A ’70 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’70 Hemi Road Runner Shine at Barrett-Jackson

As a part of SPEED Channel’s broadcast team for Barrett-Jackson, I spent a total of 24 hours watching cars cross the block. And as record-breaking prices were made, my thought was, “When it comes to good stuff, there seems to be almost no limit to what enthusiasts will spend to get what they want.”  – Keith Martin

As an example of how crazy the prices were, if a Hemi didn’t get to $100,000, we all wondered what was wrong with the car.

Decent, entry-level muscle cars like 383 Road Runners and 396 Camaros will never be ultra-cheap again; figure $25,000 to $30,000 for decent, show-quality cars. They offer too much fun to cost less than that.

It’s hard to believe that the multi-hundred thousand dollar values of the cream-of-the-crop muscle cars can continue. But for the next couple years at least, if you want a really rare icon monster-engine car from the muscle car era, you’ll have to reach deep into your wallet and pull out a stack of bills that will stand nearly as tall as you do.

1970 PLYMOUTH HEMI ’CUDA 2-DOOR COUPE 
Rallye Red with black interior. 426/425 Hemi, 2×4 carbs, automatic. Documented as second 1970 Hemi ’Cuda built and the “Press Preview Car.” One of 652 total 1970 Hemi ’Cudas produced. Factory replacement engine block; fully restored to a better-than-new standard. SOLD AT $329,400

This is the Hemi ’Cuda to have. Its place in history sets it apart and gives you special bragging rights at the next Mopar meet – isn’t that what it’s all about? A huge price that isn’t easily repeatable by a ’Cuda with less impressive heritage.

1968 PLYMOUTH HEMI ROAD RUNNER COUPE
Silver with black vinyl interior. 426/425 Hemi engine, 4-speed, Dana rear end. Correct AM radio; complete numbers matching, as decoded by Mopar guru Galen Govier. One of just 449 4-speed Hemi Road Runners built in 1968. Restored to a very high standard.
SOLD AT $151,200

Given these prices, it’s hard to imagine that New York City taxicabs used the same basic body as Road Runners. These cars were all about the motor and how much rubber you could burn. A year ago, this would be considered crazy. Today, it’s top of the market.