Classic American muscle cars are still some of the most desirable cars by collectors and enthusiasts. The Plymouth Cuda is among the most iconic representatives of the 1960s and early 1970s American motoring. The third generation came out in 1970 and is one of the last muscle cars to have actual muscle. Now, not one but two of the most pristine examples are up for grabs through Barrett Jackson. Both cars are the 1971 model year and are listed as no reserve, but one of them is extra special.

Both the convertible and hardtop Cuda have been finished in the iconic Rally Red exterior color with black side decals. The two vehicles are equipped with a four-speed manual and have undergone a ground-up (rotisserie) restoration.

The first car is an ultra-rare, King Kong Plymouth Hemi Cuda hardtop from 1971. The traditional black side decals are giving a hint at what engine works under the hood, and in this case, it’s a 426 Hemi. The 7.0-liter V-8 is rated at 425 horsepower (317 kilowatts) at 5,000 RPM and 490 pound-feet (664 Nm) at 4,000 RPM. That said, the actual output is said to be at least 470 horsepower at around 6,000 RPM. While we won’t go into that argument, this 1971 Hemi Cuda also features a Dana Super Trak Pack with 4.10 rear gears. The car with VIN number BS23R1B268384 also comes with the original Fender Tag and a build sheet.

King Kong Plymouth Hemi Cuda specifications

The second car, with VIN number BS27N1B411026, has also undergone a rotisseries restoration and features a 383 cubic-inch V-8, which is also indicated on the side decals. The engine is good for 300 gross horsepower (223.5 kilowatts) at 4,800 RPM and 410 pound-feet (556 Nm) at 3,400 RPM. Like the Hemi Cuda, the convertible has a four-speed manual with a pistol-grip shifter. The open-top MOPAR is listed as numbers matching car and comes with a Build Sheet and copies of the original paperwork, when the serviceman ordered it through Zurich, Switzerland.

Plymouth Hemi Cuda specifications

The two highly-collectible MOPARs will be featured at the 2022 Las Vegas Auction along with other desirable American classics. “An absolutely stunning array of HEMIs and it doesn’t get any better than the 1971 HEMI ’Cuda. It was the last year they made these and it's one of the rarest muscle cars in existence”, Barrett Jackson CEO, Craig Jackson, stated with enthusiasm.

Barret Jackson offers its entire docket, including the two Cudas, at no reserve. The auction will be held from 30 June to 2 July 2022. Despite Barrett Jackson’s docket being sold out for consignments, you can still register for the bidding. Rare versions of classic American muscle cars have proven to be surprisingly good investments. According to Mecum a rare car like the Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible can sell anywhere from $5.7 million to $6.5 million, and 10 years ago, a similar car would have been sold for $3.0 million.