Cuda

 

Car buffs are all familiar with Mecum Auctions, the source of some of the most sought-after automobiles in existence.  This year’s Indianapolis auction will feature something truly unique – a 1970 Hemi Cuda with 81 actual miles.

The Plymouth Barracuda with a 426 Hemi engine  was special-ordered and purchased new at Shreves Plymouth-Dodge in June 1970 by Bill Reardon of Clarksburg, West Virginia, who was finally buying his dream car at 62 years of age. One of the last 10 Hemi Cudas built in 1970, it was exactly as he imagined it: Tor Red with a Black interior; Torqueflite automatic transmission; Shaker hood with tie downs and color-matching steel wheels with dog-dish hub caps.

Bill immediately began the modifications needed to ready the car for the drag strip, removing the intake and carburetors, the complete exhaust system, rear end, rear wheels and tires and front shocks. He replaced all these with the best performance parts available, while carefully stowing the originals in safe storage. In his first season of racing, Bill made approximately 30 passes at three local drag strips.

Less than a year after acquiring his dream car, Reardon died.  It has passed through several other owners  over the years, none of which bought it to drive.  Unrestored, and show-room perfect, it is expected to bring six to eight hundred thousand dollars at the auction.

You can see more details HERE.