A Hemi 'Cuda in the Backyard?!

He settled for a Hemi 'Cuda.
The owner was really looking for a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six Pack Convertible, but couldn't find one at the time in the 70s. So he settled for this In-Violet 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda.
When he moved out there with the Military he brought the car with him. This is definitely not a barn find. Maybe a Shed Find? We did find a bunch of parts to the car in the shed, including the Shaker bubble.
This is definitely in the spirit of a barn find though, left neglected outside, protected the best they could with what they had. It worked out pretty well! The car is safe, and dry and in good condition.

[@cougariog8817]

Amazing how these still exist!

[@riccocool]

I wonder how many hemicudas there are now. Probably a thousand.

[@agcacustoms2852]

@@riccocool 652 hardtop Hemi cuda’s were built in 70 but yeah there’s thousands of them around.

[@riccocool]

@@agcacustoms2852 we had one. Sold it for 1,300 in 81. Oops. That's my point- lits of fakes running around.

[@js8270]

Such a great car in such a deplorable state how sad.

[@jpalberthoward9]

I've known lotsa people who won't fix, won't sell, get belligerent if you ask, and the car sits until it rots. I've seen too many great cars decompose slowly and sink back into the earth because Someday is their favorite day of the week.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

I graduated in 94 and there was a lady that drove a school bus. I think it was a 71 but basically same car her son had pulled it around back under a tree to restore. I rode back by few years ago when I seen he had a truck and chain connected to it. When I stopped the new owner was trying to drag it to the road and sell it. All plates were gone, engine block all was left. Passenger window was shot out as was driver's side. I almost cried. As I walked away he said what would I give I said to long to gone. Car had basically sunk in the ground....

[@paulfulton5078]

To come across and find an original paint (High Impact no less), Hemi 4 speed '70 Cuda...in 2022 with it still intact, and not wrecked or a shell, is almost an impossibility! Great detective work Ryan! The patina is really interesting and obviously unique. Hopefully, the owner will get the car back in shape soon.... HOPEFULLY 🤞

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's looking that way! Thank you

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@AutoArchaeology How much would it cost to restore a car in that condition?

[@patrickjoyce4178]

Had the exact car stolen from me in 1980. FC7 hemi car 4 spd trac pak Argent shaker, tach delete ,Radio delete, 11 inch manual drum brakes manual steering. Spent 40 years searching for my car back. Last year I bought a totalled M6 2020 Hellcat Challenger. Made it a Hemi Cuda out of it. So far it has exceeded my old car. Pics coming. Do you think I’m obsessed. Lol 😂

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Hey Pat where was your car stolen from?

[@Mercmad]

The owner sounds like a happy guy.. I would be too if I had of thought to buy a Hemi Cuda back in 75. 😁😁

[@spaceflight1019]

Back then, the country was still reeling from the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Muscle cars had little value and were ignored in favor of smaller engined models. They used to be abandoned in apartment parking lots, towed away, and auctioned off. Nobody ever said "Gee, I should store this car away in the mushroom mine because it might be worth something someday."

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

11:24 This shot shows he's a hoarder so it will likely rot there until he dies, such a shame for a cool piece of automotive history that deserves better!

[@tomlanore4283]

Left for dead pretty much sums it up. The car is going to cost more then the owner can afford to fix it up. Probably wants more then it is worth in it's current condition.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's really not as bad as it seems

[@t.t.6398]

What a complete waste of a car.

[@johnschilling1759]

Nice car, he should restore it but you know that's his business and I respect his decision. Hey it's his car and he can do whatever he wants with it.

[@reckemroysrc3764]

Well said 👏

[@tysongonsorowski8574]

Great car,one of the greatest ever made in my opinion. Ive been a Mopar fan since owned a 73 dart back in my 20s.

[@pennywise8182]

Glad to know cars like these are still out there and the average man still owns some of them instead of some rich asshole who can't even change a set of plugs.👍👍👍

[@donsaunders5348]

That car is very lucky to be an original 1970 Hemi Cuda because somebody is going to track it down and offer the guy more money for it than his sentimental attachment is worth.... This one is too valuable to allow to rot, but if that is the owner's choice, it is his choice to make!

[@stevevice9863]

He should sell it to someone that wants to restore it. It's just going to rot away seting there. That car can certianly be saved.

[@terryschnereger8531]

He's going to restore it someday.

