When a Mopar maniac like Mark Worman says an E-Body is one of the most heavily optioned examples he’s ever seen, that’s enough to grab my attention, since he’s undoubtedly seen plenty of them. However, when that car happens to be a 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda still wearing almost all of its original Curious Yellow paint and factory 340 billboard stripes, it piques my curiosity a lot more! While this ‘Cuda needs a complete restoration, it’s certainly got a fine pedigree and is likely worth all the effort needed to get it back on the road. Located at Mark’s shop in Springfield, Oregon, this one is listed here on eBay, where the current high bid of $7,400 still hasn’t lifted the reserve.
Although there’s no longer a fender tag under the hood, this one still has its build sheet, rescued from above the rear seat springs. While this ‘Cuda has a plethora of great options, one that got you noticed a lot more than its cost of under $15 was selecting one of Chrysler’s High Impact paint colors, and the buyer here chose the one-year-only Curious Yellow. The black vinyl top, billboards, and Shaker hood were also present when this one left the Hamtramck assembly plant. The panels have developed some rust, so it will need body repairs and minor front-end straightening, but the exterior seems to be at a fairly decent starting point overall.
Unfortunately, the corrosion in the trunk and floors is extensive, so it probably makes the most sense to replace these sections entirely. The seats are in surprisingly well-preserved condition, and Mark explains that the owner who parked this ‘Cuda in the eighties had the foresight to remove them from the car and store them inside. At first glance, one of the more unusual options inside looks to be what was corporately known as code R26: a 2-watt in-dash AM radio with a detached cassette deck mounted on the console. However, a closer inspection shows this one appears to have the even rarer R33 unit: a 10-watt radio with a dictating microphone attachment on the tape deck, also a 1971-only option.
The original 340 is long gone, and the sale includes no engine. However, it retains the original Shaker hood base and bubble, plus the factory carburetor and original TorqueFlite transmission. It also came equipped with the 3.91 Sure-Grip rear end, but there’s no word on whether it’s still intact underneath. Mark calls this an investment-grade 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda, and with its numerous and noteworthy options, I have to agree that this is a seriously cool and desirable Mopar project. What are your thoughts on this one?
If MW cannot figure out a way to make money on this restoration, what chance do us mere mortals have of doing it?
Exactly
He has, the cars he restored have owners that pay the bills. I don’t think he does cars on spec, that’s a losing proposition.
Steve R
I suspect this is just not the kind of car he does factory nut and bolt restorations to. Missing the fender tag and original engine hurts the value of the finished product. That’s not to say this car is still not cool, or worthy, but rather not the caliber of car he wants to do.
Agree….he’s got buyer remorse and hopes someone will ease his pain….plenty of these color cars out there which he seems to make his one of one – aren’t all The Workwomans are
Other than the dictaphone/radio thing there isn’t much else here that Didn’t show up on a lot other 340 Cudas of that era,….
The slapstick and the 3.91 rear end(if it’s still there) are nice but the one thing that would have tied it all together, which is that 340, is long gone according to the add and without That this car isn’t going to get as much as it Could have if it went through restoration with numbers matching equipment.
A shame really,….
For the first half of my life, a car without an engine was almost a give away item. It needs to go back to that so regular people can enjoy the hobby again.
Despite popular opinion, I really like the 71 grills, though the billboard engine call out is tacky to the extreme. I also have an opinion about the crazy low 3.91 rear end. Not highway friendly. If all you want is a drag racer, use a 440 or hemi. The 340 was a great engine for actual road use, but a higher ratio, say 3.23 for Chrysler, is a great compromise. By 1971, my life was in disaray, so ordering a new car was not for me at that time, but if I were to order one, that is how I would have ordered one. A small block with a four speed and a reasonable rear axle ratio. A great twisty road or freeway car. Balance is the only way to go with a performance car.
You describe 2 totally different cars really Pinto. I’m inclined to go along w your preference. I like winding out long leg / tall geared manual cars. Started w the Foxbody Mustangs for me… The 3.91 Torq-flite 340 combo is a lethal setup on the strip.
It’s funny because when you mention about the car being balanced, it reminded me of the 1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye brochure. They talk about needing a balanced car.
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/mopar/72cha/bilder/4.jpg
If someone has the skills, time, and money, this would be something special to restore.
This would have been a beautiful car. Whoever ordered it knew their way around the option lists. You are right, this will be special when finished.
Steve R
Seems most people just need to understand that to make this car worth big money the matching numbers engine needs to be there
Or just make it a hot rod build massive big block
When I was in high school back in 1975 I purchased a similar car here in Boise, ID from Bill’s House of Hardtops…71 ‘cuda 340, in violet, black vinyl top/interior. Mine was LOADED; had about every option EXCEPT shaker hood, cassette, power windows and leather. Options it had were am-fm multiplex 4 speaker stereo, air cond, 6 way driver’s seat, console/slap-stick Torqueflight, front hood pins, rear window louvers, 15″ rallyes, fog lamps…it had 32k miles on it and I paid $3688 for it. Traded it off 2 yrs later w 51k miles on it for a 73 Charger SE…Found my old cuda still in here in Boise at a car show about 10 yrs ago, got to sit in it and relive all those memories from 40+ yrs before…man, those were the days!!!
I think I saw it at a car show in Boise years ago. Lived in Boise until last year when I retired.
if his shop were to redo this it would be stunning. he can get the fender tag reproduced from the build sheet. all in all, done i would say 150k.
Put it thru an acid bath and see what comes out
My question “why doesn’t he fix it up” have been answered in the comments.
I am thinking time schedule, no one to pay for the restoration for the amount he may charge to get it perfect.
If I had that in my project inventory I would be tempted to make a Nash Bridges convertible. But I will settle for the 69 Bee I have. The leftover parts body I have would be fun to make a General Bee.
Auction ended 10/26/2026 with a high bid of $17,000, did not meet reserve. There were 50 bids from 17 bidders.
Steve R