The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, known among enthusiasts as the “Guatemalan Hemi Cuda,” stands as one of the most enigmatic and distinctive examples of Mopar muscle ever built. With its export origins, rare configuration, and preserved originality, this car bridges American muscle heritage with an unexpected international story.
A Rare Export Story
Assembled at the Hamtramck, Michigan plant in October 1969, this Hemi Cuda carries a Y09 export code and a heater-delete H25 marking, suggesting an early life unlike any other. Instead of reaching a U.S. dealership, it was reportedly sold directly by Chrysler to a private buyer in Guatemala in December 1970, bypassing normal distribution channels.
Rumors within the Mopar community hint that Chrysler retained the car for more than a year for internal development, possibly related to E-body testing for racing. Whatever the truth, its export destination and unusual build make it one of the most talked-about Hemi Cudas ever documented.
Unique Equipment and Details
This bare-bones Hemi Cuda was built for purpose, not comfort. The cabin features a rare fiberglass racing dashboard with a metric speedometer, a radio-delete plate, and high-back vinyl bucket seats. Its Blue-Gray Gunmetal finish and early 1970s fender flares remain intact, evoking the period when it roamed Central American roads.
Beneath the Shaker hood lies the iconic 426/425 HP Hemi V8 paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 3.55 Sure Grip rear axle. With power brakes, aluminum wheels, and the original space saver spare still in the trunk, the car’s authenticity remains remarkably untouched.
Power and Performance
At the core of the 1970 Hemi Cuda is the legendary 426 Hemi V8, an engine synonymous with domination. Delivering 425 horsepower, it propelled the Cuda to near-mythic status in both street and strip circles. Combined with its lightweight, no-frills configuration, this example epitomizes Mopar’s peak-era engineering.
From Guatemala to Kissimmee
After spending nearly two decades abroad, the Hemi Cuda was repatriated to the United States in the late 1980s by a Texas collector. It later changed hands at the 2000 Mecum Belvidere Spring Classic auction, eventually joining a private collection where it was preserved as a true time capsule.
Recognized for its rarity and authenticity, this Cuda was selected for the 426 Hemi Invitational at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in 2014 and was later featured in *Mopar Collectors Guide*. With just over 86,000 kilometers on the odometer, it remains an unrepeatable artifact of export muscle history.
Summary
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is already one of the most collectible American muscle cars ever built. Yet this Guatemalan example elevates that legacy with its export pedigree, unaltered presentation, and historical intrigue. Offered at Kissimmee 2026 without reserve, it represents more than rarity, it embodies a global chapter of Mopar performance history.
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Source & Details: mecum.com
