The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible is among the rarest and most fascinating muscle vehicles, the sort that is virtually assured to begin a bidding battle at any public sale. So it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how a lot this one sells for when it crosses the block at Mecum’s public sale in Indianapolis, Indiana, operating Might 14-22.

The Plymouth Barracuda (efficiency variations acquired ‘Cuda nomenclature starting in 1970) was the model’s competitor to the Ford Mustang, that means entry-level variations have been priced affordably, and produced in giant numbers. Nevertheless, few vehicles acquired the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine. Even fewer have been convertibles.

Simply 12 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertibles have been constructed for the 1971 mannequin yr, together with seven for the US and 5 for export, in keeping with the itemizing. As well as, that is one in every of solely three vehicles outfitted with the manufacturing unit A833 4-speed guide transmission, and it is the one 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible painted Winchester Grey.

Each the transmission (which has a Hurst Pistol Grip shifter) and the Hemi V-8 are unique to the automotive—additional rising its worth. The automotive additionally sports activities a 3.54 Positive Grip rear differential, the Rallye sprint (which added a tachometer), “Hemi” graphics, and a Shaker hood scoop.

This automotive was initially delivered to France, however was repatriated to the U.S. in 1993, after which spent about 20 years in a non-public assortment. Right this moment, the convertible is in largely unique situation, in keeping with the itemizing. Its metric odometer at the moment exhibits 98,553 kilometers—about 60,000 miles.

Plymouth Hemi ‘Cudas recurrently promote for tens of millions of {dollars} at public sale. A pair of Hemi ‘Cuda Convertibles fetched more than $2 million each at a 2016 Mecum public sale, whereas one other sold for $3.5 million in 2014.