Rare 1969 Plymouth HEMI Cuda Unveils Hidden Prototype - A Must-See Discovery

 Built in fewer than 9,000 units from 1966 to 1971, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI V8 is Chrysler's most iconic and desirable engine. It's pretty rare, too, and many of the vehicles that got it are now impossible-to-find, million-dollar classics.

The list includes the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona twins, as well as the Charger and the GTX. And, of course, I can't forget the Plymouth Cuda convertible, which spawned only 14 examples in 1970 and just seven in 1971. There's also the 1968 Barracuda B029, a factory-made Super Stock dragster fitted with the 426 HEMI. Plymouth built only 50 units, and not all survived until 2023.

But none of the cars above are as rare as the blue, HEMI-badged 1969 Barracuda you see here. Wait, what? Plymouth offered the mighty 426 in the 1969 Barracuda too. Nope, it did not. This Barracuda joined HEMI ranks thanks to an engine swap. But here's the catch: the HEMI under the hood is not a 426 but a forgotten prototype Chrysler built in the 1960s.

I'm talking about a big-block mill called the ball-stud HEMI. Design in the late 1960s, it was supposed to enter mass production in the early 1970s and replace the low-volume 426 HEMI and the 383- and 440-cubic-inch (6.3- and 7.2-liter) powerplants. Internally known as A279, the engine got its name from the valvetrain configuration, which used ball-stud rockers.

Based on a low-deck block, the lump was planned to become available in 400- and 440-cubic-inch sizes, but Chrysler also considered a 444-cubic-inch (7.3-liter) version. The engine was also scheduled to get cast aluminum pistons, intake and exhaust valves the same size as the 426 HEMI, and a compression ratio of around 10:1.

Although it was supposed to replace Chrysler's most powerful engines, the ball-stud HEMI was restricted to a four-barrel carburetor setup due to stricter emissions standards introduced in the US at the time. Testing showed that the ball-stud mill outperformed the four-barrel 440 but lagged behind the 426 HEMI.

Unfortunately, the project was laid to rest in late 1969 due to financial issues, upcoming emissions, and fuel efficiency standards. Chrysler reportedly built anywhere from three to 12 prototypes, and all were scrapped except for the one in this Barracuda. How did it manage to escape? Well, that's a bit of a mystery, but we know it spent many years in storage before it ended up with the guy that married it to the 1969 Cuda.

Featured by YouTube's "Hot Rod Hoarder," the Mopar is also a historically significant rig. It left the factory with a 440-cubic-inch V8 engine, which makes it one of only 340 units produced, and it was turned into a Super Stock racer by iconic drag racing outfit Sox & Martin. The car has since been restored to factory specifications, save for the addition of the ball-stud V8.

The engine itself is no longer stock either. Bored .30 over and fitted with many upgrades, including a new crankshaft and intake manifold, the HEMI now displaces 481 cubic inches (7.9 liters) and generates more than 400 horsepower. No longer with the owner who modified and installed the engine, the Barracuda now lives in the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

Granted, the fact that the engine is no longer 100% authentic is a bit disappointing, but at least it survived to tell its story. It's also decidedly pretty and runs in a nicely preserved classic.

Rare HEMI V8 Immaculate 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Found in a Barn!

 Founded in 1928 by Walter P. Chrysler, the DeSoto marque slotted between Plymouth and Dodge in the Chrysler lineup. It was initially created to compete with Pontiac, Hudson, and Studebaker in the mid-price class. In 1933, DeSoto was moved above Dodge and began offering Chrysler bodies on shorter wheelbases.

The move proved popular, and DeSoto retained its position over the next few decades. However, stiff competition, the 1958 recession, and Chrysler's introduction of the lower-priced Newport in 1960 forced DeSoto into the history books. Discontinued in 1961, the brand produced over two million vehicles and left a few iconic nameplates behind.

The Adventurer is perhaps the most famous and desirable. Introduced initially as a sub-series of the Fireflite, it became the company's limited-production high-performance two-door model. It benefited from the corporation's "forward look" design and was essentially a more affordable Chrysler 300 "letter series."

Then there's the Fireflite, which debuted in 1955, one year before the Adventurer arrived. A top trim package for the DeSoto Firedome, the Fireflite was just as fancy as the Adventurer. However, this nameplate wasn't restricted to two-door models. The Fireflite also spawned a four-door sedan and even a station wagon.

Although not quite as popular as the lower-priced Firedome, the Fireflite found more than 37,000 customers in 1955. That number is high enough to render the 1955 Fireflite a common classic, but the truth is far fewer of them have survived for almost seven decades.