[@stephenvice1019]

@@terryschnereger8531 Yeah, they all say that.

[@rustybritches6747]

Mopar guys tend to die with there cars and parts, I'm not surprised it isn't for sale!

[@samholdsworth420]

Mopar, mo'problems

[@samholdsworth420]

Oh and it's his car he can do what he wants so bigger off mate

[@HoosierHacker]

Craziest story I've seen in a long time! Another insane hoarder that won't sell it and won't save it.

[@IAmMrTrumpet]

That tie dye patina of the violet paint is so frickin cool. This is a dream car for sure.

[@timdaoust4284]

Love how the owner corrected him on the color right away. For some reason every purple Mopar is plum crazy, regardless if it's a Plymouth or a dodge. A pet peeve of mine.

[@somerandomness4285]

This would be a perfect car for a mechanical restoration and leave it in as raced condition

[@rdmgwinn]

What a shame to see it rotting away. Hope something gets done to it before it is to far gone. Based on the lower side of the hood it's going fast.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thankfully it is in a very dry climate, and it's usually wrapped up in layers. It's being preserved perfectly well right now.

[@Rusty_Dents]

Great find! That was some excellent detective work. I understand the climate of that region, but the rust under the hood doesn't speak well for it's future, and neither does the obvious neglect of the owner. I hope you can convince him to do something with it, or get it in someone's hands that will.

[@AutoArchaeology]

He said that's just rust from when it was in Michigan. Since being out in the desert, it hasn't gotten any worse in 30+ years.

[@Rusty_Dents]

@@AutoArchaeology hope it ends up in the right hands. Would be cool to see it at Wellborn's. Just a few miles up the road from me.

[@DavidJones-vh5py]

The car needs a better home but props to the guy for keeping it from the crusher

[@snake_eyes_garage]

The method you used is called Open Source Intelligence or OSINT and it is a legitimate method for finding missing people, or uncover hidden information. Well done. As far as the 'Cuda goes, I know people would hate me but I would not touch the exterior and spend all my money on the Hemi and mechanicals (which having spent money on a Hemi, spending all my money is super easy to do). The car has a great story and should preserve that above all else.

[@jesseleelong2824]

I would never let that sit there should be ashamed of himself

[@johnshields6852]

In 1976 I had a 71 cuda, red/ white int, sold it for 500 bucks, and it was in good shape, nobody wanted cars like that then.

[@wellwater8927]

I did ! lol

[@wildestcowboy2668]

My father bought several of them around 75-78 from uneducated people. I asked him how he knew he said son something so rare had to go up eventually....

[@msh6865]

Don't know what the owner's financial situation is but, that's a big chunk of change just sitting in the snow. Can't take it with you so, sell it and buy yourself a few treats before you get too old to enjoy them. It certainly isn't doing anyone any good as is.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Sure it is, he can walk out there and remember the time he beat the 1974 small block Camaro at the track for a $100:bucks!

[@Tallstan]

Great story, great car. Thanks for sharing

[@melmcdonald4151]

My favourite car from the 70’s

[@andrewpipitone1572]

Oh man this is one hell of a find. I hope this man is getting its value.

[@proracing9025]

Wow what a find

[@sqr2024]

It’s criminal having cars rust away like this. Sell the damn things so they can be brought back to life.

[@raymondhurst7180]

Not for sale. Gonna fix it up some day 😂

[@charlespalavros6952]

He’ll never fix it just sell it

[@scotthay1486]

What a great car and history. Thanks for sharing, this is one hemi that won't be left to rot forever. I'm sure.

[@SuspenseESCAPEremastered]

Back in the 70's there was a nearby auto scrap yard, and the owner had piles and piles of complete hemi engines & blocks, plus an amazing number of muscle cars (many rare) of every make! I went there often to get parts for my Mustangs. When the owner's son took over the business in the 80's, he had all the cars crushed.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Oh absolutely

[@spaceflight1019]

Once requests for parts drops beyond a certain point yard owners have to make room for cars that will sell parts.

[@silverstar4289]

Our local track had an older guy racing a red 70 Hemi cuda Auto and shaker. A guy i knew went for a ride in it, right after the man bought it new. Awesome this car is still here.

[@AutoArchaeology]

That's cool

[@WildDigger]

Sad that it will sit there and rot away. He is ruining that beautiful car. But it is his. Hopefully a restorer will see it and offer him enough to let someone save it.

