1970 Plymouth Barracuda Cuda Hardtop Coupe

This rare race car is fully documented to be one of the four Hemi 'Cudas exported to France at the request of Henri Chemin, the Director of Chrysler's Racing Department at the time and somewhat of a legend to French motorsports enthusiasts. Chemin had built Ford's racing program in the 1960's before moving to Chrysler and essentially building theirs as the 1970's began.

Chemin's list of racing credentials is long and lustrous, but what he is most proud of accomplishing with Chrysler of France was not only creating their racing department, but driving Hemi Cuda BS23ROB249759 to four French Group 1 Championships earned by an infinite number of victories and top finishes in hillclimbs and circuit events between 1970 and 1973. By all accounts, this is the winningest Hemi Cuda ever built, scoring more racing victories than the great fraternity of NHRA drag racers such as Ronnie Sox, Herb McCandless, Dick Landy, and 'Ohio' Arlen Vanke.

With some assistance from the French racing resources of Matra, the Cuda was given an upgraded suspension, improved brakes, and some precision engine balancing. The rules prohibited any further engine modifications so the 426 cubic-inch Hemi was very close to production specs. But the improved underpinnings gave the Hemi Cuda the kind of overall handling which allowed it to go toe-to-toe with the factory-prepared Mustangs, Camaros, Porsche and BMW's it faced all over France and dominated them for several years.

The Hemi Cuda Chemin raced almost exclusively was given the identification number 6752WX 75 and it was the first one imported by Chrysler France. Altogether, it racked up no fewer than 60 victories during its racing life, and following its retirement from the Chrysler racing program in 1973, it continued to be successfully campaigned by French privateers before eventually dropping out of sight.

The car was discovered and brought to Connecticut where it received a proper and authentic restoration by Redline Restorations.