You may recognize this car from the TV show Nash Bridges. The
main difference is that this is the real 71 Yellow
Hemi Cuda Convertible. Actor Don Johnson saw this particular car in
the hardback book AMERICAN MUSCLE, and said this was the car he
wanted for his show. The person delegated with the duty to come up
with the car quickly realized that this car was very rare and not
for sale; and not a car that should be wrecked making a TV show. The
decision was made to have a company make four clone cars from photos
of this car using a variety of Cuda convertible body parts and
motors, none of which were a Hemi. You can read this story in the
Feb 1997 issue of Mopar Muscle magazine.
The 1971 year was the last year of production for the Hemi cars.
There were nine 71 Hemi Cuda convertibles produced in 1971. Seven
were manufactured for the US distribution, and two were built for
export. Six of the 71 Hemi Cuda convertibles were automatics and
three were four speeds. This 1971 Hemi convertible was special
ordered by the customer and was the last car produced for the US
Distribution.
The documentation on this car consists of three broadcast sheets,
the original sales invoice, delivery inspection sheet, and
several Chrysler bulletins. The options are as follows: High
Impact-Lemon Twist yellow, white vinyl bucket seat interior, power
convertible top, 426 Hemi motor, Torqueflite transmission,
performance axle package, road lights, console, rallye gauges
package, racing mirrors, AM radio, stereo tape cassette w/
microphone, rallye wheels, collapsible spare, and F60x15 raised
white letter tires.
This car was restored in the late 80's by Vincent di Giuseppe,
currently with The
Old Car Warehouse in Wallingford, CT. It has been featured in
numerous books and magazines -- so many that it would be hard to
compile a complete list. Perhaps one of the most photographed and
publicized musclecars of its era.
