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

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Goodguys Rod & Custom's new project '69 Camaro G/RS

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association will be forever tied to the Thom Taylor-penned cartoon of Gary Meadors ’32 Ford sedan. Meadors’ famed sedan has stood tall as the company logo for close to three decades. The bright yellow sedan has crisscrossed the country dozens of times and racked up over 200,000 thousand road miles spreading the Goodguys spirit nationwide. It now has company. A new project is currently underway to build upon the Goodguys legacy. “Project G/RS” – a ground hugging, pavement-pounding ’69 Camaro Muscle Machine will be added to the Goodguys stable this fall. The Goodguy-yellow Camaro will essentially be used to further promote the Goodguys brand throughout the country on the open road as well as on the Goodguys AutoCross course and other driving events. Handling the build is Bret Voelkel and his talented Ridetech team in Jasper, Indiana. “ We are honored to be chosen to build the new Goodguys Camaro” said Voelkel. We’ve built 2 very successful giveaway cars for Goodguys over the years and now get a chance to do this Camaro – one that will be in the organization forever. It’s fun to work with people who share a common vision for what this car should be…I’m looking forward to the build, and to watching the Goodguys team enjoy the finished car for years to come!” The car will feature General Motors’ new LS8 engine, TREMEC six speed transmission, complete RideTech Suspension, Moser rearend, PPG Paint, Baer brakes, Forgeline wheels, BF Goodrich rubber, Vintage Air A/C, Dakota Digital gauges, Interior by Hudson Rod & Custom, RECARO seats, a fuel tank by Rick’s Tanks, American Autowire Harness as well as other goodies from Speedway Motors and Rick’s Camaro Parts. “The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and my dad’s yellow ’32 Ford sedan are known throughout the world,” said company president Marc Meadors. “Gary’s ’32 will be forever tied to Goodguys and all we do. We wanted to add to that legacy by building a muscle car and adding it to the Goodguys logo and company theme – something that represents the current landscape of hot rodding. Much like my father’s hot rod, this Goodguy-yellow Camaro will be driven hard and shared with cars guys and gals nationwide.” We’ll keep everyone posted right here on Hot News with progress reports throughout the year so stay tuned!

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