One Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible is a big deal. Two are a really big deal. Combine two Hemi Cuda Convertibles and a Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible together and the effect is monumental. Those E-Bodies are just three of 31 Hemi-powered Mopars on offer at the Mecum Kissimmee 2016 auction, the largest collector-car and Road Art auction in the world, which will take place Jan. 15-24 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.
Spurred on by a number of factors, the convertible E-body models built by the Plymouth Division during the final two years of the 426 Hemi engine’s availability in street-production models have proven time and again to be the blue chips of collector investment. Repeatedly reaching into the value territory that has been previously reserved for the legendary prewar classics and the most exclusive European-built sports cars, the Hemi Cuda convertible ‘owner’s club’ is very small and exclusive indeed; few people today will ever get the chance to join.
At Mecum Kissimmee 2016 there are two incredible opportunities to own a drop-top Hemi Cuda. Leading off is a striking 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible (Lot F109) finished in Lemon Twist paint and boasting the code-E74 Hemi mill and a drop-top body design, a combination of which only 14 were built that model year. Of those, just five came with the A833 4-speed behind the engine, making this one rare yellow blur.
Next up is a brilliant Sno-White 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible (Lot F102). While rarity is a given on cars like this Cuda, this was the first of the mere five automatic-equipped drop tops built in that final year of Hemi production. The buyer opted to leave the large billboard graphics off, but still selected a black top and interior, giving the car a unique two-tone appearance. The N96 Shaker scoop on top of the 426/425 HP Hemi was also done in black.
Not to be outdone is a 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible (Lot F111) finished in Sublime Green paint. That year, 1,070 people bought new R/T convertibles; only nine of them selected the Hemi engine. Four of those chose the Hemi/automatic combination. This is one of that very exclusive group. Perhaps one of the most stunning executions on the 1970 R/T convertible design, this Hemi presents a special opportunity for the discriminating collector.
That’s not all the Mopar muscle available, as other gems include a 1969 Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T Convertible (Lot F105), a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda (Lot F100) and a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona (Lot F103). These incredible cars make up just a handful of a multitude of Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars on offer at Mecum Kissimmee 2016.
To view everything from the Hemi Cuda Convertibles, the Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible and other monumental Mopar muscle, or to register to bid on any of the 3,000 cars on offer or 1,500 memorabilia items, visit Mecum.com. Bidder registration is $100 when completed in advance online, or $200 on-site at the auction. Mecum Kissimmee 2016 is open to buyers, sellers and spectators with general admission tickets available at the gate for $30 per day or $180 for all 10 days; children 12 and younger are admitted free of charge. Portions of the auction will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network with a stream of the entire event presented on Mecum’s website.
Source: mecum.com