Some restoration projects require greater dedication and commitment than others, and the new owner will need to draw a deep breath and dig deep into their wallet to return this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda to its former glory. However, its desirable paint shade and numbers-matching V8 might make it worthwhile. It has struck a chord with enthusiasts, with intense bidding action since the seller listed the ‘Cuda here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,000, but there is time remaining for the situation to change.

Regular readers will know how much I like Chrysler’s E-Body range that hit showroom floors for the 1970 model year. First Generation pony cars like the Mustang and Camaro possess a certain elegance in their design, but the E-Body’s low roofline and bulging flanks give them a genuine sense of presence. They continue turning heads today, and this ‘Cuda would have in 1970, courtesy of the original owner’s decision to combine desirable In-Violet paint with a Black vinyl top. Its glory days seem behind it after years of storage, and the list of rust issues guarantees the new owner will be on a first-name basis with their steel supplier by the time the body is structurally sound. The rails, upper cowl, transmission cross-member, and rockers are solid. The shopping list includes inner and outer rear quarters, floors, a trunk pan, trunk drop-offs, a roof skin, rear valance, rear cross-member, and hood. The seller recommends entirely dismantling the car for chemical dipping, and they say this may expose other problems. Any further exterior needs look minor compared to that list, but it is worth noting that while the glass seems fine, the Rallye wheels are a later addition.

On a more positive note, this Plymouth retains its numbers-matching drivetrain that promises impressive performance. The 440ci Six-Pack would have sent 390hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque to the 3.55 Sure Grip rear end via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission. It would have blitzed the ¼-mile in 14 seconds, with the Six-Pack running out of breath at 135mph. This motor also demonstrates how manufacturers were coy about performance figures during this era. The Six-Pack breathes significantly better than the “garden-variety” 440, making it hard to believe Plymouth’s claims that the upgrades only unlocked 15hp and 10 ft/lbs of torque. Hmm! This car’s drivetrain might be original, but it requires considerable work. The V8 was stuck, and the seller was forced to drill out the pistons. This revealed heavy pitting in three cylinder bores, and re-sleeving may be required as part of a rebuild. The transmission is also locked, signaling more expense. However, if these items can be salvaged, it will maximize this car’s future potential value.

This Plymouth’s interior surprises me. The original owner’s choice of a Black vinyl top would typically be teamed with Black interior trim. However, this car features White vinyl. While it isn’t unprecedented, it helps the vehicle to stand out. The ‘Cuda is consistent because this interior requires a significant investment to return to its best. A retrim is the only solution, but the vital components are present, and there are no aftermarket additions. It also features a few excellent options to increase the Plymouth’s desirability. The original owner ticked the boxes beside the Rally gauge cluster, tachometer, and AM radio/8-track player.

Some readers will scroll through the photos of this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda and conclude it has deteriorated beyond the point of no return. It undoubtedly requires hundreds of hours of work and a considerable cash injection to return to its best, but the fact it has attracted twenty-seven bids suggests people are willing to roll up their sleeves and give it a red-hot go. Would you consider joining them, or do you feel you might be biting off more than you can chew?