1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Hard Top

1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Hard Top

In early 1963 Chrysler engineers put a Hemi head on a modified raised-block 426 wedge to create a competitive NASCAR engine, the 426 Hemi. It was shaped by all the experience gained in years of competition, and best of all for Mopar enthusiasts, to be eligible for NASCAR competition it had to be available in a regular production street configuration. The Street Hemi incorporated many of the race version's performance components, including the crankshaft, connecting rods and cross-bolted main bearing caps. The milder grind camshaft used hydraulic lifters and lower rate springs, in an attempt to limit rpm and keep to the 425-limit imposed by management. With dual Carter AFB carburetors, it was the most awesome engine of a period when awesome engines were the rule. History has passed judgment on the Street Hemi, making it the most sought and valuable power plant of the Muscle Car era.

The new for 1970 'Cuda was now built to accommodate the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi. At a 70 percent premium over Plymouths largest powertrain, the 440-cid 390-hp Six Barrel, the Hemi was only for serious race minded individuals. In addition to the enormous price tag, the race spec Hemi-powered 'Cudas were only built for two model years, 1970 and 1971 adding to the rarity and allure.

Descriptions and pictures by bonhams