

Sunday, December 25, 2011

How to price your Classic Car

1
Gather information about your car.
Write down the year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle. If you have original paperwork from the first sale of the car, this is an important piece of history of the vehicle for any potential classic car seller, because it provides authenticity to a buyer as well as a bit of nostalgic memorabilia. The original paperwork alone in many instances can raise the value of a classic car. Also, collect paperwork about repairs and improvements made over the years.

2
Note the mileage on the vehicle and whether they are original miles or if the engine was replaced at some point.

3
Note how the car was stored by you and previous owners.
A car stored indoors away from sun and inclement weather is less apt to have body wear from rain, sun and changing temperatures; as such it will be more desirable for buyers and more valuable.

4
Assess the condition of the vehicle.
Rust on the body, door dings, paint scratches and worn upholstery will lower the value of a classic car.

5
Consider making repairs before selling.
Body work and engine repairs will not only increase the value of the vehicle but also make it more attractive to sellers. Consider having the car professionally detailed, which can cost as little as $100 and will make the vehicle more attractive to sellers.

6
Research classic car price guides.
Some good sources are the Collector Car Price Guide, the National Auto Dealers Association Appraisal Guides, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. The three latter organizations have websites to enter the details of your vehicle and its condition to set a fair market price; the former product is available at bookstores, Amazon and undoubtedly elswhere. A good practice is to set your classic car's price in the middle of the range and add or deduct depending on the car's mileage, condition and repair history. Low mileage, good condition, a garaged history and recent repairs render a higher price. Cars needing repairs should be priced lower than the median.

7
Price a bit higher than you hope to receive.
If you hope to get $6,000 for your classic car, price it a bit higher to give you bargaining room. Advertise the vehicle at $6,500, $6,999, an even $7,000 or $7,250 if that's not terribly unreasonable. If you get your selling price, then it is a bonus for you. If not, it gives you some space for bargaining.

Tips & Warnings
Do your research on selling prices of similar vehicles, because buyers will do the same and will want to negotiate the lowest prices.