What is the rarest Hemi convertible?
The rarest Hemi-powered convertible is widely cited as the 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda Convertible, with production figures commonly cited around 11 units.
In this report, we explore what makes this drop-top so scarce, how historians verify the numbers, and what collectors look for when authenticating these ultra-rare Mopar machines.
Why a Hemi Convertible stands out
Hemi-powered convertibles from the muscle-car era are exceptionally rare because few buyers ordered top-down performance with the 426-cubic-inch Hemi engine. High base cost, insurance concerns, and the phasing-out of big V-8 convertibles by 1971 conspired to keep production numbers down. The result is a legend among enthusiasts and a magnet for high-end auctions and private sales.
Rarest Hemi Convertible: The production count
Below is a snapshot of the commonly cited production figures for Hemi-powered convertibles, along with notes on sources and variants.
- 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda Convertible — widely cited at 11 units produced.
These numbers are widely cited by collectors and automotive historians, but exact tallies can vary slightly depending on whether certain pre-production, exhibition, or prototype cars are included in the count. Some sources multiply or reclassify prototypes, test cars, or misregistered vehicles, which can yield small variations in tallies.
Notable examples and provenance
Beyond the basic production counts, the value and status of these cars are driven by provenance, matching numbers, and restoration history. Several well-documented examples have appeared at major auctions and concours events, reinforcing the Hemi-Cuda Convertible’s status as the pinnacle of rarity among Mopar convertibles.
- Provenanced, well-documented examples with original drivetrains and matching numbers, often highlighted in dealer and auction catalogs, command strong interest from collectors.
- Cars with complete restoration histories and verified serial numbers tend to fetch premium prices, reflecting both rarity and historical significance.
- Public display at prominent muscle car events and museums further cements the model’s place in automotive lore.
In practice, the strictest collectors emphasize verifiable documentation—build sheets, fender tags, and identification plates—as the line between a genuine rarity and a valued but unverified replica.
Summary
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi-Cuda Convertible is generally regarded as the rarest Hemi-powered convertible, with production figures commonly cited around 11 units. The combination of a high-performance 426 Hemi engine and a factory-radical drop-top body contributed to its scarcity. While numbers vary slightly among sources, the consensus among historians and collectors remains clear: these cars are among the most coveted and storied convertibles in American automotive history.
How rare is a Hemi CUDA convertible?
1970 Hemi Cuda Convertible🔥 The 1970 Hemi Cuda Convertible is a rare and iconic American muscle car. With only 14 examples produced, it's considered one of the most valuable and sought- after collector's items.
How much is a 1971 Hemi CUDA convertible worth?
A 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible's price can be in the millions of dollars, with one selling for a record $3.5 million at a 2014 auction. Other recent sales include a car that sold for $1.32 million at a 2013 auction, although it was a rebuilt car from a scrapyard. One car failed to sell at a 2021 auction with a high bid of $4.8 million, indicating the value is highly dependent on the specific vehicle's condition, history, and rarity.
- Record Sale: A 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible sold for a record $3.5 million at a 2014 Mecum auction in Seattle.
- Factors influencing value: The value is heavily influenced by condition, options, and historical provenance. A rare 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible with a 4-speed transmission sold for $3.5 million in 2014, while a car with an automatic transmission sold for $1.32 million in 2013, but it had been rebuilt from a junkyard shell.
- Recent auction history:
- A 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible received a high bid of $4.8 million at a 2021 auction, but it was not enough to meet the seller's reserve price.
- Another 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible was sold for $360,000 in February 2024, according to a Mecum Auctions Facebook video.
- Rarity: Only seven 1971 Hemi Cuda convertibles were originally built, making them extremely rare and valuable.
How many Hemi CUDA convertibles were made?
A total of 21 Hemi Cuda convertibles were made in 1970 and 1971, with 14 produced in 1970 and 11 produced in 1971. These models are among the rarest and most valuable muscle cars due to their limited production numbers and high-performance engine.
- 1970: 14 Hemi Cuda convertibles were produced.
- 1971: 11 Hemi Cuda convertibles were produced.
What is the rarest convertible car?
Car Scooping - The Rarest Convertibles in the World from around the World
- 00s ALPINA Roadster S, 1 of 305 built:
- Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster in rare tan on black color combo:
- Black on black Ferrari 355 GTS Spyder:
- Aston Martin DBS Convertible - E P I C:
- Two (2x!) 300SL Roadsters in mint condition:
