Assembled in Hamtramck, Michigan, and destined for France, this 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible was one of the last of its kind, built as the muscle car era neared its end. It is one of 12 built for the 1971 model year and among the five examples earmarked for non-U.S. destinations. Designed by John E. Herlitz and built on the new E-body platform, the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda featured a wider body and a lower stance than its second-generation predecessor.
The immaculate ‘Cuda is heading to auction at Mecum in Indianapolis, Indiana, the week of May 14-22, where it is estimated to bring in between $5,750,000 and $6,500,000. The original owner, Jean Teyssier, owned the ‘Cuda until 1993 and then listed it for sale in a regional American car club newsletter. After a buyer in America acquired the car, he later sold it to the present owner, who kept the ‘Cuda in his car collection for 20 years.
Among the many reasons why this Hemi ‘Cuda is exceptional is the factory A833 four-speed manual transmission paired with a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter. Only three came equipped with this option. Under the hood, a savage 7.0-liter Hemi 426 V-8 develops 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. It has the A33 Track Pak option, which includes a Dana 60 Sure Grip rear differential with a 3.54 final gear ratio and a heavy-duty engine cooling system.
The Winchester Gray ‘Cuda features a black Shaker scoop, a V3X option code black top, black billboard graphics, and Rallye wheels wrapped in F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Other notable exterior highlights include the cheese grater grille, front fender inserts, chrome rocker moldings, body-colored side mirrors, through-valance dual exhaust, and ‘Cuda badges.
High-back vinyl bucket seats, a C16-option woodgrain center console, woodgrain trim, a three-spoke steering wheel, power windows, and a six-way adjustable driver seat make up the interior. Slated for Europe, it comes equipped with a 240 km/h speedometer showing 98,553 kilometers (just over 60,000 miles). The one-of-a-kind convertible ‘Cuda has matching numbers and detailed documentation, including the original French title and import documents.
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