Ah yes, the rarified air of a Barrett-Jackson auction. I’ll admit it, I haven’t watched one in years or attended one in an even longer period of time. Regardless, this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda caught my attention for what it is – not who’s trying to sell it. Yup, this thing’s got a Hemi, it’s located in Las Vegas, Nevada will be available for auction, here on Barrett-Jackson’s website between June 30th and July 2nd. Larry D gets props for this find!
Cars like this ’71 ‘Cuda are rare, no doubt about it, and one such as this is really an investment more than it is a muscle car. The seller states that this Hemi ‘Cuda is one of 59 four-speed hardtops assembled in ’71 – throw in two more four-speed convertibles and you now have 61. As for automatic transmission versions, there were 48 hardtops and five convertibles according to Plymouth Barracuda.net. With a light total of only 16,492 Barracuda/’Cudas produced in ’71, the Hemi version mounted to just seven-tenths of a percent.
Sure, it would be fun to take this baby out for a full-throated romp but is that a risk one would be willing to take with what may be a seven-figure acquisition? Probably not. It’s stated if this example has undergone a rotisserie restoration and it shows as a top drawer undertaking – it’s essentially new! There’s really not much one can say other than looks like it just rolled off of the Hamtramck, Michigan assembly line. It’s a subjective position but the “billboard” quarter panel appliques are really over the top and detract from the lines of this hardtop. The 1970 version with its worded or numbered hockey-stick stripe was more restrained and IMO, a better approach. Unfortunately, there are no included images of the driver’s side of this rare Plymouth.
So, being the big kahuna means that this ‘Cuda is powered by a 425 gross HP, 426 CI V8 “Hemi” engine – the last year for its production appearance. Introduced in a street version in ’66, the Hemi became a victim of 1970’s Clean Air Act. That law was basically an amendment to the 1963 Clean Air Act and focused on mobile sources of pollution – think cars, trucks, buses, and locomotives – but passenger cars were really the primary target. The law originally set 1975 as its compliance model-year date but it was later extended into the early ’80s when the law’s far-reaching requirements, a 90% reduction in harmful emissions, and additional amendments, proved impossible to meet within the legislated time frame. The act was signed into law by President Nixon on December 31, 1970, well into the ’71 model year, but the handwriting was on the wall a lot earlier. GM addressed it early on, probably with the assumption of legislation passage, by mandating lower compression ratios, ostensibly to support low lead/no lead fuel with its 1971 models. Ford and ChryCo seemed to wait things out a bit and more seriously pursued emission control matters with their ’72 model year line-up. Regardless of approach, it was evident that the days of unrestricted, high-horsepower were over – at least for the foreseeable future. So, is this thing fast? You bet! In late ’69, Car Craft tested an identically equipped ’70 model with a 4-speed manual transmission and a 4.10 differential and managed to coax a best run of 13.07 in the quarter-mile – that was some serious cookin’ in those days.
As for the interior, its condition matches the exterior – it’s perfect; what else would one expect? It’s a combination of lots of plastic and vinyl but it’s completely in keeping with a typical muscle or pony car interior of the era. Of note, is the “pistol-grip” gear shift.
So, interested? Well, I lost most of the pittance that I had with the latest stock market foibles, but before that, I might have been able to afford the tires and wheels…Knowing what you now know, what do you think it will take for this ’71 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda to change hands?
Red with a 4 speed and a Hemi, sold by Barrett-Jackson. How many more car collector cliches can we stuff into one listing? Said as a guy who loves Barracudas and Challengers.
Jim , check out another 1970 Hemi Cuda going to auction this weekend in Alabama with Only 000068 Original Miles.i wonder how much will go for.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/plymouth/hemi-cuda/2585103.html#&gid=1&pid=1
Quite a comparison. One that was never driven and enjoyed, and another that never will be again.
I live in Birmingham, AL but did not go to the auction at Barber Motorsports. I have looked for the results of that auction but can’t find any. Does anyone have a link? Thanks. Kevin.
Here are the results of the auction, https://hendersonauctions.bidwrangler.com/ui/auctions/81168
https://hendersonauctions.bidwrangler.com/ui/auctions/81168/8331277
$525,000. Good. I would really be kicking myself if it had sold for some ridiculously low amount, lol.
That Barrett Jackson guy looks like he made many trips to Epstein Island .
Wow, you are lucky as i got blocked for a comment on disney and the island fun ! Must be a thing they have …
I didn’t think it would still be there . But , yeah B/J has ruined the classic car market . Much like wokeness has ruined all forms entertainment . And freedom of speech .
It’s not luck, it’s a comment that could be considered suggestive I suppose. I had to think about it for a few seconds but it doesn’t violate the politics, personal attacks, or profanity prohibitions.
Believe me, there are plenty of governmental matters that occur, daily, that chafe me but this isn’t the place for me to air those comments – I can find other venues for that if I so desire. Start with governmental comments/criticisms, Canadian or otherwise, that don’t have something specific to do with the auto industry and its legislation, clean air, fuel mileage, etc. and the editing, deleting, or blocking, will ensue.
JO
One only need to look at disney ownership to understand.
Reply to Bud lee
Great minds think alike
now i will go back to preparing the
First of july canadian protesting !
B/J has ruined the classic car market, they are only interested in one thing, and one thing only…not classic cars and the owners, COMMISSIONS period. I stopped watching the auction nonsense a couple years ago with many of my friends doing the same. The Hemi is absolutely stunning! love to have it in my collection, great color and details.
Wow…a company that wants to make as much money as it can in a free market system…what a concept!
From my personal point of view it’s sad that a car like this which was originally intended to be driven, raced, and just plain enjoyed will be stuck for life in a museum or some private collection and never see action on the road again. How fun would it be to cruise Woodward Ave. in this, maybe do a few stoplight Grand prix’s . I could never afford it but if I could I’d drive the wheels off it , I couldn’t resist it
Back when these were just cars, I drove one quite a bit. Suffice it to say, the reality doesn’t come close to matching the fantasy. But I still like the way it looks.
Why is this unobtainium, never to be seen in the light of day car being referred to as a fictitious movie gorilla?
Hemi or not the ’71 Cuda and the ’70-71 Buick GSX are my favorite muscle cars of the 70s.
Bob…. I can’t stop laughing about your comment…word-play on the Carlin level..indeed difficult times to be entertained by such freeing speech..a true wordsmith sir, you have brought rare light into my day!