The four-door sedan you see here is one of the lucky ones, and it's surprisingly original for a 68-year-old rig that spent some time in a barn.

Rescued by YouTube's "Old Skool Rides," this gorgeous Mopar was last titled in 2007, according to the license plate. This means it was parked in the barn it was dragged out from for 16 years. And surprisingly enough, for a classic that sat for more than a decade, the Fireflite still runs and drives. Moreover, it's still rust-free and complete, save for some missing chrome trim.

It's unclear whether the car was repainted or not, but the mint green-like hue looks a lot like the Cove Green color that DeSoto offered in 1955. So even though it might not be original, it's a period-correct repaint that looks the part (despite a few flaws here and there).

But if it is, indeed, the original paint job, I'm literally blown away by its condition after almost 70 years. And boy, what a gorgeous color it is!

The interior is even more spectacular because this is where the color scheme extends to include three different shades of green plus grey inserts on the seats. And while the exterior may be a repaint, I'm positive the interior is all original since there's surface rust on the upper dash, some discoloration on the door panels, and wear and tear on the front seats.

The good news continues under the hood in the form of a factory-original HEMI V8. Of course, this isn't the iconic 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) mill that made a name for itself during the muscle car era, but a first-generation unit of the FirePower variety.

DeSoto introduced its version of the engine in 1952 and offered five different variants until 1957. This sedan packs a 291-cubic-inch (4.8-liter) mill that was essentially a 276-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) "Firedome" with an increased bore. Fitted with a four-barrel carburetor, the engine was rated at 200 horsepower when new. It still mates with its original Powerflite two-speed automatic gearbox and sounds rather lovely while idling.

In all, it's a surprisingly original Mopar that just got a second chance at life. And hopefully, it will get a complete restoration because 1955 DeSotos are rare in any condition. Until that happens, check out its cool color scheme and features in the walkaround below.

Discover the Enigmatic 1964 Plymouth Fury, A Deceptive Classic Hiding a Nasty Secret Under the Hood!

 Introduced initially as a sub-series of the Belvedere in 1956, the Plymouth Fury became a stand-alone nameplate in 1959. And it soldiered on all the way until 1989 if we also include the Gran Fury model that replaced the seventh-generation Fury in 1979.

Despite its 43-year-long stint in showrooms, the Fury isn't the first Plymouth that comes to mind when talking about iconic Mopars. Except for the 1958 Belvedere Fury that was used in the movie "Christine," that is. And while the early Fury is famous for its tailfins, it rarely gets credit as a performance car.

The same goes for the generations produced during the golden muscle car era. Granted, the full-size models built from 1965 to 1974 didn't get the mighty 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI, and it was a bit too large and heavy for the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB. However, the third-gen version sold from 1962 to 1964 was a fully-fledged muscle car.

No, this one didn't get the 426 HEMI either because the iconic mill wasn't introduced until 1965. But t was available with three big-block V8 engines, including the 413-cubic-inch (6.8-liter) 426 Wedge. In addition, the third-gen Fury was a midsize car, notably smaller than its predecessor and the full-size vehicle that followed.

While not as famous as the HEMI, the Wedge was Chrysler's primary high-performance lump from the early to the mid-1960s. And much like its successor, it was born as a drag-spec engine. Based on the RB block, the 426 wedge-head mill delivered 415 or 425 horsepower (depending on compression ratio), and it was known as Max Wedge. And some of them made it into factory-built muscle cars wearing Dodge and Plymouth badges. Both are very rare and expensive nowadays.

Chrysler also offered a milder version more suited for street use. Unrelated to the Max Wedge except for architecture and dimensions, the Street Wedge was available in B-body Mopars and delivered 375 or 385 horsepower.

While not quite as scarce and sought-after as the Max Wedge, the Street Wedge V8 is also rare due to its short production run (1964-1965). The 1964 Fury you see here packs one of these powerplants under the hood.

It's not the engine it got from the factory, but here's the good news: the owner decided to add a few Max Wedge components to the 426. The mill now rocks a complete Max Wedge top end, Holley four-barrel carburetor, and Max Wedge exhaust manifolds.

There's no info on how powerful it is now, but it should send more than 400 horsepower to the rear wheels. Yup, this unassuming Fury is a fully-fledged sleeper.

Engine aside, the classic Mopar looks decidedly lovely inside and out. Repainted in the original Ruby Red, the Fury is rust-free and sports shiny chrome trim. The all-black interior likely received new upholstery during a recent restoration, and it looks classy thanks to a front bench seat and a silver dashboard.

