The American motoring landscape was changing profoundly during the early 1970s. A combination of an energy crisis, tightening emission regulations, and legislative requirements to improve vehicle safety saw weights go up and powers go down. For those passionate about classic muscle cars, these were becoming dark days. However, if potential buyers were willing to search carefully, they could still secure a vehicle that offered respectable performance levels. Such a vehicle was the 1974 Plymouth ‘Cuda 360. While it may not have been as fast as its predecessors, it could still pin you back in the seat if you buried the right foot. This ‘Cuda is a remarkably solid classic featuring its original V8 under the hood. It looks like it would be a straightforward restoration and would suit somebody who wants to be hands-on with their project. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, you will find the ‘Cuda listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $16,800 in what is a No Reserve auction.

I’ve always felt that Chrysler’s E-Body derivatives are some of the best-looking vehicles to emerge from the muscle car era. The styling is bold and brash, with the low and wide stance endowing the cars with a pumped and muscular appearance. This ‘Cuda rolled off the line finished in attractive Lucerne Blue with White stripes. The seller admits that someone treated the vehicle to a repaint and added the Silver stripes for contrast. While that detracts from this ‘Cuda’s originality, he says that the additions “pop” in the sun. The panels aren’t perfect, but they still look pretty good for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant dents or bruises, and any that are present should be easy to address. That brings us to the ever-present question of rust. This Plymouth has not been immune, although its problems are surprisingly limited. Both rear quarter panels have been impacted, and the buyer will need to decide whether to replace the lower sections or the entire panels. There is also the typical rust appearing around the back window, but the rest of the exterior looks remarkably clean. The news remains positive when we delve below the surface because the floors and frame are sound. There is no penetrating rust to be found and only a few issues with the trunk pan. The buyer could choose to apply patches, although with a complete trunk pan being very affordable, replacement might be the best long-term solution. The trim generally looks good, as does the glass. It would be stating the obvious to say that the huge Cragar wheels aren’t original, but they are a typical addition to vehicles of this era. Whether they stay or go will be a matter of personal preference.

Since this is a ‘Cuda 360, it should be no surprise to learn that the engine bay houses a 360ci V8 that pumped out 245hp in its prime. The rest of the drivetrain includes an A-727 transmission and an 8¾” Sure Grip rear end. The 1974 ‘Cuda may not have been as potent as its predecessors, but this classic would still have stormed the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds. It appears that this classic contains equal helpings of good and bad news for potential buyers. The owner indicates that the engine is numbers-matching, although the car features a replacement transmission. It is also evident that the motor wears aftermarket headers and an upgraded carburetor. That may have unleashed a few extra ponies, although purists will not like those changes. However, it does appear that it could be close to a turnkey proposition. The owner says that it runs and drives, and while he mentions the need for some TLC, he doesn’t reveal any mechanical melodies. That leaves the potential for its next owner to drive and enjoy the ‘Cuda immediately and undertake any restoration work as time and circumstances allow.

The original owner ordered this ‘Cuda trimmed in black vinyl with a sports wheel and center console. The interior remains intact, and apart from an aftermarket radio/cassette player and speakers cut into the door trims, it appears to be unmolested. It is also an aspect of the car that will require plenty of TLC if it is to present at its best. The upholstered surfaces are worn and torn, while the dash pad is badly cracked. Some of the painted surfaces look tired, so a total interior restoration will be required. Trim kits are available to address most of these problems, although most don’t include a replacement pad. Trim kits retail for around $2,000, and while that isn’t cheap, the potential value of this car, once complete, should make it worth the expenditure.

The 1974 model year marked the end of the line for the Plymouth ‘Cuda. While there has been talk of reviving the badge at various times, it has proven to be mere speculation. The last fifteen years have graphically demonstrated that there is a pent-up demand for retro models, with the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger all making notable contributions. Whether there is enough demand to justify Chrysler resurrecting the Plymouth name to produce a new ‘Cuda is debatable, so passionate enthusiasts will probably need to hand over their cash on cars like this 1974 ‘Cuda 360 to get their Mopar fix. Maybe reviving the ‘Cuda name would not be a smart move. While some revivals have been raging successes, others have been dismal disasters. The Plymouth ‘Cuda doesn’t deserve that fate, so restoring this one would seem like the best tribute to a muscle icon.