Yeah, It’s Got A Hemi

One of Franklin Mint’s older molds gives us this Plymouth ’Cuda Convertible in a limited 5,000 piece run of 1971 Hemi versions. Painted Hemi Orange with a black convertible top (in either top up or the convertible boot), only 11 of these were built in ‘71 (and seven of those were shipped overseas). Franklin’s stateside variant sports white HEMI billboards on its quarters - a snazzy combination.

The shaker hood scoop is spot on, and up front, dual chin spoilers ride below the bumper line - all in the name of keeping the nose planted at white-knuckle speeds. Likewise, the rear deck carries a black spoiler for added downforce. Below it, the trunk opens to reveal a nicely executed area with a space saver spare and inflator bottle.

Wheels are MOPAR rally wheels, but the tire/wheel combination looks small - especially so with the model’s too-tall ride height. The interior is pretty simple, with smooth orange seating surfaces and its carpeting, console and dash rendered in black. That console wears a T-handle shifter, wood rimmed
steering wheel, and a great gauge package.

Lest ye be challenged in muscle lore, the black shaker hood and the Hemi billboards leave no secret as to what is sitting under the hood of the little beast; pumping out a conservative 425 hp, the 426 Hemi engine was the almost-undisputed king of stoplight duels. Here, it’s well detailed throughout, right to the tiny data plate along the drivers front fender.  Correct black valve covers on the hemi orange block may be hard to see, but the detail is very well done. Don’t get detail-crazed and try to lift that shaker scoop - it’s glued down.

Overall, it’s a nice image that is limited to 2,500 pieces - and sets the benchmark for this particular Franklin tool. Available now for $135.00 from FM or its dealer network. - CRM

Franklin Mint, www.franklinmint.com

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