Slideshow: buy Nicholas Cage's 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda collector car

December 18, 3:14 PMDC Auto ExaminerChris Amos

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Finances are tight for everyone nowadays. But if you've watched Speed Channel's coverage of classic car auctions like Mechem and the famed Barrett-Jackson, it's clear somebody's still got a few bucks to burn.

Classic car collectors are a rare breed. There are used vehicle pricing services like NADA, Kelly Blue Book and ManheimGold.com. But when it comes to pricing a classic car, damn the book values.  Its all about how much a starry-eyed collector is willing to fork over for that perfect slice of motoring history.

Now and just in time for the Holidays, classic car auctioneer Russo & Steele has a great item for car collectors and Hollywood junkies alike. They are currently auctioning off a beautiful 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda in triple black, owned by National Treasure star and Oscar winner Nicholas Cage. According to the Russo & Steele website, this vehicle underwent a complete body-off restoration and engine replacement which was "broken-in and tuned on a dyno to ensure the car would drive as good as it looks."

Originally known as the Barracuda, the limited production Hemi 'Cuda has reached legendary status among the classic car collector community. Fully restored or well-preserved originals can go for hundred of thousands of dollars on the auction block and solid projects (if you can find one) have excellent market value as well. This particular example is registered with Chrysler as number 128 of 284 produced and includes the original 426 Hemi engine, a rallye instrument cluster, rim blow steering wheel, rallye wheels, the original window sticker, owners manual, owners history and receipts.

According to Russo & Steele, triple black is a very rare color for a muscle car and even more so for a Hemi 'Cuda. And while celebrity ownership isn't necessarily a key determining factor in the price of a collector car, this car's connection to Nicholas Cage should bring a few more bucks to the auction block.

We can all dream, can't we?

Photos courtesy Russo & Steele