1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda With Just 81 Miles Races To Auction

The Plymouth Hemi Cuda signified the end of an era. It was the last of the fire-breathing monsters, born as the curtain fell over a decade of American muscle and big block V-8s –– a glorious time we won’t ever get back.

Only for one buyer at Mecum Auctions’ sale in Indianapolis May 12-17, that era can be re-lived in the form of this pristine 1970 Hemi Cuda, boasting just 81 original miles. It is believed to be the lowest-mileage example in existence; a time-capsule back to that treasured period of American motoring.

The story began in June of 1970. Bill Reardon was 62 years old and had finally saved up enough cash to buy the car of his dreams. He optioned his Cuda in Tor Red paint with a black interior, a Torqueflite automatic transmission, Shaker hood and matching red wheels.

Soon after delivery, Reardon did what many muscle car lovers from that period would do –– took it to the drag strip. He modified the machine, removing the intake and carburetors as well as the exhaust system. Not forgotten were the front shocks and those red wheels, all being replaced by drag racing-specific performance parts. The original components were placed in safe storage while Reardon competed in his first season on the strip. In total, Reardon made around 30 passes that year, often running in the high 10-second range.

Reardon never made it a second season. He passed away suddenly, with his wife tragically following a few years later. The car had only 42 miles on the clock at the time. Reardon’s son later decided to sell the Cuda to a man named Marvin Dillon, along with all its original parts. Dillon stripped the car of its drag racing add-ons and brought it back to stock. Over the next 16 years, he drove the car less than one mile.

From there the Hemi Cuda has seen a number of owners, all taking care of the vehicle while driving it little. To date, the odometer reads just 81 original miles, and it looks as pristine as when Reardon first took delivery some 45 years ago.

Mecum Auctions estimate the car will fetch between $600,000 and $800,000. Reardon likely paid in the upper $3,000 range back in 1970, and while that remains an awful lot of dough for a muscle car, it doesn’t come close to the $3.5 million Hemi Cuda convertible sold by Mecum last year. Only 11 topless versions were made in 1971, which is why this low mileage Cuda isn’t expected to reach those heights.

Still, it’s a hefty premium to pay for a Plymouth. And yet, with its 426 Hemi V-8 pushing 425 hp to the rear wheels, it’s far more than just a muscle car: It’s a passage back to America’s most cherished automotive decade.