Network
At first, second, third, fourth and fifth glance, all you can say about this car is WOW. Back in the day, the Plymouth Barracuda ‘Hemicuda’ was one of the coolest muscle cars on the block, and it has retained that status even now. It is in fact the most sought-after muscle car today, and rightfully so. With an engine bay stuffed full of 426 cubic inches and 425 horsepower full of dual-quad Hemi goodness, the ‘Cuda reigned supreme on the streets at the time.
Over its lifespan there were only 10,904 426 Hemi engines produced from 1966 to 1971, and only 108 coupes and 11 convertible Barracudas (with a rumored 12th sent to France along with two others) were built in 1971. That makes this all-original, numbers-matching car one of a possible 122 when it was built. Not only is this car rare to begin with, it carries only 2,010 miles on the odometer.
Left, the 425 horsepower, 426 cubic-inch Hemi fills up the engine bay with Elephant goodness. Middle, the exterior of the car appears as it does the day it was delivered to the original owner. Right, all emblems are as factory-delivered, and this car wore the rear wing option as well.
The backstory on the car makes for an even better tale – apparently this Hemicuda was ordered by Zach Reynolds, heir to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco fortune. As you can imagine, a car ordered by someone who doesn’t have to worry about the monthly payments had nearly every option checked off on the build sheet. It was purchased to be the centerpiece of Zach’s collection and remained there for many years until the car was purchased by noted collector Steven Juliano, who took care to completely restore the car to its former glory.
Left, the imposing grille of the Hemicuda let all comers know that this car means business. Middle, the odometer shows that the car hasn't even rolled to 2,010 miles yet. The 150 mph speedometer hints at the car's capability. Right, the car even has the rare split-bench front seat. The interior appears factory-fresh. We wonder if it still has the new-car smell?
It seems young Zach had stickered up the fenders and had his name painted above the doorhandles. Juliano felt the best way to remove the stickers was to peel them off by hand, in order to protect the car’s factory finish. Many other details about the car can be found at the eBay link – we promise you won’t be sorry. There are dozens more photos and tons of information about the car’s heritage. Two-point-five million bucks is going to make some collector very happy…if he can stomach the sticker shock.