[@antoniomao5243]

Great story👍

[@feelinfine1973]

All hail "Lord Grape"!! ✌️ from Iowa

[@dogdoc1]

Born and raised in Chicago, now living in the South. Surely don't miss the Winter weather 🥶

[@bradleyphillips204]

Think we could work on that cuda today? Nah but I sure could use a 12 pack of bud light! Let's hope in the dodge neon and head down to the convenience store 🤣

[@shelbydogg]

Great Detective work Ryan!

[@grandchamp7783]

That body looks solid for it to be out in the elements like that

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's an extremely dry climate where it is at.

[@grandchamp7783]

Cool!! I'd have that Beast parked in my living room if it where mine!!lol!! Great video👍👍👍

[@cromBumny]

I dislike people that destroy cars like that

[@RDEnduro]

It takes time to bring back a car like that, and the sun and weather will take their toll. If this guy is living alone just working and keeping his home and the years go by..

[@chriscatarcio2983]

It is not destroyed. Thank god it wasn't scraped in the LAST FAKE GAS SHORTAGE. AS alot of nice stuff was.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's sitting in a very dry climate, it will be fine for a long time.

[@deo1929]

Based on your video, I could not find the stadium or the Cuda in either Seward (Concordia University is the closest fit), York, or anyplace around it. So I figure you're protecting the actual location where it is.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Yes, as I said, these were just reference images to show you the bread crumbs I followed.

[@louiskats5116]

Good day Buddy, That is absolutely awesome, you my friend deserve all the accolades. Well done sir 👍 The holy grail. Your number 1 Fan in Australia, Melbourne. Louis Kats 👍🇦🇺🇺🇸😀

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you!

[@reckemroysrc3764]

This is why my cuda is in the garage. But cool story. And sad to see this beast sitting outside in the snow. It deserves better. Sure hope the owner restores it to its street duty glory. 👍🏻👍🏻🤓🤘✌️

[@rickbailey189]

07:39 in see the VIN plate in lower silver section "BS23 "R".... R code verifies it IS a GENUINE 426/425 hp 2x4 bbl. Hemi motor. Assembly plant location could be in question. Dodge main in Hamtramck MICH. 7th digit after 0 is a "2". Windshield driver's side VIN plate would need to be compared.

[@RDEnduro]

Thanks for showing us your car really cool it looks all there.

[@MiHiHemi]

Please save this car before it’s too late!

[@sporty196071]

You are a real detective!!! Can you find a motocycle? I know what state it's in. Well keep up the great work you do. I always enjoy your videos.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Probably not, this took years to uncover!

[@r.b.dickson8825]

up to 150k sitting there if the numbers match.. I restored my 70 4sp Hemi and got 225k

[@AutoArchaeology]

This is all numbers matching

[@mrpurcountry]

@@AutoArchaeology wondered how you can say that did you Jack the car up go underneath and looked at the numbers on the block I had a car like this it blew the engine after the first year and had to have a different motor he bought this car 4 years old it could have any motor might even be a normal cuda with a hemi engine and Hood really need to go through the numbers on the tag on the fender

[@oe542]

@@mrpurcountry he also called the headers original.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@oe542 He's talking about when he bought it.

[@SoaringEagle1]

There is a fine line between fishing and standing on the bank like an idiot.

[@dougjenks6954]

Hope he wins the lottery. Car deserves it !

[@buddyjackson3148]

My God !! It's all there !! Please , please

[@theariesexperiment4642]

WHAT A CAR !!!!!!😳

[@coyboybc]

It would be awesome to find a muscle car like this to enjoy building

[@saxonstangsetc3201]

Very cool find!

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Day'uhm. Friggin' amazing detail hound. No way could I mirror what you did. Good job !!

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!! 👍👍

[@roadscapehorror-talesofterror]

Could be the basis of a horror story. An inspirational find. Thank you!

[@davekreitzer4358]

Needs a high quality restoration , get it under cover soon ! Is / could be a beautiful !

[@deanhummel7946]

WOW what a great find 🇺🇸

[@mikeschumacher9715]

For the old SAC Killer there, In Violet Purple was called Plum Crazy Purple. And what a shame, again and again, that this car sits and rusts among junk. Very telling. The mans wife or kids will end up selling what's left after he passes on.

