One of the most respected muscle cars from the 1960/70s is the Plymouth ‘Cuda (short for Barracuda). These automobiles were all about getting somewhere fast and got the job done with a wide range of engines. ‘Cuda production was relatively low for 1971, consisting of just 5,383 coupes and 292 convertibles (the last year for the drop-tops). This ’71 ‘Cuda is an unrestored example that’s said to be an excellent runner, although cosmetic issues are present. It’s a rare sighting of a ‘Cuda with a vinyl top (which we have no figures for). This numbers-matching Plymouth can be found in St. Louis, Missouri and is available here on eBay where the opening bid of $47,700 has yet to be made.
The Barracuda got an all-new look in 1970, sharing an E-body platform with the Dodge Challenger (although no sheet metal was common). The car was little changed for 1971, the most noticeable being a new grille that gave it the appearance of having teeth like a real Barracuda. It would be the one and only time the car would sport quad headlights. In the ‘Cuda models, a 383 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor (300 hp) was standard, although a 440 with up to a 6-Pack set-up was available plus the 426 Hemi (in its last year in a Chrysler automobile). For a small extra charge, you could actually spring for the smaller 340. The latter was available to help buyers deal with their insurance companies.
The seller’s 383 ‘Cuda with a TorqueFlite automatic is in somewhat rare territory, as only 1,168 coupes were built that way, making it the second most popular ‘Cuda hardtop that year. Verified by the car’s cowl tag, this Plymouth was painted in Tor-Red, code EV2 (it was known as Hemi Orange at Dodge, which is probably a more accurate name). The seller has owned this car for about four years and used it primarily for weekend outings (Cars & Coffee perhaps?). While it has more than 91,000 miles on the odometer, we’re told the car runs really well and has no reported mechanical issues. Rather than wearing Rallye wheels like so many of these cars did, this one has regular steel wheels with no caps and painted to match the body of the car.
As we know, a lot of these cars were ridden hard and put away wet back in the day. So, it’s refreshing to find one that has its original drivetrain and everything apparently jives with the fender tags and build sheet. But it’s a 50-year-old car in unrestored condition, so it wears its share of small dents, bruises and general wear-and-tear throughout. The ‘Cuda appears to have minimal rust and we’re told the frame and floors are in “above-average” condition. However, there are patches in the trunk that were poorly done as a result of a leak around the back window some time back. The white vinyl top is peeling away in a few places, so you’ll likely find some fixing to be done once its fully removed.
The seller began bringing the interior up to speed by replacing the seat covers and carpeting a couple of years ago. But the doors panels are showing their age and we don’t know if the headliner needs attention or not. All-in-all, it looks like a great car for someone to take to the next level if they want to. The upside potential is certainly there. In Fair condition, a ’71 Cuda with a 383 is worth close to $40,000 according to Hagerty, and Concours could run you $80,000.
“…although cosmetic issues are present.”
Ya think?
Cuda and Barracuda were different in several ways, most notably the Cuda was the performance version.
This is quite rare w/factory A/C
Ask is somewhat in the ball-park, but too rich for my blood…
So, lets do some basic math.. in current condition (If concours condition is $80k), how much $ would it take to get to a concours level and being worth $80k? (Ahh yes boys and girls…word problems, our favorite.) Looking as the current asking price is all but $50k, that would give you a max of $30k to play with to bring this car up to the councours level. Considering the body appears decent, we never know how good or bad a body is until we remove the vinyl top and paint. That being said (Councours being basically perfect), i doubt that you will be able to touch and bring every aspect of this car up to perfect for $30k. Once again, asking price may be unrealistic.
the profanity clause in the comments keeps me from saying how I really feel about the price.
Agree, the ask is about 20K overdone. You got to be able to buy this for 25-30K. Even finished in pristine condition and all numbers match, I do not believe it is a 100K car. Maybe with a 440 but the 383 hurts the
value.
Being a 3 tone color optioned with a big block and A/C. As well as being a very rust free unmolested original this particular car might see $90k if it rolled through the right auction at the “right time” of day.
Looks to a a nice solid car but the seller needs to set the opening bid at a much more reasonable number as it still needs a fair amount of work and cash to be really nice.
The seller could help make his case for a high open bid by spending 5 minutes and peeling off the dang top. Leaving that damage hidden does nobody any good.
Still feels like a steep starting point though.
Steep! This thing is a money pit who just swallows cash…
Without a doubt asking price is way too much!
Could any car back then be ordered with steel wheels & no hub caps or wheel covers?
Wonder what this car would be worth with an interior that matched the exterior.
Stamped steel wheels were standard on all 1970-1974 models. 14X5 for 225 & 318 engines. 14×6 standard with 383 & 440 engines. 15×7 were optional on all 1970-74 with a big block and were standard with either the 340 or the Hemi.
At that price it’s a Buy It Now. And to me white ruins the car. That said, do you think a 383 ‘Cuda could bring $80K these days? Better put a reserve on it…
I may be wrong… but I don’t think I have ever seen a “rippled” vinyl top like this one that did not have a bunch of rust under it.
Fun fact: The ‘Cuda was actually a shorter wheelbase than the Challenger.
Fun Fact #2: The word is “jibe” not “jive”, lol!
“…one that has its original drivetrain and everything apparently JIBES with the fender tags and build sheet.”
Now that’s “jive” talk, for sure!
Nice Cuda for being original, BUT paint job alone 15gs. That being said, car is maybe 37,000
Arm chair quarter backs and it ain’t even football season !
That might be the only thing I liked about the 80’s! I mean Disco?? C’mon! Dial me back to ’76 and hit the Go button – I’m ready. Will meet you here tomorrow when I’ll be a rich Florida real estate broker with a collection of muscle cars…3 ex-wives and 10 kids that hate me!
To heck with all the restoration nonsense,get it running and drive em as is!!! JMO…..
Too rich for my blood,but the day will come,when these will be gone forever,someone needs to save it,and thankfully it wasn’t left to rot in a field somewhere.
Another “This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”