A remarkable barn find has surfaced—a 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda drag car, boasting a mere 149 miles on its odometer and equipped with the engine from a scarce Plymouth GTX Hemi Convertible. This vehicle encapsulates a piece of drag racing's golden era, a time characterized by fierce competition and innovative tactics to edge out rivals.
Originally acquired by Milburn Varner and his brother-in-law David Rehring in 1970, the 'Cuda underwent a transformation into a formidable Hemi-powered drag racer. The car's journey and Varner's vision were later immortalized by automotive journalist Tommy Lee Byrd on his Hot Rod Hoarder YouTube channel, providing an intimate glimpse into the history and revival of this iconic vehicle.
Varner's initial modifications involved swapping the factory-installed 440 cubic-inch six-pack V8 for a 426 Hemi engine extracted from one of the mere 17 1967 Plymouth GTX Hemi Convertibles known to exist. This bold move was aimed at dominating the Super Stock class in drag racing—a vision that was realized until advancements in the sport and escalating costs led to the car's retirement in 1974.
For over four decades, the 'Cuda remained sequestered in Varner's basement garage, a silent witness to a bygone era of racing glory. Its odometer, frozen at 149 miles, and its dust-covered frame with flat drag tires, told the story of a fierce competitor put to rest in its prime.
The legacy of Varner's 'Cuda lives on, now in the hands of a Michigan collector who has meticulously preserved the vehicle in its original racing form. The car, along with its legendary 426 Hemi engine and the donor GTX, stands as a tribute to the spirit of '70s drag racing. The collector's efforts to rejuvenate the car paid off, with the 'Cuda's engine roaring back to life, a sound that is music to the ears of automotive enthusiasts and a fitting homage to its storied past.
