Over the course of the American automotive history, few cars have captured the hearts and minds of American car fanatics as much as the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda. The cars are so rare that only 100 of these models were ever released – seven of them being convertibles – and up to this day, still remains the most expensive muscle car money can buy.

While the car doesn’t distinguish itself much in terms of build quality – it bears a striking resemblance to any mass-produced Plymouth – the Hemi Cuda’s mythical status as one of America’s most sought-after vehicles lies on what’s under its hood.

From 1966 to 1071, Dodge brought in their fabled Hemi engines and put it under the hood of the Barracuda. The result was a car for all ages.

This factory-original 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda 2 door Hardtop is one of the few remaining in the world that runs in tip-shape. Thanks to laborious efforts in restoring this car – over 200 new old-stock parts were used to replace the existing parts, including the grill, hood including Shaker parts, windshield, dash pad, tail lights, gauges, heater motor, wiper motor, hood latch, a complete NOS exhaust system and more – the car looks as if it was just rolled out of the production line.

Coming in with an intimidating FE5 Red paint, the ’71 Hemi Cuda comes with a 4-speed transmission with a factory pistol grip shifter, a 3.54 Dana rear end, a rear seat speaker option wheel lip moldings, among other unique features.

The car also retains its original sheet metal – a product of having been living in the dry west weather of Texas.

Nothing in the car is recoated or refurnished and actually still comes with its original fender tag, with a matching 15-page authenticity report courtesy of the legendary car authenticator, Galen Govier.

This 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is a car collector’s unicorn. Its limited edition release – as we’ve said, only 100 has ever been made - has made it a tough buy, even for the most devoted of car connoisseurs