Random R-code E-body of the day (or week)

[RzeroB]

April 26th - 4-26 - National Hemi Day!

Hemi E-bodies - King-Kong of the classic muscle car era - then, and now. Everybody wanted one, but due to their relative scarcity and cost, not everybody could have one. Originally born to race and be an apex street predator, now they are the top-dogs of high-dollar auctions and collectors.

By most accounts, there were about 1,300 (+/-) Hemi E-bodies made. As a tribute to the legendary Hemi E-body and "National Hemi Day" (April 26th) I thought I would post up some pics of original R-code Hemi E-bodies for everyone to enjoy. I have some info and pics on about a third of them. Some of the info I have associated with each car may be missing, or totally in error, so feel free to correct as necessary. However, this thread is not intended to critique what is "correct" or "incorrect" with a particular car, but to celebrate each car as the awe inspiring machines that they are. Additionally, if you have pics and info on a particular Hemi-body and would like to share, feel free to contribute. Enjoy!

First up, the very first Hemi-Ebody - the one that started it all.   



BS23R0B100003 is 1 of only 652 made for the U.S. market, and of those 1 of 284 with a  4-speed. It is finished in EW1 Alpine White with a PRX9 black leather interior. As the HemiCuda prototype, the car stayed in the hands of Chrysler engineering for a year and a half before it was sold off as "excess." The car passed thru five unsuspecting owners until Gary Dodane purchased it in 1983 from the boyfriend of his sister for less than $4,000. After 29 years of ownership and the discovery of his car's significance, Gary decided to part ways with his very unique HemiCuda and listed it for sale for a whopping $3.2 million dollars! Gary didn't get his $3.2 million, but wound up trading the HemiCuda for some cash plus an oddball collection of cars that included: a BMW Isetta and Messerschmidt KR200 three-wheelers, an Amphicar, a 1962 23-window Volkswagon Bus and a Limelight 1970 Plymouth Superbird! Yes, it sounds like fiction, but you just can't make this kind of stuff up!

Bang it here for a good read and more pics on this car  http://www.streetlegaltv.com/features/car-features/muscle-cars-you-should-know-70-plymouth-hemi-cuda-1/

[RzeroB]

April 27th

With every beginning there is also an end. BS23R0B100003 was the first Hemi E-body and this 1971 HemiCuda BS23R1B429180 is generally accepted as being the last HemiCuda and quite possibly the last Hemi E-body made.



BS23R1B429180 is 1 of only 107 HemiCuda's made for the U.S. market in 1971, and of those 1 of 59 with a 4-speed. It is finished in GB5 Blue-Fire with a SRX9 black leather interior. The last HemiCuda ever made is somewhat sedate and not equipped with a bunch of attention getting options that these cars were known for. No Hi-Vis paint, no dual Racing Mirrors, no Rallye Wheels, no Go-Wing spoiler, and no in-your-face billboard stripes. Instead this HemiCuda was equipped with the SRX9 black leather interior, A34 Super Track Pack 4:10 geared Dana Axle Package, A62 Rallye Gauge Package, B51 Power Disc Brakes and a S83 Rim-Blow Steering Wheel. Not a very flamboyant exit for a legend, but a beautiful car none the less.

Bang it here to see the 2011 Mecum Kissimmee auction ad for this car https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/FL0111-102081/0/1971-Plymouth-Hemi-Cuda/4-Speed-Manual/

[anlauto]

Talk about terrible restorations...Have these guys not heard about "rad support black-out"

[HP_Cuda]

Hmm guess not.

[Chryco Psycho]

to my knowledge darker colors didn't always get the blackout so the blue could actually be corret but it would still look far better with the blackout

[rUNCHARGER]

If I was ordering a 71 HemiCuda coupe, that is exactly what I would order, well maybe in black.

Sheldon

[Topcat]

Talk about terrible restorations...Have these guys not heard about "rad support black-out"

The Grille inserts are supposed to be silver lined as well.

[Cuda Cody]

You are right, B7 = no blackout / B5 = yes blackout.

to my knowledge darker colors didn't always get the blackout so the blue could actually be corret but it would still look far better with the blackout

[anlauto]

The Grille inserts are supposed to be silver lined as well.

Oh wow...I never noticed that...maybe that's why it looks so bad

[RzeroB]

April 28th

Welcome to the thread Cody!    Since you are here, I would like to post up one of your R-code Hemi E-bodies if you don't mind. So without further ado, I present to you Cody's SS/DA warrior the "Warlock"



BS23R0B146694 is 1 of 652 made for the U.S. market, and of those 1 of 368 with an automatic. Warlock was a long time SS/DA race car that campaigned throughout the northeast. After the owner passed, his son posted it up for sale on C-C.com  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=106118.0  where it came to the attention of Cody. The car now resides within Cody's awe inspiring Mopar-Taj-Mahal.

Cody, what more would you like to tell us about this car, its racing history with Jun's dad, and your plans for it in the future? Thanks in advance for sharing!

[RzeroB]

April 29th

After a couple of Cuda's, we need a Challenger to represent. What better Challenger to start off with than JS29R0B100015, a 1970 Hemi Challenger RT/SE, which is accepted as being the first Hemi Challenger to roll out of Hamtramck.



JS29R0B100015 is 1 of only 60 Hemi Challenger RT/SE's made for the U.S. market, and of those 1 of 37 with an automatic. It is finished in EV2 Hemi-Orange with a V1X black vinyl top and a HRX9 black leather interior. Car and Driver magazine road tested this car and did a full length feature article on it in which they were very critical of it in their November 1969 issue. Senior C-C.com member "Daytona" is among it's former owners.

[Cuda Cody]

The mighty Warlock is full force in to a complete restoration.        

April 28th

Welcome to the thread Cody!    Since you are here, I would like to post up one of your R-code Hemi E-bodies if you don't mind. So without further ado, I present to you Cody's SS/DA warrior the "Warlock"



BS23R0B146694 is 1 of 652 made for the U.S. market, and of those 1 of 368 with an automatic. Warlock was a long time SS/DA race car that campaigned throughout the northeast. After the owner passed, his son posted it up for sale on C-C.com  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=106118.0  where it came to the attention of Cody. The car now resides within Cody's awe inspiring Mopar-Taj-Mahal.

Cody, what more would you like to tell us about this car, its racing history with Jun's dad, and your plans for it in the future? Thanks in advance for sharing!

[Topcat]

I hear a Hemi Cuda has been stolen. The Mod Top. 

[HP_Cuda]

To full race condition or to stock?

The mighty Warlock is full force in to a complete restoration.        

[Cuda Cody]

It will be back to stock.

To full race condition or to stock?