I was always a fan of the traditional Chevrolet small-block V8 engine. And I knew a bit about the Ford Windsor but virtually nothing about Mopar’s LA engine, at least nothing about the 340 CI version. Well, long ago, I learned a lot in very short order. With that permanently inscribed memory, this 1970 ‘Cuda 340 caught my attention very quickly. Let’s look at it closely and I’ll tell you why. This fine looking example is located in Glendale, Arizona, and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $41,300, reserve not yet met.
Mopar’s 340 CI V8 engine was introduced in 1968 but it seems that 1970 is when it got pushed out to the masses and that may be due to Plymouth’s new Duster 340 and Dodge’s equally new Challenger. Whatever the reason, it opened a lot of eyes, and ears, to what a performance handful it was. While Mopar’s bigger engines like the 383, 440, and of course, the 426 Hemi, get the cred and seem to earn the fondest memories, let’s not overlook the 340 in all of its machinations.
Our subject ‘Cuda 340 is an original “FC7” finished car, known officially as In-Violet or “Plum Crazy” as its Dodge cousins were known. Unfortunately, it’s now outta Violet as it has been repainted dark blue. It is a bit of a twenty-footer as the finish has some peeling and chipping going on though the images still present the car pretty well. The body is quite straight and there are no signs of corrosion anywhere – a point of consideration as this was originally a New Jersey domiciled car, at least into the early ’90s. The very understated appearance of this ‘Cuda does it well. The aforementioned finish, along with the black vinyl top and stripe, as well as being finished off with standard rally wheels is the anthesis of, “Hey, look at me!” but it is still a car that will get noticed. The original owner even eschewed the color-keyed elastomeric bumpers and went for the standard chrome components.
The interior is as inconspicuous as the exterior. The instrument panel is basic with full instrumentation and no, that’s not a Tick-Tock-Tach as I now know. The lack of a center console enforces the back to basic look though the fake wood grain adorning the instrument panel doesn’t help the cause – it is completely inoffensive, however. The simple black vinyl seats, headliner, carpet, door cards, and dash pad are all in great nick. The seller claims that this is a 62K mile example so there’s no interior wear from use and none evident from climactic conditions, quite a trick in Arizona’s sun – this is an obviously garage stored vehicle. The only thing out of place is the aftermarket radio/tape player.
Under the hood is Mopar’s fantastic 275 gross HP, 340 CI “LA Series” engine. Maybe they were rated at 275 gross HP but 325 seems more fitting based on the way they run, and they do run! To quote the seller, “The 340 4-Speed ‘Cuda Starts, Runs, Drives, Shifts, Turns, Stops in Very Good Working Order in Everyday traffic on Surface
Streets & on the Freeway & Freeway Speeds with no Issues, Rattles, or Funny noises. It’s a very Zippy & Good Handling car to drive”. The differential ratio is listed as a 3:55:1 and that coupled with the four-speed manual transmission should make for a very strong pull coming out of the hole.
In high school, I had a friend that purchased a new ’70 Duster 340 late that summer. I had never heard of a Duster and didn’t know exactly what one was when I first rested eyes upon it. It was equipped with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 3.91:1 rear gear; the performance was astounding! And that was the first car that I thought of when I spied this ‘Cuda. It really reminds me of that Duster, which was finished off in dark blue “EB7” paint, minimal striping, blackwall tires on the same style rally wheels, and white upholstery, the only detraction to that Plymouth’s “all-business” attitude. Come one, come all, by mid-1971 the owner had knocked out every high school competitor with alacrity, even took out the kid whose father owned a Ford dealership and couldn’t seem to come up with a winning combination. Fond memories!
This ‘Cuda is trending in some pretty steep dollar altitude. I like it as it helps me to recall a portion of my misspent youth but I’m not sure that I like it $41K worth. It is refreshing, however, to see a ‘Cuda from that era that is trying its best to stay under the radar, it’s a very appealing look. And it comes with extensive documentation, including the factory build sheet. How about you, would you have preferred the more obvious “In-Violet” original shade or are you good with the stealth look?
IIRC, the Tic Toc Tach was never an option in the E body cars. The “Rallye Cluster” provided all of the gauges and a separate clock and tachometer. I like this car, but the black stripe is invisible; and even though a (lighter) blue is my favorite color, I think I would prefer the original color on this one. Alas, it’s too rich for my budget….*SIGH*! GLWTA!! :-)
That, sports fans, is one great looking car!
I like this car in the dark blue, but that purple is a favorite color of mine! I would keep it as it is until I absolutely need to paint it, then put it back to original.
Nice car, but like Moparman said, too rich for my blood.
Toooooo much $$$!
The mighty 340. Had a ’70 340 Duster in ’71 and boy was that a beast. Every big block in town had been thrashed by it at one time or another. And small blocks? Forgot it. Currently have a Challenger TA with that special little engine sporting a six pak of Holleys.
Also had a Duster with a 340. What a sweet reving motor. Put a six pack on it and man did it love to go.
Nice car, but not 41K/dark blue.
I’m usually a sucker for a factory original color but this may be an exception. These are just so damned elegant in less garish colors like this. Best powertrain combo for one of these in my opinion.
$41K is steep. A friend of mine just acquired a real original matching #s AAR driver quality for $50K. A lot more car for not much more money. I own a restored AAR so I know from whence I speak.
Never underestimate the 340/360 cars! I would actually prefer it to the 383/440. More balanced and higher revving.
Hmm, My 74 Cuda with factory leather,(white), and factory A/C, and with factory paint still on the trunk and floors , and only wearing a 80’s respray in its factory color, and only NOW showing the typical Cuda rot beginning in the rear quarters and front fenders… may be able to find a new home?!
The 340 and 4 speed was the perfect performance combination for this car!! They were lighter in the front end then the big blocks and that made them handle better!! If I had the money I would buy this car in a second!! I would probably have a hard time driving it though cause I wouldn’t be able to get my wife out of the drivers seat!!
And I bet you feel like you won the lottery with your wife.
I sold my 68 Formula S 340/4speed fastback.
Big mistake. Scorch red.
Pretty stock- somebody changes the original 4speed for a Hurst Pistol Grip.
Original engine and Carter carb. 8/34 rear and 3.23 gears.
0-60 in 5secs. 1/4 mile almost 100mph.
150mph speedometer and it would put the needle on it.
I’m choking up just thinking about it.
There’s one listed for a lot cheaper – maybe you can afford that one.
nice car for 29 K
Not having a dynacorn cuda & not selling many back in the day with trhe most desireable engines & transmission, unlike with chevy, no doubt increases value, IMO.
Made it up to $50,412 but did not meet Reserve.
Late to the conversation but in 1975 in Columbus Ohio I bought a ’70 Cuda 340 that had been purple originally but the owner who bought it new had it repainted dark blue. That Cuda matches this one exactly. I suppose there could have been two Purple Cuda 340’s that were repainted this shade of dark blue but from what I’m looking at this car matches the one I owned perfectly inside and out. Regardless, have kicked myself for years for selling it because they raised my insurance to over a grand a year.