What made the 426 Hemi so special? Its unique hemispherical combustion chambers and massive displacement allowed it to churn out an astonishing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque in factory trim.
But despite its incredible capabilities, this engine was only offered in a select few Chrysler models during its brief 1966-1971 production run. So, which lucky models got the 426 Hemi treatment?
1. 1966-1971 Dodge Charger
The second-generation Dodge Charger is one of the most recognizable muscle cars ever built, immortalized in pop culture by its starring role in The Dukes of Hazzard. (ref)
Packing the optional 426 Hemi V8, this B-body bruiser could lay down blistering quarter-mile times.
Hemi-equipped Chargers are exceptionally rare, with just 586 examples produced over its 6-year run. The most desirable are the 1968-1970 R/T models, which came standard with the 440 Magnum but could be optioned with the mighty 426.
If you’re lucky to find a numbers-matching Hemi Charger today, expect to pay well into the six figures.
2. 1970-1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
When it comes to Mopar muscle, it doesn’t get much better than a Hemi ‘Cuda. Based on the third-generation Barracuda, the ‘Cuda was Plymouth’s upscale performance model designed to compete with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. (ref)
The top engine option was the 426 Hemi, which turned the potent ‘Cuda into an absolute beast.
Unfortunately, the Hemi ‘Cuda’s heyday was short-lived. Just 652 coupes and 14 convertibles were built in 1970, and 108 coupes and 11 drop-tops were built in 1971.
Today, a genuine Hemi ‘Cuda convertible is one of the most valuable muscle cars in the world, commanding prices over $3 million.
3. 1966-1971 Dodge Coronet/Plymouth Belvedere
The Dodge Coronet and Plymouth Belvedere were the first models to receive the 426 Street Hemi in 1966.
These midsize B-body cars were the foundation of Chrysler’s muscle car lineup, with the Coronet spawning the Super Bee and the Belvedere giving rise to the GTX.
Over its 6-year run in the Coronet and Belvedere, the 426 Hemi was installed in just 746 Coronets and 337 Belvederes.
The most coveted examples are the lightweight 1968 Super Stock models built for NHRA drag racing, of which only 100 Hemi Darts and 70 Hemi Barracudas were produced.
4. 1968-1971 Plymouth Road Runner
Plymouth struck gold with the budget-minded Road Runner, which offered serious bang for the buck by combining the lightest Belvedere body with a range of powerful V8 engines.
The optional 426 Hemi was at the top of the heap, enhancing the already quick Road Runner’s supercar-slaying performance.
The Hemi was only available in the Road Runner for 4 model years, with 1,528 examples produced. The most sought-after are the 1970 models equipped with the Air Grabber hood scoop, among the most iconic Hemi cars ever built.
Expect to pay a hefty premium for a numbers-matching example.
5. 1970-1971 Dodge Challenger R/T
The Dodge Challenger arrived late to the pony car party, but it made up for lost time with its stunning good looks and impressive performance. The top-spec R/T model could be optioned with a range of big-block V8s, including the almighty 426 Hemi.
Only 356 Hemi Challenger R/Ts were built over its two-year run, making it one of the rarest Hemi cars on this list.
The 1970 models are the most desirable, especially the track-oriented T/A version with its unique hood, spoilers, and side exhaust.
A genuine Hemi Challenger R/T is a true prize for any Mopar collector.
6. 1967-1971 Plymouth GTX
The Plymouth GTX was the brand’s upscale muscle car, designed to compete with the Pontiac GTO and Chevrolet Chevelle SS.
Based on the Belvedere platform, the GTX offered a range of high-performance V8s, with the 426 Hemi at the top.
Plymouth produced just 1,477 Hemi GTXs throughout its 5-year run, making it one of the rarer Hemi cars. The most coveted examples are the 1971 models, which featured updated styling and a unique “fuselage” body.
With its combination of luxury and performance, the Hemi GTX is a true gentleman’s hot rod.
7. 1969-1970 Dodge Charger Daytona/Plymouth Superbird
The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are two of the most extreme muscle cars ever built, with their outrageous aerodynamic bodywork and towering rear wings.
Developed specifically for NASCAR racing, these cars dominated the competition in 1970.
Both the Daytona and Superbird could be optioned with the 426 Hemi, which made them virtually unbeatable on the high banks of Daytona and Talladega.
Just 70 Hemi Daytonas and 135 Hemi Superbirds were built, making them some of the rarest and most valuable Hemi cars.
Today, these winged warriors are highly sought-after by collectors, with prices regularly exceeding $1 million for top examples.
While genuine Hemi cars may be out of reach for most of us, their legacy is a testament to the golden age of American performance.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
