Hemi 'Cuda sells for $3.72 Million in US

While the 'Cuda convertible was expected to comfortably reach seven figures, the final price, after eight minutes of spirited bidding, was a surprise to everyone, especially given that the previous benchmark for a Hemi 'Cuda convertible was "only" US$2.2 million.

A number of factors made this particular car so highly desirable. Firstly, it was one of only 11 Hemi 'Cuda convertibles built for 1971 and one of only two examples with a 4-speed transmission delivered to the US. More importantly, it's the only one of the two still with its original 426ci/4-speed drivetrain. On top of that, this matching numbers example had been fully restored.

Part of the car's history from new involved ownership by a famous American cartoonist, and it was later seized by US federal authorities as part of a drug investigation. The most recent owner traded a number of Corvettes from his collection to get hold of the 'Cuda approximately a decade ago.

Of the top ten sellers from Mecum's Seattle auction, seven were muscle cars, with other prices including US$340,000 (AU$362K approx.) for a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and US$160,000 (AU$170K approx.) for a 1968 Shelby GT500KR fastback, while a contemporary of the Hemi 'Cuda, a Dodge Challenger R/T, sold for US$115,000 (AU$122,500 approx.).

Full results and further details at: www.mecum.com

Images: courtesy Mecum Auctions