Sure, it's not entirely original and lacks the appeal of a numbers-matching rig, but it's a solid alternative to a real Street Wedge and Max Wedge car. It's not as expensive either. The car is looking for a new owner for $37,500 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Experience the Emotionally Stirring 1959 Chevrolet Impala That Moves Grown Men to Tears!

 As a petrolhead who fell in love with classic cars decades ago, I've seen hundreds of rust buckets, some in horrible condition due to their owner's ignorance.

Rust is car cancer; in some cases, dealing with it is nearly impossible, so the car you try to save has no chance of returning to the road.

A 1959 Impala I came across on Craigslist could easily fall into this category.

The car looks like it's been sitting for decades outside on some sort of farm or forest. Surrounded by trees, it probably had to deal with high humidity levels for many years.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to determine where this is going. Humidity doesn't play nice with metal, so the car now comes in a frightening shape with huge holes, especially in the undersides. The owner says the frame is still solid, but the floors and the trunk look wrecked otherwise.

The dash is missing, as a previous owner allegedly cut it out, and most of the interior is in a condition that makes it useless anyway.

Part of the engine is still in the car, but I don't think this makes any difference. Most likely, the car served as a donor for other projects, so I don't expect it to work (or to exhibit a fixable shape in the first place).

The 1959 Impala is an essential figure in automotive history. Chevrolet first presented the Impala in 1956 at General Motors' car show, but the production model debuted in 1958 as part of the Bel Air lineup.

The Impala rapidly became a separate series thanks to its massive overnight success. Chevrolet picked the 1959 model year as the starting point for Impala as a stand-alone model, despite still sharing most parts and engines with the Bel Air.

Marketed as the second-generation Impala, the 1959 model year is considered by Chevy enthusiasts the first series, as this was the year when the car started making a name for itself without being part of the Bel Air family. This generation remained in production for two years, as Chevrolet introduced a restyled model in 1961.

Unfortunately, this Impala's chances to return to the road are pretty slim, and I don't think it can be used for anything other than parts. The owner still seems confident they can make good bucks with the car, so they expect to get $4,500 for this Impala.

This is a very optimistic expectation, not only because of the car's overall condition with the wrecked metal and everything else but also due to the lack of a working engine and so many other parts missing.

If you believe the car is worth a live inspection, you can find it sleeping, possibly for eternity, in Burbank, close to Los Angeles.

1963 Chevrolet Impala Needs a New Home

 1963 was a big year for Chevrolet Impala, especially from a production perspective. The GM brand reached a historic production milestone as the company built the 50 millionth vehicle.

Unsurprisingly, the model picked to celebrate this achievement was a Chevrolet Impala SS. A while model rolled off the assembly lines at the Tarrytown, New York assembly plant, and the man behind the wheel was none other than New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

Impala SS was already a superstar, but this achievement was great marketing for Chevrolet's performance-oriented model.

On the other hand, the rest of the lineup brought little changes in terms of engines. The base unit was a 230 six-cylinder engine with just 140 horsepower, and while buyers weren't exactly interested in this lazy option, the straight-six served its purpose beautifully.

It was an economical alternative to the more powerful V8s, allowing Impala owners to go to the supermarket without spending too much on gas.

Unsurprisingly, the six-cylinder isn't everybody's cup of tea, so an Impala fitted with a 230 isn't the most compelling 1963 model.

The Impala you can see in these photos comes with this lazy engine option, but it could be an affordable way to get it if you're looking for a daily driver.

Unfortunately, the car comes with almost no information, so it's as mysterious as possible. I'll have to do the detection work this time, but I'm pretty sure an Impala connoisseur would also decrypt most of the stuff about it.

The Impala has already received some work, as the metal and the paint look good. I'm not sure it's been fully restored, but the interior exhibits excellent condition too. I would expect everything to be in working condition, but potential buyers should still inspect the car in person for more mechanical specifics.

It's hard to tell from the photos if the engine is working, but the photos shared by eBay seller fomsir_92 show the car in different places, so it's safe to assume the six-cylinder still starts and runs. Furthermore, the rust is unlikely to be a concern this time, possibly as the car has been serving as an occasional driver for quite some time, likely sleeping in a garage.

As I said, a six-cylinder Impala isn't the most compelling purchase for Chevrolet fans, and this means the car can't sell for big bucks. However, the car's condition means it can't go for cheap either, so the bidding starts at $6,000. The owner has also enabled a reserve, so the selling price is likely much higher.

You must go to Elkins Park, Pennsylvania to see the car in person. You likely won't need a trailer, as the car can go to its new home on its wheels.

