Chrysler rejuvenated its position in the “pony car” market in 1970 by giving the Plymouth Barracuda a platform of its own instead of being an extension of the Valiant compact. The car would share that body with the newcomer, the Dodge Challenger, but no sheet metal. Things were looking up until the insurance industry lowered the boom with higher premiums on muscle cars. This ‘Cuda coupe, from the 1971 model year, may have as much missing as it has stuck together, including a lack of an engine or transmission. Located in a garage in New Raymer, Colorado this primed project is available here on eBay where the no reserve auction stands at $11,278.
After an increase in sales of 50% from 1969 to 1970, the 1971 Barracudas saw production drop by two-thirds. That was partly due to the insurance issue, but also that the market space had become crowded and saturated. Even the car that started it all, the Ford Mustang, saw its sales decline every year after 1966. The VIN the seller has provided for this automobile confirms it as a ‘Cuda that was built with a 383 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission. Not many were assembled like that, specifically 1,168 copies. Which makes it a shame since the Mopar won’t be a numbers-matching deal.
We don’t know much about the circumstances of this Plymouth. It may have been a project that the seller was working on and then lost interest. We’re told that “what you see is what you get” which means that a lot of parts and components are going to have to be on the buyer’s shopping list. We’re told the frame and body are solid, although there appear to be a few small holes in the floorboards. For purposes of shipping this car to its new home, the seller will install a set of four wheels and tires.
The seller makes no guarantee of authenticity, so as long as the VIN provided is correct and was on the car from Day 1, this would be a real deal. Although going back to factory condition isn’t possible, the good news is this vehicle presents the buyer with an opportunity of a clean slate, doing what he/she wants to with the car.
370, this one brings back memories, huh? We had a friend who drove one back from California in the early 70s. Red, black vinyl top, built 383, 4 speed. Beautiful fast car.
I am the other half of “We” Brian T is referring to. Our mutual friend, just out of the Air Force drove this incredible car cross country, without even a radio. He told me one of the few stops he made was in Winslow AZ, to stand on a corner. First time I ever saw a car with 50 series tires on the back and a pistol grip shifter.
The first photo looks like these cars used to look, back when they were $500 beater hot rods that ran. Now? Fools rush in.
As I price stands that what I would give for it. Because it’s going to be another $25,000 to get it on the road!!! And that price is on the cheap side. It’s getting very hard to find original Mopar parts. Since it’s a 1971 Cuda. Front nose is special. Good luck who ever gets this. 🐻🇺🇸
As the price stands that what I would give for it. Because it’s going to be another $25,000 to get it on the road!!! And that price is on the cheap side. It’s getting very hard to find original Mopar parts. Since it’s a 1971 Cuda. Front nose is special. Good luck who ever gets this. 🐻🇺🇸
Ok, gotta have it. With the last 6 in serial of 131313, its a winner, in your face, Cuda. Now, need a picture of the following: Fender tag, Broadcast build sheet, dashboard serial to confirm
Check out the sellers Little Red Express.
There’s probably a good reason they drilled the spotwelds out of the firewall, and probably another good reason they didn’t finish the job.
The engine bay looks to me that everything was replaced and not welded.
Front end off one car grafted to the main structure.
A lot of pieces missing .Who ever gets it better have a good GMAW degree and Tig would help.
Is it even really a ’71? It has 1970 taillights (at least on the driver’s side, the only one shown), and that’s not a commonly changed part.