A 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible will be auctioned off.

The 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda Convertible is one of the rarest and most desirable muscle cars and is almost certain to start a bidding war at any auction. So it will be interesting to see how much this one will sell for at Mecum's upcoming auction in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 14-22.

The Plymouth Barracuda (the performance version became known as the 'Cuda starting in 1970) was a competing brand to the Ford Mustang, and entry-level versions were produced in large numbers at affordable prices. Few cars, however, were powered by the 426 cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine. Convertibles were even fewer.

Only 12 Hemi Cuda convertibles were built for the 1971 model year, seven of which were destined for the US and five for export. In addition, it was one of only three equipped with the factory A833 4-speed manual transmission and was the only 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible painted in Winchester Gray.

Both the transmission (with Hurst Pistol Grip shifter) and the Hemi V-8 are original to this car, adding to its value. It also features a 3.54 Sure Grip rear differential, a Rallye dash (with an additional tachometer), "Hemi" graphics, and a Shaker hood scoop.

The car was originally delivered to France, but was turned over to the U.S. in 1993, where it spent the next 20 years in a private collection. Currently, the convertible is in near original condition, according to the listing. The metric odometer currently shows 98,553 kilometers and approximately 60,000 miles.

Plymouth Hemi Cuda regularly sells at auction for millions of dollars; at a 2016 Mecum auction, a pair of Hemi Cuda convertibles fetched over $2 million each, and another sold for $3.5 million in 2014.