Classic Classified: 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

From: Hemmings Motor News
Date: December 1983
Price then: $12,000 ($28,800 adjusted for inflation, about the cost of a new 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan today)
Price now: $160,000 – $358,000
Approximate dollar difference: $329,200 (assuming No. 1 condition)
Approximate annual rate of return: 8.1%

CUDA: 1971 hemi 4-speed, 383 miles original, black with white interior, $12,000.

It is hard to argue against the fact that the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is probably the most sought after muscle car of them all. It has everything going for it: rarity (only 59 hardtops were ordered with a Hemi and 4-speed), looks and power. Granted, the convertible is the rarest and most desired, but we’d be willing to bet that the hardtop is a good enough alternative for most people. This low-mileage example is a collector’s dream, especially when you consider that a 1970 Hemi Cuda with 81 miles was bid up to $450,000 at auction just a few months ago. This 1971 is most certainly an investment grade car that you don’t often see come to market.