Bahama Yellow, or Butterscotch as it was called at Dodge dealers, was one of Chrysler’s High Impact paint offerings, a special selection of flashy colors designed to cast even more eyes on the company’s already attention-getting muscle cars. While not as bright as some of the other High Impact options, Plymouth buyers who selected code EL5 got a Bahama Yellow exterior, which was only available between 1969 and 1971. It’s also a shade that hasn’t since been resurrected, so Mopars of this variety are sort of a rarity. This 1971 Plymouth Cuda here on eBay in Rayville, Louisiana, is one such example, and although this E-Body could use some TLC, it seems like a worthy candidate to take on as a project. So far, the current bid of $40,100 is a no-sale, as this amount is still short of the reserve.
The owner tells us that he purchased the Cuda in March of 2024 from a seller in Pensacola, Florida, but before his acquisition, the car had been sitting in a garage since 1986. It’s not specified whether the yellow paint is still the original factory-applied finish, but based on some of the outside imperfections, it’s certainly a possibility. This one’s going to need a repair on the driver’s quarter, but most other panels seem fairly straight and reasonably solid. Those Radial T/A tires all the way around are stated to be new.
This one still has the original big block under the hood, a 383 with a factory horsepower rating of 300. It has recently received a new Holley 740 carburetor, and thankfully, the seller provides a short video with the engine running. The motor fires right up, has a hefty idle, and sounds healthy upon being revved. This Cuda was originally equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission, but at some point, that was swapped for a 4-speed.
As part of the restoration, some of the interior components will need attention, such as recovering the front buckets and installing a new padded dash. A few parts are missing, including the ashtray, door panels, plus carpeting. It’s hard to tell if the floorboard rust is just on the surface or if it’s a deeper issue, but the seller mentions that the frame rails underneath are in very good condition. With third-generation Cuda desirability so high, I’m sure the competition to score this one is going to increase, as it seems to be at a better starting point already than many. What are your thoughts on this 1971 Plymouth Cuda? Any ideas on where the seller may have set his reserve?
Wow won’t let it go for $40k. 🏁
He wants 55k
Not $55k…He tells me his other miscellaneous receipts total $3600, tells me can’t let it go for less than ~$58k. He rather let it rot than take a loss. Another one bites the dust…
It’s not surprising this car is expensive. It’s a real Cuda with a 383 a 4spd and appears to have most, if not all of its unique parts and isn’t rusted to death. This is one of the slew of cars that has been highly sought after, thus expensive, for decades, nothing is going to change that. It appears this will be a good project for the next owner.
Steve R
OK? When I read yellow and Cuda, I was immediately on high alert. Of course I was taken back to the glorious days when Nash Bridges yellow Cuda convertible cruised San Francisco 💛. I won’t bore you AGAIN telling how much the show and the car still mean to me. As for THIS Cuda? Eh!
The 1971’s always remind me of one of my favorite Car & Driver comments ever. “One look at that grill, and we can’t wait till last year.“
Yes Sr! That is the real “ thing”
You can called “ the Cuda legend 383 four speed! Nice car to take care of and bring him back !
This one’s a no brainer assuming the minimum ask isn’t too high. Big block, most sought after year, nice rare color and 4 speed for those that prefer it. An excellent restoration subject. These are not for the faint of heart to restore but back to like new condition this will be a stunning car and a performer too.
I’m just drooling. Rare color and all the right, highly desirable traits of 383 and 4 spd. Worth the price of admission, but reserve not met yet at 40K. Doh!
Is it worth $55k to you? Pics are showing full rebuild is needed.
Hi Levi G., If it was mine, I’d do the bare minimum and only touch the worst rust, to keep it safe. I’d leave the dent in the left rear quarter and polish the paint, and clean and repair the minimum needed. Then I’d drive it. And drive it some more. See the channel on UTube, SimonFordman… that’s the level of resto I’d do. Might drive the purists mad, but that’s okay.
Ended at $41.1K.
Reserve Not Met.
I contacted him and he wanted $58.5k. Hard pass