Introduced by Chrysler in the 1960s, the 426 Hemi engine is one of the most iconic and revered powerplants in automotive history. Also known as the "Elephant Engine" due to its size and power, the 426 Hemi V8 is perhaps the most legendary engine Mopar ever produced.
The name "Hemi" is derived from the hemispherical design of the engine's combustion chambers. This shape allows for an efficient, centralized location of the spark plug, as well as improved airflow within the chamber, which, when combined with large valves, results in immense power output. This unique feature was not only a hallmark of the engine's design but also became a key marketing term for Chrysler, helping to brand the 426 Hemi and other Hemi engines as superior performance options in the public's eye.
Built at a time when the roar of a V8 was the ultimate expression of automotive freedom, the 426 Hemi became synonymous with the muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, powering iconic vehicles such as the Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, and the Plymouth Road Runner. These engines, off the showroom floor, produced a whopping 425 horsepower! With simple after-market modifications, they could produce over 500 horses.
Hemi-powered Dodge and Plymouth cars for the model years of 1966 through 1971 have become collector's items. In 2014, a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible equipped with the 426 Hemi engine sold at auction for $3.5 million. Not a bad return considering the sticker price for the car was $4,371.
…bob