What does the word “exclusivity” mean when considering a premium muscle car? Is it the production, the presentation, the options, the provenance, or perhaps a combination of all of these factors? This particular 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible is certainly a vehicle that lives up to the ideals in each of those categories, and its simple availability is a final aspect of the desirability a rarity like this can generate. Of course, production numbers on these E-body Chrysler sport models is noteworthy. Of the 14 Hemi Cuda convertibles built in 1970, three were destined as Canadian exports. Of the trio, one is believed to have been destroyed, and the other two, quite uniquely, were both delivered in High Impact FY1 Lemon Twist paint. Indeed, Legendary Motorcar in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada, recognized its singular importance when it was originally brought to the company, and, under its direction, the Cuda benefited from an extensively thorough rotisserie restoration. Once apart, the entire body was stripped to bare metal, which revealed an outstanding original and extremely solid example. Every component was refinished to its original form, with assembly line production markings and tags present and correct throughout both the engine bay and undercarriage. All chrome parts have been triple-plated, and the stainless components were professionally polished before the car was reassembled. It is truly better than new. Of course, having the E74 426 Hemi option checked off on the order form was a major key to this convertible’s attraction, and most people familiar with Chrysler products already know what is underneath the Shaker scoop that emerges menacingly from the hood—10.25:1 compression forged pistons, a race-bred reciprocating assembly, dual 4-barrel carburetors, massive-port cylinder heads and a free-flowing dual exhaust that ends in chrome tips. On this car, a console-shifted Slap-Stik shifter operates the A727 Hemi TorqueFlite automatic transmission, feeding power to the Sure Grip differential. Exclusivity in presentation is found on both the exterior and interior of this car. Sans the hockey-stripe callouts, this car instead originally came with M25 body-sill moldings, M31 body-belt moldings and M88 deck-molding treatment. Adding to this were the J45 hood pins, road lamps and a black convertible top. Coupled with the argent-toned scoop with discrete “hemi ‘cuda” tags, it is a High Impact machine with minor detractions. Inside, the selection chosen was rarely seen saddle tan, code H6T5, which gives this car an additional unequaled appearance as the only Hemi Cuda convertible with this color combination. The appointments within included wonderfully matched wood- grain accent pieces, the AM Music Master radio, bucket seats and the interior-matched top boot. The original buyer truly seems to have desired the Lemon Twist look, as once again, the premium wheel design was foregone for something that matched the body. The wheels are 15-inch body-color steel versions with small-diameter hubcaps and the Hemi-option-mandated F15-60 Goodyear Polyglas tires. Power brakes are behind them, and there is a space-saver spare with the associated fill canister mounted in the trunk. Honored as part of the one-time-only E-Body Hemi Convertible Invitational at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, the provenance on this car is extensive, as the options are documented with two broadcast sheets. Also included will be the extensive ownership history back to 1970, owner’s manual, finance paperwork, restoration pictures and previous registrations. Taken as a whole, its pedigree is certainly unquestionable.
