Multi-Million-Dollar Mopar_® Sells At Mecum

Who would’ve thought a car that sold new for approximately $4,500 in 1971 would fetch well over $3 million in 2026? We know values for muscle cars have been up and down like a Coney Island roller coaster for decades; that’s nothing new. But the recent sale of a 1971 Plymouth HEMI^® ’Cuda Convertible at the recent Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee just broke the ceiling for Mopar_® Muscle Cars prices. This particular example represented the high-water mark of Mopar Muscle Cars for many reasons. Of all the factory-produced Street HEMI machines that Chrysler built from 1966 to 1971, it was the swoopy, stylish and sexy Barracuda and Challenger ‘E-body’ platform that always commanded the big bucks, and it’s no secret. This pair of siblings looks fast just sitting still, regardless of what’s under the hood. This 1971 ’Cuda Convertible is the ultimate representation of the mighty 426 Street HEMI engine, a short-lived option from 1966 to 1971 in various Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars. These machines reached legendary status decades ago, and that trend still continues today. This particular 1971 HEMI ’Cuda Convertible, finished in ‘GW-3 Sno-White’, with black ‘Billboard’ rear quarter panel decals, checks many boxes. When it rolled across the stage at Mecum, and the auctioneer dropped the hammer, this 1971 HEMI ’Cuda Convertible sold for an astounding $3,300,000, and it took the Mopar collector car hobby to a whole new level!

For those of you trying to wrap your heads around that astronomical price that’s more on par with European exotics like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porches, the 1971 Plymouth HEMI ’Cuda is probably the ultimate American muscle machine that many hardcore collectors are looking for. Now, add the convertible option, and we’re talking production numbers that can be counted on both hands and two toes. Those numbers come to 12 to be exact, but if we break down those figures further between automatic and four-speed transmissions, this HEMI ’Cuda Convertible is one of only five made in 1971. This is pure rarity among many of the Muscle Car greats, including those from Ford and General Motors.

There’s already a lot going on with this unique HEMI ’Cuda Convertible, but this one has been documented as the first one built for the 1971 model year. With a born-on date of September 9, 1970, at Chrysler’s Hamtramck Assembly Plant, the car was nicknamed ‘The White Elephant’ due to its color, and of course, the HEMI’s moniker as a pachyderm. While the 426 HEMI was developed for racing, the Street HEMI was its tamed down relative to provide reliable motoring for those brave and wealthy enough to order one of these. This HEMI ’Cuda Convertible has more creature comforts, such as an A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, A36 Performance Axle Package, which includes the Sure Grip 8.75-inch differential with 3.55 gear ratio, AM Radio, tape cassette player w/microphone, power brakes, power steering, power top and other items to make this powerful Plymouth more civilized for daily commutes. What’s odd, whoever ordered this car new didn’t opt for the Rallye dash, center-mounted floor console or Rallye wheels. But with the HEMI option, all 1970 and 1971 ’Cudas received the Shaker hood as part of the package, and yes, it quivers under those twin Carter AFB carburetors that gulp air and fuel to feed the potent HEMI engine. Visually, it’s part of the car’s appeal and makes this ’Cuda even more desirable.

Unfortunately, nothing is known about the person or even the dealer who ordered this unique Mopar vehicle in the fall of 1970, but it was sold new in the Midwest. We pick up the trail in 1977 when it was owned by the same individual until 2003. The car was then verified and documented before longtime Mopar Muscle Restorer Julius Steuer began his year-long renovation effort. In 2003, he took the ’Cuda back to its as-built specifications, which included repainting the car back to its original GW3 ‘Sno White’ exterior color with matching colored front grille (another option on the 1971 Plymouth ’Cuda models). Mopar Expert Dave Wise of MMC Detroit examined the ’Cuda in 2017 and 2023, and crafted his trademark detailed report on the options and features that validate the HEMI ’Cuda as the ‘real deal.’ Dave’s reports also included numerous illustrations to substantiate the car’s authenticity. These included the ’Cuda’s 1977 Kansas title, a partial broadcast sheet, the original tags found on the carpet and doors, and many photos showing the restoration process.

“There are only so many of these cars left on the planet, so they command a premium when one shows up for sale. Therefore, it’s not surprising this Mopar went for this kind of big money,” said Dave Wise of MMC Detroit. “This 1971 ’Cuda Convertible was a no excuse, which is rare. Many of these cars, back in the day, were driven hard and abused at the hands of these owners. This car maintains so much of its original sheet metal, and it’s been a known car within the Mopar hobby for decades. I feel it was a great buy and wasn’t surprised it went for over three million dollars.”

With the kick-off of the 2026 collector car auction season, the bar has been set. The recent sale of this super-rare 1971 HEMI ’Cuda Convertible is an indication of the increasing values these muscle cars bring and the big money when they roll across the auction block. So hang on, Mopar enthusiasts, there’s more to come!