When a seller claims that the classic that they own could be the finest example in existence, that’s a pretty bold call to make. However, that may be the case with this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible because it is hard to find anything to fault on the vehicle. Every aspect of the car presents superbly, and the life that it has led is about as sheltered as you could ever hope to find. After 20-years of ownership, the seller has made the heartwrenching decision that it is time for the ‘Cuda to find a new home. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this Plymouth has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding sits at $90,209, but this figure remains short of the reserve. The owner offers a BIN option of $125,000, and as you will see, it is a path that might be worth considering if the buyer is seeking complete originality with this gem.
The history of this ‘Cuda reflects nothing but attention to care and preservation. The vehicle has spent most of its life in California, and it only found its way to Georgia when the owner relocated in 2019. When not in use, the car has been parked in a heated garage to assist it to remain spotlessly clean and rust-free. The owner treated the Convertible to a repaint in its original Lime Green Metallic 12-years-ago, and its presentation remains flawless today. He sought a show-quality finish, but he desired to retain as much of the car’s originality as possible. To this end, every piece of exterior trim was removed and stored carefully during the repaint. These parts, including all of the original lights, gaskets, and other components, were then refitted. Astonishingly, the car has not seen a drop of water since 1975, and it never leaves the garage if there is the remotest possibility of rain. When he cleans the car, it is done meticulously with a damp cloth, so no bucket and sponge for this baby. The panels are laser straight, the chrome shines as impressively as the paint, and the glass is original and flawless. The Black soft-top is original, and while it presents okay, it does have its issues. In the early 1970s, an unknown person slashed it to steal items inside the vehicle. This damage has been repaired, and the top continues to work as it should. The owner has sourced a correct replacement top from Legendary, but he hasn’t installed it. It seems that his fixation on originality has caused him to hesitate, so the buyer can choose to install it later. With the exterior looking so incredible, you must wonder whether this classic’s beauty is more than skin-deep.
This photo clearly demonstrates the pristine state of this ‘Cuda. When the owner had the exterior refreshed, he undertook the same task on its underside. He aimed to have the vehicle presenting as factory-fresh. That means that apart from powder coating some components for longevity, everything has been painted and finished as it would have been on the production line. The presentation is stunning, and there’s no evidence of even a spot of surface corrosion. When you look at how immaculate everything appears to be, you would be forgiven for thinking that this Plymouth is a trailer queen. However, nothing could be further from the truth. If the owner wants to take it to a show or a Cars & Coffee, he slips behind the wheel and drives it. This is a classic that is much about “go” as it is about “show.”
Lifting the hood reveals that this Convertible is equipped with a 383ci V8, an A-727 TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This V8 offered the driver an impressive 335hp, which was enough for it to blitz the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. This is where the story of this classic takes a twist. It is numbers-matching, and the owner stresses this fact quite strongly. It even wears most of its original exhaust system. However, the owner has made a few changes. These have been carefully disguised, and the buyer could potentially reverse them. These included installing aluminum 440 cylinder heads, upgrades to the camshaft and valve train, as well as the carburetor, intake, water pump, and radiator. They mean that this engine will undoubtedly produce more power, but the ‘Cuda still runs and drives nicely. For purists, the owner has retained all of the removed parts, which have been preserved and carefully stored. That leaves the buyer the opportunity to return the car to its original form, but this could come at a cost. The owner will only include the removed parts if the buyer hits the BIN button. Otherwise, he will retain them. That seems like an odd move because their intrinsic value is linked to this car. That means that buyers will have to decide just how badly they crave that level of originality.
At first glance, this ‘Cuda’s interior looks spotlessly clean and would seem to need nothing. However, it isn’t perfect. It appears that the car’s lack of general use has seen the speedometer cable dry out. This problem has led the needle to bounce, and it has done this until part of it has snapped off. The owner has made no effort to address this because the gauge continues to read accurately. Otherwise, the trim and carpet are in as-new condition, while the same is true of the dash and console. There is no appreciable wear on the wheel, and there have been no aftermarket additions. It isn’t an interior loaded with luxury extras, but it does feature a pushbutton AM radio and a remote driver’s mirror.
I like this 1970 ‘Cuda Convertible, and if I walked into my garage and found it there, I wouldn’t object for a moment. It presents superbly and has only a few minor flaws worth noting. The owner has made some changes to this classic, but all of these could be reversed. That brings us to the biggest question for potential buyers. Would you hit the BIN button to secure the removed parts if you were seriously considering making a play for this classic? Or would you take your chances in the bidding war and be satisfied with this ‘Cuda as-is?
