(Words and photos by Jacob Marshall) – The illustrious Chrysler Hemi Engine has been renowned for many reasons, but when the context is an auction such as Mecum, one in particular comes to mind; price. Although the value of these cars has come down substantially since their outrageous prices during the mid 2000’s, there was still an abundance of them in attendance at Mecum this year, with more than a few demanding prices deep into the six digit range!
But the star of the show was without a doubt the Tor Red 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda, with a mere 81 miles on the odometer. The best part? Nearly 10% of those miles were put on the clock a quarter mile at a time! The original owner bought the car to drag race! Finding unrestored
Hemi cars in great shape is no easy feat, but finding a Hemi car that not only survived the floggings of its owners but retains all of its original parts and has such low miles is like finding a unicorn, riding an elephant, in space. So when the car did not sell at the final bid of $450,000, it makes one wonder whether the cars with plugwires through their valve covers will ever demand the prices they once saw nearly ten years ago. We just wish we could have been the lucky shoe that got to mash the pedal when this car was new. But there were plenty of Hemi’s in attendance, so only cars rocking hemishperical cylinder heads are allowed in this collection of photos!
CHECK OUT ALL THE HEMI POWERED LEGENDS BELOW –
Awesome Elephants!They still wonder the Earth!
Original and unrestored can cover a lot of ground. This car was extensively modified during the first year of ownership – it was purchased as a drag car and was never put on the street. It acquired 41 miles at the drag strip.
The intake and carburetors, complete exhaust, rear end, rear wheels and tires, and front shocks were all replaced with high-performance pieces. The original buyer keep all the original parts that he replaced. He died after the first season of drag racing the car.
The buyer of the car took all the original parts and put them back on the car. The car has changed hands a couple of times with an additional 40 miles since it was restored.
As far as not selling for $450,000 – IMO having automatic is bringing down the value of the car substantially
Very nice! I was there too and they were everywhere. I think there may have been even more than the ones pictured here. I know there was at least a Hemi equipped Superbird and Belvedere II Super Stock there.
I wish I had the money to purchase “Akron” Arlen Vanke’s Pro Stock Duster! I built that car model back in the mid-70’s!
That black Challenger was BAD looking!! Nice MOPARS!