1 of only 9 ever produced

It took courage to go into a dealership in 1970 and order a convertible with big-block power. The cost of the insurance alone could come close to the monthly payment, and, truth be told, changing tastes had begun to limit the popularity of open-top models. This would become one of the reasons this car is one-of-one as known optioned. In fact, by the time the 1970 model run was over, Plymouth had produced a mere 14 Hemi Cuda convertibles worldwide, just three examples like this one that were coded Y07 for Canadian export. Displayed at the MCACN Mopar E Body Hemi Convertible Invitational, this is a car already known and honored within the collector hobby. It is documented with two broadcast sheets, an ownership history, restoration photos and paperwork, and it was shown within the limited-print MCACN book on the one-time gathering, “In Search of the Holy Grail.”

Truth be told, the motivation of the first buyer is not known. As optioned, it seems it was color and horsepower that mattered, not life as a drag racer. It first came into the hobby when a customer wanted a full no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration completed by Legendary Motorcar in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. There, the body was stripped to bare metal before its paint, interior and components were refinished to exacting OEM style. Extensive detailing includes production line markings, tags present and correct throughout its engine bay and undercarriage, all chrome has been triple-plated, and the stainless has been polished. Legendary would eventually become the caretaker of this car, with business owner Peter Klutt comparing these 1970-71 models to the Bugatti Royales of Europe based on their incredible rarity and ultimate collector status.

Then, there is the power. Little needs to be said about the 426 Hemi engine, which boasted 1970 specifications that still included 10.25 compression, large port heads, two Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetors and H-pipe dual exhaust. New for the year was a hydraulic cam and valvetrain layout that eased maintenance and the new fresh Shaker air scoop. On this car, it is in argent paint. The A727 Torqueflite transmission behind it and the Hemi suspension that the engine mandated meant a Sure Grip differential. The car was optioned with power brakes and manual steering.

The stripped body has been refinished in correct High Impact FY1 Lemon Twist, a stunning color, and this restoration was done using either NOS or original components. There are body sill, belt and deck moldings, dual exhaust ending in bright tips, hold-down pins for the Shaker hood, and a chrome rearview mirror to add shine to this. The black convertible top covers over an incredible H6T5 Tan vinyl interior, a rarely seen color that's a spectacular match to the bright paint and black top boot. It includes bucket seats and the C16 center console with woodgrain applique and factory round-knob Slap-Stik shifter. The car received the standard dash layout, AM radio and manual top operation, but perhaps the cost of buying both the premium body and ultimate engine had emptied the cookie jar. Ironically, it may also be the reason for the painted steel wheels and big Goodyear Polyglas GT F60-15 tires. The wheels are a subdued compliment to the car's dynamic appearance, almost a statement that says you don't need extra flash.

That status only adds to the overall package being offered here. The opportunity to own any 1970 Hemi Cuda convertible is understandably rare. This Y07 export, the only example ever built in yellow with a tan interior, will be an honor to own, and nobody else will have one.