I always admire an enthusiast who does their homework, confirming the rarity of a classic in their possession. Such is the case with the seller of this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340. Their research reveals that it is 1-of-17 built with a particular paint and trim combination, lifting an already desirable car to a higher plane. They have decided to part with a vehicle that is sure to turn heads for many years, listing it here on eBay in Johns Island, South Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $55,700, although there is a BIN of $95,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Plymouth introduced the Third Generation Barracuda range in 1970. By basing it on the E-Body platform, the company produced a car with a muscular and purposeful appearance, which I firmly believe is one of the best-looking American production cars of the 1970s. We must drill down to discover what makes this classic rare. Plymouth produced 3,300 examples of the 1971 ‘Cuda 340, but this is 1-of-17 ordered with dazzling Lemon Twist paint and the distinctive “Billboard” stripes. It means the new owner will unlikely encounter an identical vehicle in their travels. The car presents exceptionally well, although it is unclear whether it is a survivor or an older restoration. The paint shines richly, the stripes are crisp, and the seller confirms this garage-kept classic is as solid and rust-free as the day it was born. The trim and glass are excellent, and the ‘Cuda rolls on Rallye wheels that add a further touch of muscle to its appearance.
Since this is a ‘Cuda 340, there are no prizes for guessing that its engine bay houses a 340ci V8. Its 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque feed through a four-speed manual transmission to an 8¾” Sure Grip rear end with 3.55 gears. The seller confirms this is per the original Build Sheet, meaning this ‘Cuda could storm the ¼-mile in 15.2 seconds. Purists will be disappointed to learn that although the engine is date-correct, it isn’t original. It is unclear when or why it was changed, but the seller emphasizes the car hasn’t been abused. The engine and transmission were recently rebuilt, and the winning bidder will reap the benefit. The ‘Cuda runs and drives perfectly, with no odd noises, rattles, smoke, or other issues. The Build Sheet and other documentation are included, and all the original tags are intact and legible.
A classic car’s interior can reveal much about its life because abuse and neglect often reveal themselves in broken and scuffed trim and plastic. There are no such issues with this ‘Cuda because its interior is almost perfect. The Black vinyl isn’t worn or damaged, the dash and pad are spotless, and the only potential issue is what might be some slight carpet fading. However, the image quality means it may also be a trick of the light, and I am unwilling to bet the farm it is a genuine flaw. The dash houses an aftermarket Pioneer CD player, but I can’t spot any other additions. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but the Rally gauge cluster, factory tach, and pistol-grip shifter are all purposeful and fit this car’s character.
The bidding action on the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 hasn’t been as intense as expected, but the listing has started at a high level. That raises the question of the reserve and whether the BIN is justified. The ‘Cuda 340 has bucked recent market trends, with values climbing dramatically. The loss of the numbers-matching V8 will impact the potential value, but we can only speculate how profound that will be. Instincts suggest that the reserve is probably close to the BIN, and the car’s rarity means it may get there before the hammer falls. Even if this ‘Cuda is out of your price range, monitoring the auction to see how it unfolds might be worthwhile.
Ah the ’71 Cuda. I was a teen in the late 70’s, we all had tired muscle cars. I was with a buddy in his Cuda, on a route with a speed limit of maybe 50MPH we were going about 100 in a straight stretch. We pulled into another friends drive way. When I closed the passenger door the car lurched and a front wheel was no longer in position. A ball joint broke. Glad it held on as long as it did. My tired car was a ’70 Chevelle. Good times though.
Similar thing happened to me. Camber bolt broke as I pulled in my driveway. I had just buried the needle in my 70 goat. Mine was in the early 90s though. That thing my Grandma always said about that angel on your shoulder. Lol
I had a tie-rod break off on the New Jersey turnpike.Car went sharp right into the breakdown lane.I tied a plug wire around it to get to the auto store.
I paid $3500.00 for my 71 340 Cuda new off the show room floor. Still have it
What color?
Sweet. 17 photos and none of the right side.
