When it comes to the HEMI in a classic musclecar, the price is almost always going to be higher. It could be just a part, like an oil pan, a water pump, or even a fan blade that is the same part number for other big blocks. Someone will inevitably tag a part with the word “HEMI” solely to extract big bucks from an enthusiast. To the unwise, they’ll pay more money for a HEMI fan blade despite the fact that it’s no different from a 440 fan. Sometimes it’s worth more to the buyer simply because it was on a HEMI.

But when you have an entire car with a HEMI, especially if it’s numbers-matching classic Mopar, it’s usually worth quite a bit more than a non-HEMI car. If it’s been verified and inspected by Mopar guru Galen Govier, then you’re sure to have a bona fide winner on your hands. Such is the case with the infamous HEMI ‘Cuda convertible that is set to cross the blocks at Barrett-Jackson this coming January. These HEMI ‘Cuda convertibles are rare and very expensive.

How expensive are they? Take into consideration that Carroll Shelby built only six Cobra Daytona Coupes, and they have commanded an astronomical price. The sixth Cobra Daytona found hiding in a rental storage unit in California was valued at $4 million. That’s for a car that has only five siblings.

With only 14 HEMI ‘Cuda convertibles made in 1970, and 11 built in 1971, prices for this rare gem are skyrocketing and reaching the price of a Shelby Daytona. A couple of these ‘Cudas have changed hands in the past couple of years for upwards of $3 million dollars.

This car pictured here, slated to be on hand for the 42dn Annual Barret-Jackson auction in January, 2013, will be part of their exclusive Salon Collection in Scottsdale. How rare is this car? It is the only 1971 HEMI ‘Cuda convertible made in FC7 – In Violet, better known as “Plum Crazy” to Mopar enthusiasts. Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, owns a 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda convertible and feels that this ‘Cuda is right at home with the best of the best at this year’s Salon.

The car went through a very extensive and meticulous restoration by Cummins Restoration in Grand Haven, MI, and was completed at owner Harold Slullivan’s shop by Ted Mazurek. After the restoration, it was appraised and authenticated by Galen Govier to be of the highest museum standards.

The restoration was necessary because this rare beast was discovered a mere five days from being crushed in a scrap-recycling yard. It had been stolen some 30 years prior and Sullivan, a long-time HEMI ‘Cuda convertible enthusiast, found it covered in weeds and underbrush. This was one of two convertibles built for Canadian export, and has been seen on a few magazine covers in the past couple of years.

The 426 HEMI came with two four-barrel carburetors and a 727 TF transmission, with it’s power turning the wheels through a Super Track Pak Dana 60 rear end with 4:11 gears. The rated fuel economy for this car was a whopping 6 miles per gallon! But back in those days of tire shredding horsepower fuel prices weren’t much of a concern, nor were rear tires.

Now meticulously restored and authenticated by Galen Govier, this HEMI 'Cuda had been stolen nearly thirty years ago and was found in a field, covered in weeds, ready for the scrap heap.

With such an incredible history, this car is not just a survivor but a story in itself. It’s hard to say if it’s a true numbers-matching specimen considering it’s past, but it is every bit as pristine as any other example we’ve seen change hands in the past few years for astronomical prices.

Will this ‘Cuda surpass the price of a Shelby Daytona? You’ll have to wait and see like the rest of us, but we’re pretty certain that this one-of-one Plum Crazy convertible will get more than it’s share of attention. Be sure to check it out at the Barrett-Jackson auction on January 19, 2013.