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Van Nhieu
Mar 06 2025
7The Birth of
By the early 1970s, the American muscle car wars were at their peak, with manufacturers competing to build the most powerful, aggressive, and stylish vehicles. The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was the ultimate expression of Mopar performance, combining the legendary 426 HEMI V8 engine with a sleek, open-top design.
What makes this car so special? Only 12 convertible Hemi ’Cudas were built in 1971, making it one of the rarest and most valuable muscle cars of all time. With its brutal performance and aggressive styling, the Hemi ’Cuda became an instant legend.
Pride
The 1971 Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was designed to be both intimidating and beautiful. Its bold and aggressive styling set it apart from any other muscle car on the road.
Key Exterior Features:
- Wide, menacing front grille with a dual-headlight design.
- Shaker hood scoop, allowing the engine to "breathe" better and adding to the aggressive look.
- Massive "Hemi" badging, signaling that this was no ordinary ’Cuda.
- Bold fender gills, a signature styling cue exclusive to the 1971 model.
- Convertible top, adding a rare combination of muscle and open-air cruising.
The Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was the perfect blend of muscle and luxury, making it one of the most desirable cars of its era.
Engineering
Under the hood, the Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was a mechanical masterpiece. Plymouth engineered the car to be track-ready right from the factory, with cutting-edge performance enhancements.
Key Engineering Features:
- 426 cu in (7.0L) HEMI V8, one of the most powerful engines of its time.
- Dual 4-barrel carburetors, delivering massive power and instant throttle response.
- Heavy-duty suspension, ensuring stability at high speeds.
- Dana 60 rear axle with a 4.10:1 gear ratio, improving acceleration.
- High-performance cooling system, preventing overheating even under intense driving conditions.
With these upgrades, the Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was built to dominate the road and the drag strip.
Luxury Features Set the Standard
Despite its brutal performance, the 1971 Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was not just a race car—it was a high-end muscle car with a touch of luxury.
Luxury Features:
- Leather bucket seats, offering premium comfort.
- Rallye instrument cluster, with a 150-mph speedometer and factory tachometer.
- Woodgrain trim and pistol grip shifter, adding a refined, race-inspired feel.
- Power convertible top, allowing drivers to enjoy open-air cruising with ease.
- Factory AM/FM stereo, a premium feature in the early ’70s.
The Hemi ’Cuda Convertible offered an unbeatable combination of power, exclusivity, and premium comfort.
Specifications, Outputs, and Understanding
1971 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda Convertible Key Specifications:
- Engine: 426 cu in (7.0L) HEMI V8
- Power Output: 425 HP @ 5,000 RPM
- Torque: 664 Nm @ 4,000 RPM
- Transmission Options:
- 4-speed manual (with pistol grip shifter)
- 3-speed automatic Torqueflite (optional)
- Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
- Weight: 1,650 kg
- Axle Ratio: 3.54:1 or 4.10:1 (performance package)
With massive power and limited production, the Hemi ’Cuda Convertible was one of the most extreme muscle cars ever built.
Speed
The Hemi ’Cuda Convertible wasn’t just for show—it was a performance monster.
- 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile (402m) completed in 13.1 seconds, reaching 175 km/h
- Top speed of approximately 225 km/h
These numbers made the Hemi ’Cuda one of the fastest factory-built muscle cars of its time.
Conclusion
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda Convertible is one of the rarest and most valuable muscle cars ever produced. With only 12 units built, it stands as a symbol of the golden era of American horsepower.
Today, original Hemi ’Cuda Convertibles have sold for over $3.5 million at auction, making them some of the most valuable muscle cars in history. For enthusiasts, owning one is like owning a piece of muscle car royalty.
