For us E-Body fans, the mere mention of just about any first-generation Dodge Challenger or third-generation Plymouth Barracuda for sale is enough to create a feeling of excitement, or at least pique some interest. However, once in a while, one comes along that appears so outstanding it’s enough to make my mouth water. This 1971 Plymouth Cuda here on eBay is one such example. The seller does a good job of listing the specs, and though he doesn’t say much about why it looks like new, there are some good clues to help potential buyers figure things out here. Located in Bee Springs, Kentucky, this one’s a beauty, with the current bid of $60,100 still not enough to lift that pesky reserve-not-met status.
This is another Mopar offered by S&S Classic Cars, a frequent seller of vintage autos with great feedback, which is an important factor to take into account when considering spending as much as this Cuda could potentially fetch. I’m spotting three good indicators here that this one has just recently undergone a high-quality rotisserie restoration, and that it’s barely been driven since the work was completed. The underside is painted the same color as the body, the desirable Tor-Red color for Plymouth, or Hemi Orange over at Dodge. Thankfully, the fender tag is also present, with code EV2 confirming that this is indeed the factory color. Also, the dual exhaust pipes have hardly been exposed to the elements or experienced enough heat yet to burn the stickers off.
Another strong clue that the work was just completed is the odometer, which is either a new part or has been reset and currently shows 20 miles. This one looks every bit as good on the inside as on the outside, and I’m guessing the interior consists of new and well-refurbished original components. This Cuda came from the factory with leather buckets, a woodgrain panel console, and the functional and beautiful Rallye instrument cluster. I’m liking how it’s all Plymouth in here too, with even the AM radio retained instead of an aftermarket Stereo.
Also correct is the 340 and 4-speed manual combo, although it’s not specified if either is still the born-with component. The third member is also as Plymouth intended, as the seller reports that a code A31 Sure-Grip axle is underneath with the proper 3.91 gears inside, so this one should perform as well as it looks. I’m having a hard time finding anything to criticize here, and my biggest question is how high the price will have to climb before this one meets the reserve. Any thoughts to share on this 1971 Plymouth Cuda?
Yes, the price to meet the reserve, as well as the final selling price will be SO far out of my reach that I’ll STILL only be able to dream of actually owning it, LOL!!! GLWTA!! :-)
Those are not leather bucket seats; they are vinyl buckets that were standard fare on the cudas…I had a 71 cuda 340 in 1975, loaded w options and the color was “in-violet, or plum crazy” on the Dodge side…leather was an option for the Plymouth cuda if it had the “Gran Coupe” option…also noted these door panels have the in laid wood grain trim which was also part of the GC option. The front seat covers fit well but all 4 seats are missing a button in the middle where all the stitching comes together, note how poorly the back seat cover fits….I won’t nit pick any more as this is one beautiful Plymouth and I’d sure as heck have it in my garage!
My kind of car. Great looking and no rot in sight, but not a numbers restoration, which means a few tasteful performance and comfort upgrades would be on the table if it was mine.