1970 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 340 convertible

Only 8,939 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda convertibles were made in 1970-71, and despite being relatively inexpensive cars when new, they command staggering prices today, particularly when fitted out with the rarer performance options. This is one of only 435 'Cuda convertibles built in 1970, and I'd say it's worth at least $80,000. Here's an even more valuable 'Cuda convertible I spotted in 2019.

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1971 Dodge Challengers - one spotted in the wild!

There are some popular collector cars from the 60s and 70s that you see all the time on the street. Ford Mustangs and most Chevy models for example. Then there are some you never see. Recently I saw this unrestored Dodge Challenger in rush hour traffic in Seattle. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw one anywhere but at a car show. I think most of them were driven into the ground when new, and the their build quality wasn't great in the first place. So most survivors are fully restored, like the car pictured below.

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1970 Dodge Challenger convertible

Only 8,939 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda convertibles were ever made, and despite being comparatively inexpensive cars, they command staggering prices today, particularly when fitted out with the rarer performance options.

This '70 has the 440 4-barrel under the hood, but lacks the "R/T" performance package which would have included upgraded suspension, brakes, premium tires and special badging and paint stripes along with a big-block engine. Still, I've no doubt it would command $50K or more at auction.

Observations:
* The most valuable American car made since World War II is this very similar 1971 Hemi 'Cuda 4-speed, one of only three made. Sold for $3.5 million in 2014.
* A 440 in a car this light? Better be gentle, or you'll twist the frame!

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