If there’s anything better than finding an original and unmolested 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda, then it’s probably finding that car in a desirable color that is being offered for sale with No Reserve. That is what is on offer here, and while the bidding activity hasn’t been spectacular, 117 people are watching the listing. Perhaps they’re all just waiting to see who’s going to blink first, but I suspect that it will heat up pretty soon. Located in Bronson, Michigan, you will find the ‘Cuda listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has reached $45,100 in what is a No Reserve auction.
The Plymouth is finished in Vitamin C Orange, and while it is a spectacular color, it was only chosen by 4% of buyers in 1970. The history of this one is a bit mysterious because it was in storage from 1979 until 2018. It has emerged from hiding, and it looks terrific. The owner treated it to a repaint in its original shade when it came out of storage, and it still presents perfectly. It shines beautifully, with no flaws, dings, or dents. The graphics look sharp, while the panel gaps are tight and consistent. That inevitably brings us to the question of rust, but it is one that won’t cause potential buyers a sleepless night. This classic is said to be completely rust-free, and the supplied photos seem to support this claim. The trim and chrome appear flawless, and the same is true of the glass.
While the owner might have treated the exterior of the ‘Cuda to a cosmetic refresh, the interior remains as it was the day that the car rolled out of the showroom. This interior is now 51-years-old, and its condition remains impressive. The vinyl on the driver’s seat is slightly stretched, but I consider that to be acceptable in an original survivor. There is a single tear in the back of the passenger seat, and I think it would be worth talking to a good upholsterer to see if this could be repaired before it can deteriorate further. The idea of replacing the cover did cross my mind, but I would do what I could to avoid that. The aging process will have caused some changes to the vinyl, and the only way to ensure consistency would be to replace the lot. That seems like a shame in my book, so I’d be pursuing the repair option as my first choice. The remaining trim and carpet are original, and apart from some wear and fading in a couple of minor spots, it still looks okay. No one has gone overboard with aftermarket additions, although there is a cool 8-track player mounted under the dash.
The good news seems to keep coming thick and fast wherever we look with this ‘Cuda, and under the hood is no exception. This is a numbers-matching classic that was ordered by its original owner with the 340ci V8, a 3-speed manual transmission, and an 8¾” rear end. With 275hp on tap, this Plymouth was no slug. It could demolish the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds, which wasn’t shabby for what was essentially the “entry-level” option within the ‘Cuda range. The car’s originality extends to many of the peripheral items, including the starter, alternator, distributor, and carburetor. The good news doesn’t end there because not only does this ‘Cuda drive perfectly, but everything is said to work as it should.
The bidding on this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda has been subdued, but it is starting off a high base. I would expect it to head beyond $50,000 eventually, so it will be interesting to watch. Listing a classic with No Reserve is always a risky business, but I suspect that the owner is probably doing okay with this one. Values did take a hit a few months ago, but it seems that they are beginning to rebound. If they are, this might be the right time to buy one of these purely as an investment proposition. The alternative would be to go out and sink this money into stocks and shares. Both options come with some risks, but I know which would offer the most fun. I’d skip the stocks and buy the Plymouth. What about you?
Nice looking car. I wouldn’t care what the trim tag says, if it were mine it would be getting a transmission with at least one more gear and a pistol grip shifter.
Steve R
You got it Steve – looks plain weird
5-sp with the pistil grip to bring it up to today fun factor
Some insurance cpanies back then let you avoid the musclecar’ surcharge if the car had a 3-speed instead of the 4-gear.
Neat car..
Convert it to a Low Rider with hydraulics.
True, True, True
Would look stupid as a low rider. The 62 880 also
He’s been on a roll with that low rider comment the last couple of days.
True. I wonder if there is a Low Rider website for buy/sell that he may like to post to..
Have a 70 Lime with white top. Two tone factory paint.
Special Order, is a 318, auto with R12 cold freon.
Zero rust.
Tow package, AM 8track. 6-way seat..
3 speed…lol
A “Original Survivor” would not have a respray.
Not a complete respray for sure. Fixerupper paint, yes. From what I’ve been told, most feel that it should have at a minimum of 50% of the original paint to be a surviour.
It sure is an interesting car the is a bit bright but I wouldn’t change it. The 340 is a good engine but like Steve said it needs another gear, not sure why someone would order it with a 3 speed that 340 would sure benefit from a 4 speed. Sure looks like a nice example!
Because the 4 speeds were a few hundred more, maybe near a grand in todays money. The 3 speed was not as nice, but still pretty pleasant, Chryslers 3 speed linkages were a nice feeling unit. Besides, the autos were all three speeds, am I correct?
Most new cars are ordered by the dealer to sell to anyone who wants it. I would never have ordered my first new car the way the dealer did. It was a 70 Duster 340 auto on the column with bucket seats. I was in the Navy and about to deploy and I wanted a new car for my new wife . I loved that car but rust and a wreck three years later ended the fun.
This has to be very, very rare with the 340 3-sp combo. I think graveyard cars did one and it was less then a ten. Going to be a interesting auction to watch for final price.
The 3 speed goes, the 8 track stays, the 4 speed pistol grip goes in, the 3 speed goes on the shelf
The 3 speed was the standard trans with the 340. I had a Lime Green one came same way from factory.
Seems like I recall an occasional debate about 3-spd being quicker in the 1/4. If stoplight or dragstrip was your goal and not highway and fuel economy, why spend extra $’s on an extra gear back then? I agree on what we’d want today.
Mileage would be the same for either transmission since they both have a 1 to 1 high gear. As for performance, the 4spd would be quicker since the engine drops less RPM between gears, allowing it to stay in its power band.
Steve R
Someone ordered it cheap…. what would the extra gear have cost? Ten bucks or so…and you would have got the pistol grip shifter..
Three speeds were a thing. I remember several 340 Dusters with three speeds around when I got my 340 4speed. The 3 speed was the A830 and was a tough box.
With fuzzy dice and a 76 ball count me in!!
Installed an under dash 8 track player in my Challenger this winter. Like 1976 all over! Have about 175 tapes.
I stopped using my 8-track after it ate my “Elvis: Live From Hawaii” tape. I wish I knew how to fix it but I don’t know if that’s possible. Even when new they were notorious for eating tapes.
It would be nice to have a photo of the fender tag.
Back in my street racing days a friend had a 340 ‘Cuda with the 3 speed manual trans (his dad got it for him and thought the 3 speed was “safer” than the 4 speed). Launch in that car would set you back in your seat all the way through 1st gear, the car died off in 2nd and 3rd.
Great find and nice write up Adam!
Quit hating on 3-speed manuals guys,agreed a pistol grip would help the cool factor, I would get one asap,otherwise leave it original and enjoy, of course cragars ,with big and littles always look good on 60s and early 70s stuff as well.
How many miles on the clock?…just curious.
What a nice example of a clean machine. I would go hydro slave cylinder for a nice soft clutch. This car should sell.
SOLD for $47,700.