Worth It? 1973 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 Project
Many of us dream of owning a ‘Cuda someday. Plymouth’s pony car combined power with good looks and they are hot today. Just look at that snout! How much do you love them though? This particular project needs a full redo but will the ride be worth it once it’s finished? If you think it might, this one can be found here on eBay. Thanks go to Barn Finds reader TJ for the tip!
This appears to be a nicely optioned machine! Power may have been down in ’73 but standard features were up. Power front disc brakes were standard with 340 ‘Cudas as were many visuals like the sport hood. The bucket seats were standard too but the center console is a nice option to have. In fact, with its shifter guard and woodgrain top, it has to be one of the coolest console designs around.
Sure, a 426 Hemi or a 440 Six-Pack would have been ideal but the 340 wasn’t a bad choice either. Unfortunately, the engine option list had shrunk sustainably by 1973. Emissions laws were killing off big blocks left a right. In fact, the 340 was actually the largest engine you could get in the ‘Cuda at this point. Luckily there are lots of upgrade options available today.
As you can see in the photos, this poor Plymouth needs some rust repair. Too bad those quarters are so crusty because this could have been a cool one to just replace the floors and leave the stripes and sunburnt roof alone. The seller does mention that the car does run, drive, and stop so that’s good news. What route would you take with this project though?
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Comments
Put a 1970 grille and taillight panel in it when doing the bodywork first thing. The front and rear ends on post 71 cudas are atrocious. Oh, yeah put a 340 with a four speed in it.
I totally agree, but they’re nowhere near as bad as the 72 and up Challenger front and rears.
The 71s had the manliest grills. Same with the Challengers, the 71s were the way to go.
I personally think both look great. But you know what they say about opinions
No, been done so much lately there’s more of these living as 70-71 clones than originals. It’s refreshing to see 72,3,4 car survivors and restos as opposed to clones.
Rear quarters aside, this looks fairly solid, though there has been some repainting done . The front aprons still looks good . The 340 still has its Thermoquad carburetor ! I’m wondering if the accident is the reason it was parked ? Judging by the 8 track player and equalizer , it could have been sitting since the early 1980s – obviously, a potential buyer will really need to check out the floor and trunk pans, etc..
The 70′ Cuda front end was the best looking one. I believe the 71′ front end just didn’t work with the body lines. It seemed out of place and a bit gaudy for the look.
Man that’s rough. Hard pass here. It might not be worth what it will take to restore it.
That’s a terrible pic of the front end to lead with.
It’s almost at like hood height….which nobody looks at a car from.
And the fish bowl lens effect makes it look even worse.
That’s gonna cost the seller some money.
And it’s GONE!!