The 1971 Plymouth Cuda needs minimal introduction, as it’s widely regarded as one of the most coveted autos from the early era of muscle cars, and to find a numbers-matching example with so much equipment that it required two fender tags is certainly one worthy of some extra praise. Add to the equation that a sports celebrity owned this convertible, and it sweetens the desirability even more, so I’m guessing there’s going to be plenty of competition to score this one when it hits the auction block here on Mecum in Kissimmee, Florida, on January 16th. Predictions are that this beautiful Mopar might fetch somewhere in the $120,000 to $140,000 range, which doesn’t sound unrealistic, and we must not forget to thank reader Mitchell G. for providing such a great tip here!
This one should have additional appeal for deep-pocketed hockey fans, as it was owned by Teemu Selanne, one of the highest-scoring hockey players in NHL history before his retirement in 2014. The buyer will also have some bragging rights when the driver lowers the sun visor, as the Finnish Flash has signed the material with a silver paint pen.
This Cuda is said to include its original broadcast sheet plus the two fender tags, but I looked everywhere and couldn’t find a photo of the paper document, and a hose is covering the pair of metal tags, so the codes are unreadable. However, the Vehicle Identification Number is present, with the letter N indicating that this one did indeed leave Hamtramck with a 383 under the hood, which is stated to still be the factory component. The TorqueFlite automatic and 8.75 rear end are also reported to be original.
It’s not stated whether the rarely seen Tawny Gold is the original paint, but the exterior presents beautifully, with just a handful of tiny chips if you want to get really nitpicky. The billboard stripes have always been one of my favorite cosmetic options on a Cuda, plus they also appear to be in excellent condition here. While it would be nice to know if this car has been worked on or if it’s just always looked this pristine, this one seems to need almost nothing, other than a new owner to continue giving it a high level of care and plenty of love.
In contrast to the white canvas top and quarter panels outside, the interior is almost entirely black, and other than a couple of small imperfections on the simulated woodgrain dash, it looks nearly perfect. The rally gauges are well-preserved, and given the almost immaculate overall condition of this ragtop, I’m thinking there’s a good possibility the 43,674 miles showing on the odometer might be actual. Other than this one not being 426 or 440-equipped, I’m finding very little to complain about here. Any thoughts to add about this 1971 Plymouth Cuda convertible, or ideas where the price may climb to?
Sweet, i thought the estimate would be even higher.
That car is so beautiful Stelantis could sell it today!
They had the Challenger and discontinued it.
Not arguing this car’s beauty but Stelantis couldn’t sell life boats on the Titanic. JMHO.
Just hide and watch what’s coming!
A car like this really needs to have the fender tag in the ad. I would be very surprised if the billboard was original to the car. You just did not see very many of them BITD, especially on a plain jane color like this, and now they seem to be everywhere.
Don’t know if it is a good value or not. Once a used car goes over 6 figures it isn’t being sold as a enthusiast car that will be driven, thrashed or cherished anymore, so it loses it relevance to me. I can’t imagine a signature on a visor is going to make any difference.
A place to stash your hoard while silver climbs to $250.00/oz? Probably a safer bet…
I agree, lots of billboards out there. If they are not original to this car, I would prefer to remove them.
When I was in H.S. in the late 70’s, there were 2 of us who had Barracudas. Me, who had a ’73 column shift 318 and the other guy who had a ’71 with the 383 billboard. Neither cars were in great shape by then. It didn’t take long for these cars to become rust buckets in the northeast.
I’d try some Goof Off to get the hubris off the visor.
Me too; I hate that stuff
I’ve been a huge fan of the E bodies for 55 years. But between the poorly designed 1971 face change and the ugly graphics, this on is an eyesore.
Those seats can’t be original. My older brother had a ‘71 Road Runner that he bought when it was only 10 months old and the first sub freezing day, the minute he sat in the driver’s seat, the seam down the middle of the driver’s seat bottom split wide open at the stitched seam. Even back then, quality was NOT a thing for Chrysler.
I agree, lots of billboards out there. If they are not original to this car, I would prefer to remove them.
When I was in H.S. in the late 70’s, there were 2 of us who had Barracudas. Me, who had a ’73 column shift 318 and the other guy who had a ’71 with the 383 billboard. Neither cars were in great shape by then. It didn’t take long for these cars to become rust buckets in the northeast.
Beautiful car 1971 was the best
So if I get Wayne Gretzky to sign my 70 barracuda will it be worth more ?
Him, yes. This guy, no.
Oh, and you’ll have to sell it to Wayne and then buy it back from him.