Unrestored 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS: All Original and Pampered for over 50 Years

 When it comes to Chevrolet Chevelles from the golden muscle car era, there's no denying that the 1970 SS 454 LS6 is the most desirable rig out there. And the 1965 Z-16 is probably next in line regarding value and appeal. The 1972 Chevelle you see here is not an LS6 or a Z-16, but it's just as incredible. How come? Well, it's a low-mileage, all-original, and unmolested survivor.

A one-owner car, this Chevelle SS has been pampered since day one. It hasn't been driven in the rain, and the owner kept it on blocks during the winter to preserve the original tires.

That's right, although this hardtop is 51 years old as of 2023, it still rides on factory rubber. The original spare is also in excellent condition.

Is it still in 100% original condition, though? Well, the owner swapped the factory valve covers for Corvette LT1 units, but he still has the original ones in the trunk.

He also drilled a few holes in the air cleaner and replaced the shifter, but other than that, this 1972 Chevelle looks like it just left the assembly line. The Mohave Gold paint is also original and looks surprisingly well for its age.

The odometer shows only 22,700 miles (36,532 km), which means the car has been driven for an average of 445 miles (716 km) per year. As you might have already guessed, the V8 under the hood and the four-speed gearbox routing all the power to the rear wheels are both of the numbers-matching variety.

The mill in question is a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V8 rated at 175 horsepower and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm) of torque. It may not sound like a lot compared to 1970 Chevelle output ratings, but we need to remember that Chevy switched to net figures in 1972. The engine probably delivers around 220 horses and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm) gross.

The 350 "Turbo-Fire" was slotted under the 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) Turbo-Jet and the range-topping 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8. While the 400 came with 240 horsepower on tap, the 454 was rated at 270 horses.

After 51 years with the same owner, this stunning 1972 Chevelle was listed for sale. And it ended up with classic car collector and dealer Dennis Collins, who's also very fond of unrestored survivors.

Dennis was so impressed with the car he decided to keep it in his private collection rather than restore it and flip it. He also got behind the steering wheel and recorded some footage driving the car, which he rarely does with other classics he buys.

And you'll hear him say how the condition of this car is "unbelievable" more than once. If this Mohave Gold SS had been a 1970 SS 454 LS6, it would have been worth more than $500,000 in this condition.

But even though it's not one of the more desirable versions of the Chevelle, this hardtop is arguably one of the greatest 1970s survivors out there. Check it out in the video below.

57 Chevy Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop | Sport Coupe

 Fan submission from Barry Conrad. Here is Barry’s story of this awesome car restoration.

It had nice older 5 spoke Mag’s and I gave it a Fresh Paint job in 1983 of the same color. I drove the car for 11 years before attempting to do a total ground up restoration. At first it was a disappointment because none of my friends were willing to help as they had no interest in my car. I put the project on hold for a few years and restored a couple of Impala’s! Finally the day came and I started on the ’57 again.

I was able to get some help from some Seasoned mechanic’s who owned similar cars. They gave me an education, and I did the work myself. It was very rewarding to do the work myself. Now, I think I could put a 57 Chevy together in my sleep.

The 57 Chevy Bel Air 2-Door Hardtop Sport Coupe that you see here is Black Base Clear with Red/Black Interior.

The interior is original material and the door panel’s were bought new and assembled. The dash and engine have been painted black. All the interior trim that was FACTORY Red has been chromed to match the rest of the stainless around the headliner.

The Dash has a custom polished aluminum insert and polished aluminum face plates on the speedometer, oil, and temp gauges. It has a chrome Ididit tilt wheel column and some Lokar components such as the foot pedals and cable driving carb and trans assemblies. All the fasteners are stainless, and it has a 6 speaker Alpine stereo system and SUB. Kick panel speakers are molded ABS poly and the dash door and ashtray are chromed too. All fuel and brake lines are pre bent stainless and everything for this ride was bought new.

The glass is all new Grey Smoke.

It comes with a completely dressed engine compartment and a New American Auto Wire Complete wiring kit. The Engine /tran’s is a 283/ 300hp/400T,w/sockk/3:55 rear alluminum Drive shaft and polished stainless exhaust from Ceramic Headers Back.

The wheels are American Racing. Torque Trust D’s/w 225/60/15’s Good Year Eagle’s. All emblem’s were replaced both inside and out,and the hood supports and braces were all chromed also.

The 3rd brake light in the GOLD”V” on the truck lid and all the lenses have Chevy bow ties.

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY MY RIDE AS MUCH AS I DO.