And those license plates! They are from 1972 (the E first in the letters indicates that) So while probably not from the original purchase date, they are sweet! I love the blue plates. I am burning with envy. You can’t get those put on your car. They are only on if the were assigned to it in the day.
My 1986 Ford Escort Pony 4 speed has its original blue plates..
I don’t get it.
Charles is apparently off his meds again . .
The distribution of plates varied depending on where in the state an owner lived. DMV offices used up their inventory of plates at different rates. Urban locations at a much faster pace than rural areas, it’s wise not to read too much into the number of the plates unless there is evidence the seller is fabricating their story. A copy of its earliest available registration card will likely give a definitive answer.
Steve R
It makes me laugh to read the owner is afraid to get the car wet..
A beautiful car, but hardly original. Repainted, modified. And a owner that is so enamored with keeping it “original” that he won’t give up the removed original parts unless you pony up the full amount? Seems childish to me
Heartbreaking? 125k then he holds buyer hostage or he will not release original engine parts, that’s pretty low!
How bad could the original paint be, considering how babied the car was & low mileage? I would expect a proper battery with 6 indiv caps on top – on such a car.
Most new cars sitting on the lot back in the day had surface rust on some suspension pieces.
& i would prefer to see new grease “trails” on suspension parts that have grease fittings.
You are right about surface corrosion. My new, in 2018, Challenger had an astonishing amount of corrosion under the hood and underbody. Perhaps the fact that it was made in Canada. It also came with 25 miles on it. I did not make the mileage an issue because it is a fantastic car that came exactly as ordered.
Nice car, but more than 100K nice. Plenty of mods, but probably for the better. Not my cup of tea. A friend had a 70 Cuda in high school in 1973. It was a POS horrible riding car. It was the same color as this. Rotted out by 1975.
Yup, they looked good, but were very poorly built. My cousin had a ’71 Bahama Yellow ‘Cuda 340, that rattled like a spray can. But, I still would’ve lived with it.
Is that true regarding the ride of many unibody models of Chryslers back in the day? I find that hard to believe.
Dusters, Valiants, even Chargers ride horrible?!
I think your friend’s car needed shocks, or something was loose or broken underneath. Or the tires were cheap, shot, or separating belts &/or not balanced. lol
Looks like my idea of ‘Survivor’ needs to be adjusted if that’s what this car is.
It looks cool, also a Austin Healey for sale.
Tempting. Wonder if the seller has a Broadcast Sheet to the car? Since he did not mention one I would assume not.
Yep never understand low mileage kept cars needing such a restoration and the original heads – how you going to tell – they could be date correct but why hop up a babied car ?
Any way some people have money…..
This seller was so enamored with its pristine original condition, he did a down-to-the-unibody, nut and bolt rotisserie restoration inside and out. Yep, a true survivor… apparently because it still exists?
Back in ’86, the local dealer–himself a collector–scrapped a sorta-rusty ’70 ‘Cuda convertible. C7, white interior/top/hockey sticks. He had more than enough money and parts to fix it. We asked him why he was crushing, and he said “383 cars aren’t worth restoring.” If he’s shedding any tears these days, they’re falling on the seats of one of his Superbirds (he has one of each engine option) or his ’70 Hemi Challenger.
When these cars were new they rode rather harshly on the OEM polyglass tires. Then and now, they are a little “bouncy” in the rear end, due to the short wheelbase I guess.
When the early radial tires came out and became popular, they completely transformed the ride and handling of these cars. I recall a Car and Driver test of radials on a 69 Cuda, in search of better drag ET’s. No such luck, but they raved on how well the car performed with them.
Well my take as I have had 2 barracuda convts and 1 very nice 70 440/auto in fc7. Dont get me wrong, This is a very nice cuda. But a repaint,susp.redone and I got to say those wheel center caps look dark,like 1971 style. Maybe its a late 70 not sure. And that rear spoiler I hate. I have a 71 fc7 duster just repainted in its original purple and people comment on how nice it came out-some say you got to put the spoiler on! Now way, It looks like to much to a car with nice lines. My same thoughts. All that said-very nice cuda. I,M just picky.
SOLD for $95,199.