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A pair of historic Mopar convertibles can be among the many featured heaps at Mecum Auctions’ upcoming sale in Kissimmee, Florida.
Supplied as a set, the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T convertible and 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible are very early pilot manufacturing automobiles. That makes them among the many first examples of the Chrysler E-Physique platform, which debuted for the 1970 mannequin yr underpinning the first-generation Challenger and second-generation Plymouth Barracuda (sportier variations obtained the shortened ‘Cuda title).
1970 Dodge Challenger convertible pilot automotive (picture through Mecum Auctions)
The automobiles up for public sale are believed to be the second Challenger convertible constructed and the primary E-Physique Barracuda convertible. Each are additionally claimed to be the primary E-Physique convertibles constructed with the legendary 440-cubic-inch “Six Pack” V-8, named for its trio of Holley two-barrel carburetors. Each automobiles additionally characteristic 4-speed guide transmissions.
Each builds are uncommon. Dodge solely provided the R/T grade and the Six Pack engine for the 1970 and 1971 mannequin years, and R/T convertibles had been solely accessible for 1970. Mecum estimates that simply 61 had been constructed with the Six Pack engine. The ‘Cuda convertible is believed to be one among simply 16 1970 fashions constructed with the Six Pack engine and guide transmission—and the automotive up for public sale is claimed to be one among simply two painted white.
1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible pilot automotive (picture through Mecum Auctions)
The pair of convertibles are much more noteworthy as a result of they’re early-build pilot automobiles somewhat than common manufacturing fashions. Pilot automobiles are among the many first examples of a given mannequin, constructed to iron out any points with the manufacturing course of. They’re typically used for media take a look at drives (which was reportedly the case for the Challenger) however usually aren’t provided on the market to most people.
Mecum expects the convertible duo to promote for between $750,000 to $900,000 at public sale. That is a testomony to the pair’s rarity, but additionally the truth that the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 continues to be extra valued by collectors. Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles have fetched thousands and thousands at auctions previously, and Mecum has an instance that it expects to promote for $2.5 million to $3 million on the similar Florida public sale because the pilot automobiles.
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