GREAT looking car !
The Sport/TUFF steering wheel is another real rare piece of kit for these. Insane money has passed between those in ‘need’ and those who ‘have’.
My ’71 Butterscotch Dart has one and I have only ever seen one other at a car show in Wisconsin. It was on a ’71 Dodge Charger in a Concours show with extremely low miles. The window sticker showed it cost 12 dollars as an option, yet was seldom ordered on any Chrysler/MOPAR product…..
Cd 💿 player is a bonus, if your going on any long drives. 🎶 🎸 Cool Barracuda 😎
Another Barrett Jackson dreamer. Nice car, but not worth $100,000.
Only if it is an AAR in this shape.
About this “rarity” thing….
When there were multitudes of options to check off, the probability of getting a “rare’ combo of options is quite high.
Does it make it more valuable? Not necessarily.
Particular engines/drive trains seem to be the deciding factor in value, not whether 2 of 10,000 other wise identical cars had a black exterior rear view mirror vs the rest a chrome mirror, for example.
Agreed.
If the owner drop another engine in the car why a 340 and not a larger displacement? A 385 or any larger displacement would’ve fit this Cuda perfectly. Would’ve brought bigger bucks easily everything else is good.
385? Never heard if it.
Gregg isn’t really aware, you might say.
I’m a Mopar guy and a LA340 guy, but the price is ridiculous. The thing about the 340 is they are drivers. Far better daily driver than a 440 or hemi.
Nice car but I’m not fan of bill boards or lemon twist.
You are right by saying the 340 in an E body is a better driving package vs an “RB” 440 😆.
The price are what ’71 E bodies have been bringing for over a decade. Not sure what Mopars you’re into but the options you’re not a fan of are precisely what drives up the ridiculous price.
Another outrageously priced car….the B.I.N. figure is crazy….the lack of a #’s matching engine brings the value way down…..interested buyers should look elsewhere…….
I agree, if you have $100 grand to spend on your dream car there are better options out there.
Jake you’re correct l meant 383.Thanks
383? why not a 440? Do it right!!!! Though, the 340 makes a better riding car. Drove my buddies 440 6 PAC and it felt like I was pushing a wheelbarrow in the turns. Strait line it was cool.
To replace a 340 with a 383 is going backwards. Like Terry said, if anything build a 440 -6 and a shaker. It’s not a numbers car.
One of the very few yellow cars I would proudly park in my garage and drive on every sunny day, it’s not gaudy nor does it scream at everyone else that it’s better than other colors. I’ve always preferred the ’Cuda over the Challenger and the 340/4 speed is the one you want if you love driving on twisty roads. Since the original engine is gone, I’d install a 6 pack carb setup and rebuild the engine for revs and higher compression and then basque in the glorious sound it makes as I accelerate through the gears. Such a sweet car!
How many folks here commenting have driven a 340-4speed ? This was the perfect combination in the Trans-Am race series. The T/A models of these were and still are a highly desired MOPAR because of that package (along with all the other unique features of T/A Cudas and Challengers.)
The punch of the 340 was a very surprising part of the drive-ability. It literally shocked many that it was so sweet to drive fast, especially on winding roads. I literally love ALL MOPARS, especially in the high impact colors, crazy wild option groups, all the stripe packages (no, there is NOT one bad stripe option to be had to this guy), and the unique varieties of wheel and wheel trim options. I would love to own this great car, but alas funding at this level is not an option for me. I cannot and will not knock someone else’s pride and joy just because of an ‘envy’ problem, lack of cash, or a desire to boast of the way I see certain muscle cars as desirable. Variety is the spice of life….. something we may have forgotten in the current world of whites, silvers, grays, on front wheel drive pocket rockets.
My bro in law bought a ’70 ‘Cuda 383 brand new, orange, shaker, torque flight, still has it. Garage kept. Traded a 66 GTO convertible 4 spd, trips which he also bought new. Claimed the ‘Cuda was equally as fast.