383/4-Speed: 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda

From its sparkling paint to its spotless interior and the potent mechanical specifications, there is much to like about this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda. It is a classic that is guaranteed to command respect wherever it goes, and those viewing it in any environment can’t help but be impressed by its overall condition. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the ‘Cuda here on eBay in Studio City, California. Are you sitting down? Good, because the seller has set their BIN at $175,000 with the option to make an offer.

Wow! Just…wow! I’ve always felt that Chrysler’s E-Body cousins are among the best-looking cars to emerge in the 1970s. They look bold and aggressive, with a low roofline and bulging flanks. However, when the car in question is a 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda finished in Code B5 True Blue Poly, it’s hard to go wrong. The seller indicates that it has undergone a meticulous restoration, documented in three binders of paperwork and invoices. The results justified the cost and effort, because this Plymouth is simply stunning. The paint has a mirror-like shine, and the tight, consistent gaps across the car suggest the builder focused on fine details. The color-matched grille adds a touch of class, as do the hood scoops, pins, and the “Billboard” stripes. The trim and glass appear perfect, and the ‘Cuda rolls on a set of sparkling Rallye wheels.

As the “Billboard” stripes suggest, lifting this Plymouth’s hood reveals a 383ci V8. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 300hp and 410 ft/lbs for this motor, which feeds to an 8¾” rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller confirms that the car retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, although it is worth noting that the Plymouth isn’t totally original. The restoration included a professional engine rebuild, comprising a 0.030″ overbore, a Bob “Mr. 6 Pack” Karakashian camshaft, an Edelbrock RPM Performer intake, FiTech injection, and TTi headers. It would be fair to expect that with such extensive work, this motor should churn out more than it did when it left the line. A new Borgeson power steering pump lightens the driver’s load, while the refreshed rear end benefits from new 3.73 gears. Although the seller supplies no information regarding this ‘Cuda’s mechanical health, I wouldn’t expect anything less than perfection for a car within this price bracket.

One of the most astounding aspects of this ‘Cuda is its interior. The restorer replaced the carpet, visors, and the package tray. Otherwise, this interior is claimed to be original. It features Black trim with optional leather seatcovers, a Rallye dash with a tachometer, splashes of woodgrain, a pistol-grip shifter, and an AM radio. The seller confirms that the tachometer and clock have received new mechanisms to ensure they function correctly, but that the radio is inoperative. Otherwise, this is another aspect of this Plymouth that seems almost beyond criticism. There is no wear, broken plastic, or evidence of deteriorating woodgrain. The sun hasn’t taken a toll on the dash or pad, and there are no signs of abuse or neglect. Of course, I would expect nothing less from a classic of this caliber.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Any classic with a six-figure BIN can never be considered affordable. However, some enthusiasts follow their hearts, not their heads, when they choose a classic to park in their garage. They are willing to pay a princely sum if it means that they will slip behind the wheel of their dream car. The listing statistics reveal that this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda has generated reasonable interest, but we can only speculate whether that equates to genuine interest or casual fascination. Will it find a new home at the asking price? Common sense says that it probably won’t, but as we know, the one predictable aspect of the classic scene is its unpredictability. Therefore, I won’t rule it out.