Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Worthwhile Project? 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340

The owner of this 1972 Plymouth ‘Cuda is pretty candid about the fact that it is a car with its fair share of rust problems. However, the amount of work that is going to be required to revive this classic is going to vary, depending on each person’s own perspective. If you take a look at this car and feel that it is a project that you are willing to tackle, then you will find the ‘Cuda located in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the ‘Cuda has reached $7,557, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

On the face of it, the ‘Cuda actually doesn’t look to be too bad. Certainly, there is some visible external rust on the vehicle, but it doesn’t appear to be too severe. Interestingly, the owner does note that the quarter panels are fiberglass, which means that there is no rust to address there. The ‘Cuda apparently started life finished in Rallye Red with a White vinyl top, but has received a make-over at some point in Tor Red with a Black top. Now we get to the real issues. The floors of the ‘Cuda are very rusty, and these will need to be replaced. That’s just the starting point, because the rear frame rails are also pretty bad, and these will also need to be replaced. They are actually so bad that I would be hesitant to drive the car due to the deterioration around the rear spring hangers. The front rails look okay, but I would be inclined to have the whole underside media blasted to establish just what needs replacing. With the sheer quantity of surface corrosion that is present under the car, this would be a virtual necessity if the rust issues are to be addressed properly.

It seems that the ‘Cuda has, at some point, belonged to an individual with a passion for the rattle-can. You can see some of the original White interior trim peeking out from under their black handiwork. The interior is another aspect of the car that will require a full restoration, but at least it does appear to be complete. Items such as the wheel, gauges, floor console, and the majority of the dash itself, would certainly look okay after a clean. However, the majority of the upholstered surfaces, the headliner, and the carpet, will all require replacement.

While it isn’t totally clear, I believe that the 340ci V8 residing under the hood might be original. In addition, the ‘Cuda comes with a TorqueFlite transmission, 8¾”  Sure Grip rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The provided engine photos are pretty ordinary, but they do reveal that the engine now wears a set of headers. That’s just the tip of the iceberg because the engine has received a rebuild at some point. While the details aren’t terribly specific, we know that the engine now sports an aggressive cam, along with adjustable rockers. The good news is that the engine runs and the car drives. However, as I said earlier, I wouldn’t be driving it too far or too hard with those rear frame rails. Anyway, a strong engine is a pretty fair starting point.

So, what do you think? Is it a project that you would take on? I can see that there is a lot of work ahead for the next owner of this 1972 ‘Cuda. It is not going to be a restoration project for the faint-hearted, and it isn’t going to be cheap. Over to our readers for thoughts on this one.

Comments

  1. Avatar Dusty Stalz

    340 under the hood and 383 called out in the stripe package?

    Like 5
  2. Avatar BillB

    The guy who took the undercarriage pictures was living dangerously. Wow!

    Like 5
    • Avatar Mike

      No doubt!

      Like 1
  3. Avatar XMA0891

    Plymouth was certainly still on their A-Game for this generation. Not much left to work with here, yet she still manages to cut a fine figure!

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Southbound

    This would be a good donor body for the next four wheel drive project someone is dying to do.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar kuzspike

    Asking for a friend – When did any 72 cuda’s come with fiberglass quarter panels? no fender tag? I love this vintage, but this one is scaring me.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Stinger

      They never came with fiberglass quarter panels.

      Like 3
  6. Avatar Dave

    IIRC, 1971 was the final year for the 383. It was replaced by the low-compression 400. What’s in there now could be any A-series engine, 273 to 360.
    No fender tag or build sheet, so anyone paying the big bucks isn’t doing it for the investment value.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Maverick

    Parked in.a.swamp.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Superdessucke

    $8 grand for this rust bucket?!? Somebody’s been watching too many episodes of Graveyard Carz.

    Like 5
  9. Avatar mjf

    Fred Flintstone would love this car.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Stinger

    Looks like a lesson on how not to take pictures, unless you’re hiding something. Every pic is dark or full of shadows. I guess we are not to see the gaping holes in the rear frame rails. Once a car has gone this far, just about everything will need to be replaced. What is surprising on the car is the condition of the trunk floor. Usually they are the first to be rotted. If this was a ’70 or a ’71 still probably doable, a 72-74, the value is just not there for the investment $$$ of restoration. Best of luck to the buyer.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar moosie

    Fiberglas 1/4’s ? HOW ?

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Del

    Man, what a rust bucket.

    I would love to have a 72 Cuda but not this one.

    Looks like a 73 rear bumper. Don’t think 72s had the rubber things.

    Stay away.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar TimM

    Lots of welding to do on this car!! It’s a labor of love for sure cause the price is getting to high to turn a profit if your lookin for a flip in my opinion!! I would have to make it a 4 or 5 speed car and keep the 340 after a rebuild!!! Love the car!! These have always had a killer look!! What’s left to look at!!!

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Mike Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.