Vehicle Description
It took courage to go into a dealership in 1970 and order a
convertible with big-block power. The cost of the insurance alone
could come close to the monthly payment, and, truth be told,
changing tastes had begun to limit the popularity of open-top
models. This would become one of the reasons this car is one-of-one
as known optioned. In fact, by the time the 1970 model run was
over, Plymouth had produced a mere 14 Hemi Cuda convertibles
worldwide, just three examples like this one that were coded Y07
for Canadian export. Displayed at the MCACN Mopar E Body Hemi
Convertible Invitational, this is a car already known and honored
within the collector hobby. It is documented with two broadcast
sheets, an ownership history, restoration photos and paperwork, and
it was shown within the limited-print MCACN book on the one-time
gathering, "In Search of the Holy Grail."
Truth be told, the motivation of the first buyer is not known. As
optioned, it seems it was color and horsepower that mattered, not
life as a drag racer. It first came into the hobby when a customer
wanted a full no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration completed by
Legendary Motorcar in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. There, the
body was stripped to bare metal before its paint, interior and
components were refinished to exacting OEM style. Extensive
detailing includes production line markings, tags present and
correct throughout its engine bay and undercarriage, all chrome has
been triple-plated, and the stainless has been polished. Legendary
would eventually become the caretaker of this car, with business
owner Peter Klutt comparing these 1970-71 models to the Bugatti
Royales of Europe based on their incredible rarity and ultimate
collector status.
Then, there is the power. Little needs to be said about the 426
Hemi engine, which boasted 1970 specifications that still included
10.25 compression, large port heads, two Carter AFB 4-barrel
carburetors and H-pipe dual exhaust. New for the year was a
hydraulic cam and valvetrain layout that eased maintenance and the
new fresh Shaker air scoop. On this car, it is in argent paint. The
A727 Torqueflite transmission behind it and the Hemi suspension
that the engine mandated meant a Sure Grip differential. The car
was optioned with power brakes and manual steering.
The stripped body has been refinished in correct High Impact FY1
Lemon Twist, a stunning color, and this restoration was done using
either NOS or original components. There are body sill, belt and
deck moldings, dual exhaust ending in bright tips, hold-down pins
for the Shaker hood, and a chrome rearview mirror to add shine to
this. The black convertible top covers over an incredible H6T5 Tan
vinyl interior, a rarely seen color that's a spectacular match to
the bright paint and black top boot. It includes bucket seats and
the C16 center console with woodgrain applique and factory
round-knob Slap-Stik shifter. The car received the standard dash
layout, AM radio and manual top operation, but perhaps the cost of
buying both the premium body and ultimate engine had emptied the
cookie jar. Ironically, it may also be the reason for the painted
steel wheels and big Goodyear Polyglas GT F60-15 tires. The wheels
are a subdued compliment to the car's dynamic appearance, almost a
statement that says you don't need extra flash.
That status only adds to the overall package being offered here.
The opportunity to own any 1970 Hemi Cuda convertible is
understandably rare. This Y07 export, the only example ever built
in yellow with a tan interior, will be an honor to own, and nobody
else will have one.
