There's only ever been one Plymouth Hemi Cuda in Europe and it's a bit of a hero
- Europe’s only Plymouth Hemi Cuda was imported to France in 1970
- It dominated the track, winning over 60 races at iconic circuits
- Eventually, it fell into obscurity, but it won’t stay undiscovered for long
Published on May 19, 2025 at 4:08 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on May 15, 2025 at 1:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
When you think of the Plymouth Hemi Cuda, you probably picture it tearing up the streets of Detroit.
But tucked away in the annals of European motorsport history is a singular Hemi Cuda that was built for export to Europe.
It didn’t travel all the way to Europe just to be a tourist either.
This particular Hemi Cuda became one of the most decorated muscle cars of its era, solidifying its reputation as a racing legend.
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In 1970, Chrysler France imported a special Hemi Cuda to compete in Group 1 racing.
This wasn’t just any Cuda though; it was factory-built with the mighty 426 Hemi V8 engine, delivering 425HP and a 0-60MPH time of just 5.8 seconds.
Now, this may not seem that impressive, as even modern SUVs can casually approach 1,000HP. But this Cuda was a beast for its time.
Over the next three years, it dominated French racing circuits, racking up over 60 verified wins in total.
It was a symbol of American engineering prowess on European soil, and its success on the track earned it a place in the hearts of many motorsport fans.
However, all good things must come to an end, and the Cuda eventually faded into obscurity, with its whereabouts unknown.
Miraculously, in 2013, this racing legend was unearthed in a barn in France, proving that barns are indeed the best place to find rare cars.
The car was in remarkably good condition for its age. And was was restored to its former glory by Redline Restorations, preserving its authenticity.
You can see the name of racing legend Henri Chemin, the director of Chrysler France’s racing efforts at the time, on the side of the car.
He also signed the car’s dashboard, making it extra special.
Today, this Plymouth Hemi Cuda stands as a testament to the golden age of muscle cars and European motorsport.
In fact, you could say that it paved the way for American automakers to create cars that can make waves abroad.
The next time you hear the roar of a Hemi engine, remember the lone Cuda that conquered Europe.
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Jason Fan is an experienced content creator who graduated from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore with a degree in communications. He then relocated to Australia during a millennial mid-life crisis. A fan of luxury travel and high-performance machines, he politely thanks chatbots just in case the AI apocalypse ever arrives. Jason covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on technology, planes and luxury.
