1970 Dodge Challenger R/T and Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible pilot cars head to auction

A pair of historic Mopar convertibles shall be among the many featured tons 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 vehicles. 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 received the shortened ‘Cuda identify).

1970 Dodge Challenger convertible pilot automotive (picture by way of Mecum Auctions)

The vehicles 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 vehicles additionally characteristic 4-speed handbook transmissions.

Each builds are uncommon. Dodge solely supplied the R/T grade and the Six Pack engine for the 1970 and 1971 mannequin years, and R/T convertibles have been solely obtainable for 1970. Mecum estimates that simply 61 have been constructed with the Six Pack engine. The ‘Cuda convertible is believed to be one in all simply 16 1970 fashions constructed with the Six Pack engine and handbook transmission—and the automotive up for public sale is claimed to be one in all simply two painted white.

1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible pilot automotive (picture by way of Mecum Auctions)

The pair of convertibles are much more noteworthy as a result of they’re early-build pilot vehicles quite than common manufacturing fashions. Pilot vehicles 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 check drives (which was reportedly the case for the Challenger) however typically aren’t supplied on the market to most of the 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 in addition the truth that the 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 remains to be extra valued by collectors. Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles have fetched tens of millions at auctions prior to now, 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 vehicles.