Craig Jackson has personally overseen the sale of some of the most expensive muscle cars ever to cross an auction block. He could own anything. So when he reveals that the one car he would never sell is a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda — and then drives it straight to Jay Leno’s Garage to prove why — you begin to understand that certain machines exist in a category entirely their own.
Craig Jackson has personally overseen the sale of some of the most expensive muscle cars ever to cross an auction block. He could own anything. So when he reveals that the one car he would never sell is a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda — and then drives it straight to Jay Leno’s Garage to prove why — you begin to understand that certain machines exist in a category entirely their own.
About the Video
In this special episode of Jay Leno‘s Garage, Craig Jackson — the man who has presided over the sale of some of history’s most valuable automobiles — brings his personal 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda to Jay’s legendary collection for an intimate showcase. Craig shares the fascinating story of how he acquired this spectacular machine and what it means to him personally, before he and Jay take it out for an exhilarating drive through the canyons. The chemistry between two true enthusiasts discussing a car they both clearly revere is electric throughout.
With nearly 500,000 views, this video has resonated deeply with muscle car enthusiasts worldwide, and it’s easy to understand why. Jay Leno‘s Garage consistently delivers automotive content with genuine passion and expertise, and when the subject is a numbers-matching 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda owned by one of the most influential figures in the collector car world, the result is nothing short of magnificent.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda: King of the Mopar Muscle Cars
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda — affectionately known as the ‘Cuda — represents the absolute pinnacle of Chrysler’s E-body muscle car program. Completely redesigned for 1970, the car gained dramatic new sheet metal that transformed it from a relatively modest pony car into a true muscle car icon with swooping fastback lines, aggressive fender flares, and a presence that commands attention six decades later. With the legendary 426 cubic inch HEMI V8 nestled under that long hood, the ‘Cuda became the stuff of legends.
The 426 HEMI engine deserves special recognition as one of the greatest performance powerplants in American automotive history. Producing 425 horsepower in its street tune (with many enthusiasts believing the actual output was closer to 500 horsepower), the HEMI featured hemispherical combustion chambers that allowed for superior airflow and more complete combustion. The result was an engine that dominated both the street and the drag strip, propelling the ‘Cuda through the quarter mile in the low 13s in stock form — remarkable performance for the era.
Rarity That Commands Millions
HEMI-powered ‘Cudas are among the rarest and most valuable American muscle cars ever produced. Of the approximately 652,169 Barracudas built from 1964 to 1974, only a tiny fraction received the 426 HEMI. For 1970, Chrysler built just 652 HEMI ‘Cuda coupes and 14 HEMI ‘Cuda convertibles — the latter being among the most valuable American production cars that ever existed, with pristine examples fetching well over $3 million at auction. Craig Jackson has seen these numbers firsthand as the man who gavels them down at Barrett-Jackson events year after year.
The cultural significance of the ‘Cuda extends beyond mere scarcity and dollar values. These cars represented the zenith of the muscle car era, arriving at precisely the moment when insurance companies, emissions regulations, and fuel crises were conspiring to end the high-performance party. The 1970 model year is widely considered the last great year of true muscle car excess, making every surviving example an irreplaceable artifact of American automotive history.
What Makes Craig’s ‘Cuda So Special
Beyond the inherent magnificence of any HEMI ‘Cuda, there’s something deeply compelling about a car owned and cherished by someone who has devoted their professional life to the preservation and celebration of automotive history. Craig Jackson understands better than almost anyone what these machines represent — their craftsmanship, their cultural moment, their historical significance. A ‘Cuda in his collection isn’t just a prized possession; it’s a philosophical statement about what matters in the collector car world.
Watching Craig and Jay Leno discuss the car, take it for a spirited drive, and share their mutual reverence for this rolling piece of American history is a genuine privilege. This is the kind of automotive content that transcends simple car reviewing — it’s a celebration of passion, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of machines that moved people in more ways than one.
Watch the full video above and let us know your thoughts in the comments. What’s your favorite Mopar muscle car of all time?
Related posts:
Plymouth Barracuda 550 HP Supercharged – AMAZING V8 SOUND!
Plymouth ‘Cuda 1970 AAR Alpine White
Dodge Challenger R/T – Family’s Surviving Muscle Car
Plymouth ‘Cuda 1970 – 340 Convertible
Plymouth Barracuda 1970 – 550HP Supercharged – Amazing V8 Sound!
Plymouth Barracuda 1967 Formula S
Plymouth ‘Cuda 1970 Custom
Plymouth ‘Cuda 1973 – First Start
Plymouth Barracuda 1971 Burnout
Plymouth ‘Cuda 1974 – 360 Stroker 408 Sixpack
