1971 Plymouth Cuda'

It doesn’t take long for car guys to put 383 and 1320 together. While Chrysler may have intended Mopar-branded pony cars to be small block-powered curve carvers, their conservative proportions and relative light weight equaled lethal stoplight potential that just couldn’t be ignored. And this 383 ‘Cuda is one of such ‘balanced’ performer that trades a nose-heavy Hemi for something a bit more rounded. Dressed in some of the most sinister livery Auburn Hills has ever created, this striking Plymouth has a bold look that presents as new thanks to a professional, ground-up restoration. The car is fully documented, retaining a numbers-matching drivetrain and all-original sheetmetal. And, with an excellent combination of provenance and personality, it presents the perfect opportunity to kick off a serious muscle car collection!

Speaking of provenance and personality, here’s a detailed look at this ‘Cuda’s glossy fender tag:

E65: 383 cubic inch V8
D21: Heavy duty 4-speed manual transmission
B: Plymouth Barracuda
S: Special
23: 2-door hardtop
N: 383 cubic inch V8 that utilizes 1 4-barrel carburetor to create 300 horsepower
1: 1971 model year
B: Assembled at Dodge Main in Hamtramck, Michigan
272782: Production sequence number
TX9: Black Velvet paint
H: High trim grade
6: Vinyl bucket seats
XW: Black & White interior
000: Full door panels
125: Assembled on January 25th, 1971
E33171: Order number
V1X: Black vinyl top
C16: Console
C55: Bucket seats
J45: Hood pins
J54: Sport Hood
M21: Drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
M31: Belt & hood moldings
M88: Quarter panel tape stripes
N41: Dual exhaust
N42: Chrome exhaust tips
R11: Music Master AM radio
EN: End of codes
2: Assembly line 2
With most classics, a single element usually catches your eye long before anything else. But with this Plymouth, EVERY piece works together to create a virtual symphony of automobilia. With a solid hardtop body that features 100% original sheetmetal, this is the kind of car that would turn heads in primer; and what better way to ensure sore neck muscles than covering it in correct Black Velvet two-stage? That paint coats fit and finish which puts factory-original cars to shame. That fit and finish is augmented by slick white accents which recreate traditional Mopar markings. And to ensure this ‘Cuda isn’t just another fish in the sea, every one of its facets was buffed to a show-stopping shine!

Unlike most dressed and decaled cars, which tend to throw good taste out the window, this awesome E-Body seamlessly balances a serious demeanor with flashy good looks. At the front of its broad shouldered body, a stainless-trimmed, 1971-exclusive grille hangs four halogen headlights above a showroom-fresh bumper and clear, sculpted parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a “‘Cuda 383” branded hood props two stainless lanyards and a small “PLYMOUTH” script in front of like-new glass, clean stainless trim and Black Velvet mirrors. At the sides of that hood, satin door handles and stylish fender vents ride above fresh wheel lips, straight rocker trim and a trademark Chrysler pentastar. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence hangs a cool “’Cuda by PLYMOUTH” emblem between clear tail lights, a second chrome bumper and correct exhaust tips.

Hoist this Mopar’s awesome hood and you’ll find an original, 383 cubic inch Magnum V8 that hangs a familiar 2468130 casting number between an October (10) 7th (7) of 1970 (70) casting date and matching partial VIN. Almost as popular Plymouth’s famed Super Commando, and just as storied, Chrysler’s mighty Magnum V8 was designed to be a great combination of thrift and performance. At the top of the stout mill, an American-made carburetor breathes through a correct air cleaner that’s covered in a striking combination of fresh Organisol and traditional lettering. Below that carburetor, a spotless orange block wears familiar steel valve covers and professionally restored exhaust manifolds. The big engine’s fires are lit by 7mm Standard wires, a reproduction Chrysler voltage regulator and a proven points distributor. And cooling is provided by a beefy Chrysler radiator, which is augmented with authentic squeeze clamps and pliable Chrysler hoses. Take a second to refocus your eyes on the clean engine bay and you’ll find details like a correct washer tank, a bright green throttle spring and a familiar red cap battery. And the entire set up, from its fenders to its firewall, is coated in the same TX9 black as the car’s glossy exterior panels.

As expected, this ‘Cuda’s fully sorted chassis is every bit as clean and road-ready as its solid body and throaty engine. A rugged A833 4-speed, which is branded with a matching partial VIN, churns power to a tough Chrysler rear end. Included in the restoration was a completely rebuilt suspension that, when combined with correct manual steering, helps the car hook up quick and perform great. Braking, which is surprisingly competent for a 43 year old design, comes courtesy of four beefy drums. Spent gases are escorted rearward by aluminized, true-dual pipes that roar through deep turbo mufflers and fantastic resonators. At the corners, 14-inch steelies spin fresh F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas Custom Wide Treads around stainless center caps. And, aesthetically, the bottom of this super cool Plymouth is cased and ready to roll, with over-restored floors framing a roster of proven components.

Swivel this ‘Cuda’s solid-closing doors and you’ll find a correct two-tone interior that’s functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are covered in crack-free vinyl that displays very few signs of wear. Below those seats, stain-free carpet centers thick rubber floor mats on a wood-trimmed console and Hurst pistol grip shifter. At the sides of that carpet, sculpted panels proudly hang the Cuda name above traditional window cranks, integrated door handles and cool chrome locks. In front of those panels, a clean black dash props rebuilt factory gauges above a familiar Chrysler Solid State. Above that dash, a fresh headliner frames a fully functional courtesy lamp. In front of the driver, an attractive, wood-rimmed steering wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hangs a correct decklid decal above a new mat, new jack and new spare tire.

This impressive coupe’s sale includes two original broadcast sheets, original marketing materials and an album of restoration photos.

Thanks to its solid restoration, exceptional performance and classic good looks, this ’Cuda is poised to please even the most discerning muscle car enthusiast. Fully sorted in every way, you can drive it, show it and take home a few trophies, all for about half the price of a ‘ropes and red carpet’ Hemi. If you’ve been searching for an awesome Mopar to cherish AND enjoy, you’ve found your next car!