[@roystoys3099]

When I Was Stationed In South GA Back In '00 To '03, I Found A Green '70 Roadrunner GTX, 440, Air Grabber, 4-Speed With HURST Shifter. The Wife Said, "Just Get It Off My Property." The Hubby Said, "Hell No, NFS!!" Later He Built A Metal Building Around The Car With No Windows & No Doors. Then Years Later I Checked On The Car Again, Building Gone, Car Gone, Divorced Couple, Car Sold For $2500!! Life Is All About Timing.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Oh geeze

[@jeffrogosz9995]

Soon to be X wives say the darnedest things 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Should have got the wife's number and been nice to her.

[@orlandoruiz5824]

Makes me sick, To see such an awesome car, just rotting away.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's not rotting, it is in the desert, it is nice and dry and well protected.

[@orlandoruiz5824]

Thank god, It's ok. And not rotting away. Thank you for letting me know, Love your vídeos, keep them coming. Have a great night.

[@Titsmorone]

great story 🏁

[@worseorbetter]

The undercarriage will be very questionable considering the location this car is currently. The car tarp will also serve to exasperate corrosion. Graveyard cars found a Cuda in similar condition valued at 80k. On a side note, parts are 'original' if they were installed by the factory or dealer prior to the car being sold. Either restore it or sell it to someone who will.

[@AutoArchaeology]

I checked, the underneath was perfect. It's extremely dry out there so the moisture just goes away very quickly.

[@worseorbetter]

@@AutoArchaeology The snow had me worried. That's good it is solid. Does the owner know what he has or any idea? It is impossible to put value in sentimental perspective though it can be done so monetary wise. That is easily, if restored, a 6 figure car.

[@kevinpulver4027]

I think you meant "exacerbate".

[@worseorbetter]

@@kevinpulver4027 Thank you for the correction, I didn't notice that error.

[@jamess4535]

I'll pay $150k as it sits.

[@johnklinginsmith1074]

Kearney Nebraska Crazy I was watching due to me being a great Cuda fan and saw my hometown UNK football field! I would love to see this car in person!

[@AutoArchaeology]

That's not actually where it is at, it was just an example of what I was looking for in context.

[@creepycrawler4690]

SAC Airforce base is located in Bellevue Nebraska. The car is either in Omaha or Bellevue.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thankfully it isn't near either

[@LordFlashheart.11]

As long as that stunning car sits there its going to get worse. Sell it to someone to put it back on the road where it needs to be!

[@HalJalikakik]

That is an excellent candidate for restoration

[@rickbailey189]

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda COUPE with 426 HEMI (425 horsepower) and AUTOMATIC transmission---production figure: 368 units.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

365

[@rayh493]

It's a 4 speed --> production 284

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@rayh493 4 $peed #282

[@johngill7508]

@@wildestcowboy2668 0

[@timetraveler6247]

Almost like a diamond in the rough

[@thomasglorius5730]

That is a diamond lol and a big one at that lol lol

[@HoosierHacker]

What. a. find. Just wild! If only it was kept inside right? Another hidden gem. The detective work you did was genius. It would be cool to meet you at a show. I live in Chicago. I have a few classics.

[@AutoArchaeology]

I'm in Chicago

[@nightshadefern162]

Google earth and rooflines and someone with a keen eye. Glad you found it. What the owner does with it is his decision, wish people would quit screaming about it. Better a yard ornament than a one way trip to the crusher- and Ive seen running restorable classics mashed for tin.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Sadly so have I.

[@hornetbrown]

Well said.

[@ChrisW1962]

Years of rain in engine, has to be seized beyond repair

[@AutoArchaeology]

It has been under its own special cover, and the car has been covered

[@MrOnemanop]

It's his car. He can do what he wants. But so frustrating to people who could do something productive and get that car rolling down the road.

[@buchanity5968]

I really want that Cuda

[@spaceflight1019]

Save your money for a good car and not a rotbox.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's not rotting, it is in the desert, it is nice and dry and well protected.

[@brinahealy942]

Q) what's the difference between genius and stupidity? A) genius has limits

[@shirleypersinger3614]

Holy Grail 🇺🇸

[@thehemiolds455]

I could hardly bare my self to see this video of this car left for dead. Hard to see what a shame.

