Photo: Hemmings.com
Redesigned for the 1970 model year, the Plymouth Barracuda adopted Chrysler's then-new E-body platform (shared with the Dodge Challenger). The makeover resulted in the nameplate's best-selling year since 1967, at nearly 49,000 units, but deliveries dropped rather dramatically to 16,492 examples in 1971.
A historical low at the time (surpassed only by the 1974 model year), 1971 spawned some of the rarest Barracudas out there. Contrary to popular belief, the HEMI Cuda isn't the rarest of the bunch. That award goes to the entry-level 198-cubic-inch (3.2-liter) slant-six engine, of which only 96 were made. The HEMI, on the other hand, is by far the most desirable at 114 built (the seven convertibles are worth millions today).
The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel rigs are also scarce at only 254 examples, as are the 225-cubic-inch (3.7nd-liter) inline-six vehicles, of which only 344 left the assembly line. But while the 318-, 340-, and 383-cubic-inch (5.2-, 5.6, and 6.3-liter) V8 cars are more common overall, some of these Barracudas are also hard to come by. The derelict example you see here is one of them.
Recently unearthed in Greenville, Ohio, this dusty Cuda spent an unspecified number of years in a barn. Based on the amount of dust and grime, I'd say it's been parked for at least 20 years. But it could very well have been more than three decades since there's significant surface rust in certain areas, and the engine bay looks rather sad.
So, how rare is this Mopar? Well, the broadcast sheet shows it left the assembly line with a four-barrel 383-cubic-inch big-block V8. This lump makes it one of 2,153 units ordered with this powerplant. Then there's the three-speed automatic gearbox, which narrows it to 1,434 examples. Finally, the original owner had the car equipped with the premium 'Cuda trim, so it's actually one of 1,168 units with this trim/engine combo.
Sure, it's nowhere near as rare as the HEMI or the 6BBL Cuda, but you won't find many of these 1971 383 vehicles in one piece nowadays. The car is in rough shape overall, but it sure looks like it could be saved. The body is still straight and not overly rusty, while the interior appears to be complete. The engine likely needs a rebuild, but crucial components don't appear to be missing.
The Cuda is shrouded in mystery as far as originality goes. The seller says he has not verified whether the engine and transmission numbers match. That would be a plus. Likewise, he says the red paint "appears to be original," except for the left front fender. It could very well be a survivor, but this Mopar needs a proper inspection before a conclusion is drawn.
The current owner is looking to get rid of the dusty Plymouth and wants $34,999 to let it go. If that's too high for you, he's entertaining offers. How much is this 1971 Cuda worth? Should it be restored, or is it too far gone?
The 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) Six-Barrel rigs are also scarce at only 254 examples, as are the 225-cubic-inch (3.7nd-liter) inline-six vehicles, of which only 344 left the assembly line. But while the 318-, 340-, and 383-cubic-inch (5.2-, 5.6, and 6.3-liter) V8 cars are more common overall, some of these Barracudas are also hard to come by. The derelict example you see here is one of them.
Recently unearthed in Greenville, Ohio, this dusty Cuda spent an unspecified number of years in a barn. Based on the amount of dust and grime, I'd say it's been parked for at least 20 years. But it could very well have been more than three decades since there's significant surface rust in certain areas, and the engine bay looks rather sad.
So, how rare is this Mopar? Well, the broadcast sheet shows it left the assembly line with a four-barrel 383-cubic-inch big-block V8. This lump makes it one of 2,153 units ordered with this powerplant. Then there's the three-speed automatic gearbox, which narrows it to 1,434 examples. Finally, the original owner had the car equipped with the premium 'Cuda trim, so it's actually one of 1,168 units with this trim/engine combo.
Sure, it's nowhere near as rare as the HEMI or the 6BBL Cuda, but you won't find many of these 1971 383 vehicles in one piece nowadays. The car is in rough shape overall, but it sure looks like it could be saved. The body is still straight and not overly rusty, while the interior appears to be complete. The engine likely needs a rebuild, but crucial components don't appear to be missing.
The Cuda is shrouded in mystery as far as originality goes. The seller says he has not verified whether the engine and transmission numbers match. That would be a plus. Likewise, he says the red paint "appears to be original," except for the left front fender. It could very well be a survivor, but this Mopar needs a proper inspection before a conclusion is drawn.
The current owner is looking to get rid of the dusty Plymouth and wants $34,999 to let it go. If that's too high for you, he's entertaining offers. How much is this 1971 Cuda worth? Should it be restored, or is it too far gone?
Google News