(FoxNews) – An ultra-rare 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible is set to cross the
block at the Mecum Auctions event in Seattle on Saturday, June 14th, just in time for pop’s special day that Sunday.

One of only two built for the U.S. that year with a 4-speed manual transmission and Mopar’s legendary 426/425 hp V8 engine, the immaculately restored drop-top has
a numbers-matching motor and nearly all of its original bodywork intact.

The car also features a Shaker hood, Dana 60 rear end with 4.10 Super Track Pak,
26-inch radiator, power brakes and a backstory almost as colorful as its Bright Blue 
paint.

According to Mecum, it was purchased new by a “famous cartoonist” who later sold
it to someone in Oregon. Some years later, however, it was confiscated in a drug
bust and ended up at a police auction in 1999, where it went for a then record 
price of $410,000.

David Melendy

Ed Danahue