[@thegallivanthropologists]

Interesting niche brother. Digging up these treasures is a definite service to history. As anthropologists and Park Rangers, we love the people and channels that share culture, history, and nature. Nice to make your acquaintance and I hope you might like our channel too. Looking forward to more of your stuff. - Turtle

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you Turtle! I definitely enjoy sharing the shenanigans of these people and cars. I'll go check yours out as well.

[@thegallivanthropologists]

@@AutoArchaeology Cool brother. We appreciate the support. We need to grow and improve to make our dream of a carbon neutral UNESCO tour a reality.

[@bradbroemmer9106]

I hope someone saves it soon. Otherwise it'll be lost to history.

[@AutoArchaeology]

It's fine, it is in the desert, it is nice and dry and well protected.

[@captainbuttnuggets4786]

Im not a dodge fan but omg this needs to be back on the road!!!

[@johnhorvath3219]

I’ll get to it one day……….

[@davepreston5207]

the Service City sticker on the rear bumper was for a long gone speed shop in Boise Idaho !

[@rogerchevelle8543]

Amazing story

[@matscheel3080]

will he take 200 dollars i kinda like it

[@MiturBinEsderty]

It’s means nothing rotting away in the back yard

[@chrissytaylor5690]

Damn......at least cover the intake!!! 🤦‍♀️

[@AutoArchaeology]

It usually is, you can see it in a few of the pics.

[@WIDESIDE72]

What could he have in the garage that is more important than a Hemii ‘Cuda?

[@AutoArchaeology]

That's not a garage behind it, it's a shed. It fits a large riding lawnmower and that's it.

[@22cudaman]

im offering Free heated storage for as long as the Owner of this car likes if he wants

[@riccocool]

Thats awesome!

[@bradhardy2629]

Then if he doesn't show up ffg or 6 months the car is yours right

[@mickeygriggs]

The car cover is doing the car more harm than good according to some car collectors

[@powerwagon3731]

I was just driving last week in the next town from where I live and spotted two E bodies in someone’s back yard. I don’t bother asking about them anymore because they are “going to be restored “ or way overpriced. In my town there is a 69 GTX ,70 Challenger and 68 Dart with the same story. I’ve had a 70 Charger RT, 71 340 Demon and a 66 SS 396 Chevelle back in the late seventies when a young man could afford a decent muscle car. The hobby has gotten out of hand in the last 25 years for the average guy so that Cuda can just sit there and rot away.

[@jerseymike4755]

You need to a millionaire anymore to buy, or restore a car.

[@chrissytaylor5690]

Yeah, same story out here in Virginia!! 🤦‍♀️ I know where a 69 Chevelle SS 396/4spd is sitting parked under a group of pine trees since 1979...... And there's a 69 383 Roadrunner park next to it that's sank all the way up to the rockers in dirt. Been out there the same amount of time. The guy will never sell them..... And by the time he does they won't even be worth salvaging anymore.🤦‍♀️

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@chrissytaylor5690 I know of a similar car I tried to buy in 94. Went by few years ago and it was coming apart as it was being pulled to the road to sell for $1000. I offered 4k in 94

[@dennisbaker4255]

Sickening to see. Someone who doesn't have the funds or the will to properly care for a car and too selfish to let it go to someone who does.

[@tysongonsorowski8574]

In my opinion all the owner has to do at this point is find a graveyard that is ok with a car as a casket. That's heaven for me.

[@firedemon2166]

Poor car, it would be underground, no point since it literally won’t be seen in one piece again

[@travissayers7885]

Natty light will get this deal done.

[@dflf]

Another example of he won’t sell and he’ll probably never restore it. So it’ll sit there and deteriorate

[@markholroyde9412]

So what?, its his car and none of anyones business, if he sold it some dumb fossilised American would never drive it when its restored, just greedy bastards who have fkd up a once low cost hobby buying stuff while drunk at BJ auctions, I have had my 68 Roadrunner 38 years here in the UK and that dirty scum with money have ruined the hobby, fk 'em all

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@markholroyde9412 Agree with some of that but for the drunk cowboy's at BJ buying them yours has shot up mate!

[@markholroyde9412]

@@wildestcowboy2668 Ive owned it 38 years, I had plenty of time to "make money" on it, thank fk I like the car more than money🤣

[@damxgopak457]

Sweet sleuthing work.

[@AutoArchaeology]

Thank you!