Casey Jones and His Ride on the Hemi ‘Cuda

Colton Amster is the owner and operator of Redline Restorations, an automotive restoration facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut. With the help of his business, Colton Amster grants special requests for Make-A-Wish America and Wounded Warrior Project. He also honors some personal requests that do not come through established charitable organizations.

Casey Jones is a former explosive ordinance disposal operator. He was stationed in Afghanistan, where he lost both his legs and multiple fingers to an improvised explosive device. After this event, he traveled to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to receive treatment and rehabilitation.

Mike Elliot, a friend of Mr. Jones’, posted a request on a Hemi ‘Cuda owners’ club website. He asked if any of the car owners would be willing to visit Bethesda, Maryland, to take Mr. Jones for a ride. Redline Restorations took the offer and contacted one of its clients, who owned a Hemi ‘Cuda. The owner of the Hemi ‘Cuda, also named Mike, agreed to Mr. Elliot’s request and insisted on being there to surprise Mr. Jones with the Redline Restorations team.

“Hemi ‘Cuda” is a popular term reserved for the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. Plymouth only produced 652 units--14 of which were rare convertibles--because the cost to build one exceeded the regular purchase price at the time of production. With its classic shape, limited production, and extreme popularity, the 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda can cost as much as $600,000 to $800,000.