Will This Rare ’71 Hemi Cuda Net Millions at Mecum?

When you hear about a 1971 Hemi Cuda worth millions, it makes us appreciate the opportunity to work on the Hemi Cuda that’s sitting in our studio right now and to be in its presence.

This hot piece of muscle car history managed to find its way overseas, only to end up in France, but returned to the United States in 1993 and is about to net millions at Mecum Auto Auctions as the most expensive one ever sold.

The ultra-rare 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda will be at the upcoming Mecum Auction event in Indianapolis, and while that’s not anything out-of-the-ordinary, its price tag is absolutely bonkers. The original-engined factory 4-speed French Export, main attraction, is estimated to net anywhere from $5,750,000 to $6,500,000.

We know the Hemi Cuda is a rare and expensive vehicle, but what makes this particular Cuda so exceptionally rare? For starters, it’s one of 12 Hemi Cuda convertibles produced for 1971 – seven for the United States and five for export. It’s one of three equipped with a factory A833 4-speed manual transmission, and it’s the only 1971 model produced in Winchester Gray.

The car was exported to France for its original owner, Jean Teyssier, but as mentioned above, returned in 1993 with its original drivetrain intact. The car has remained under the current owners care for 20 years, and it comes with the original broadcast sheet, as well as the original French title and its import documents. Seriously, can this car get any cooler? It’s about as vintage as it gets.

This potent vehicle was the pinnacle of muscle cars in its day. Even by today’s standards, its 425 horsepower competes with or exceeds, many of the muscle car’s capability sold today. This Hemi Cuda isn’t the first to net the big bucks, though. Another 1971 convertible sold at Mecum Auctions in Pebble Beach for $2,250,000 in 2015, but this current car certainly takes the cake in terms of price.

The metric odometer on the car reads 98,553 kilometers, translating to 61,237.9 miles. You’re welcome. To be honest, it’s nice to see a classic muscle car with that many miles – it was actually driven and enjoyed how the manufacturers anticipated. A lot of cars we see at auction are in pristine condition but have sat in a garage for the entirety of its life with very low mileage. There’s nothing wrong with that, to each their own, but it’s nice to hear about getting some use out of your muscle car.

If you’re interested in the event taking place, it’s scheduled to “cross the block” on Friday, May 21st. Good luck to the new owner!