Jul 4, 2023  •  For Sale  •  19 Comments

1 of 1: 1971 Rare Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 6-Pack

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Plymouth redesigned its Barracuda “pony car” in 1970 and created a future collectible in the process. But it’s doubtful that was the goal – they simply wanted to sell more cars. The 1971 model year was the only one out of five to have quad headlights – and the 440 cubic inch V8 with triple carburetors was on the way out. This restored, numbers-matching, documented ‘Cuda was one of 129 officially built that year, but the combination of colors and options narrows it to 1 of 1, according to the seller. Located in Brockton, Massachusetts, the current bid is $72,000 here on eBay and isn’t likely anywhere near the seller’s reserve.

Buyers liked the changes to the Barracuda in 1970 and scooped up 50% more of them than in 1969. But the bottom fell out 12 months later when production dropped to a scant 16,492 units (down from 48,867). The changes that were occurring in the muscle car market no doubt spilled over onto the whole Barracuda line because of Chrysler’s efforts to promote performance over style. The second most powerful ‘Cuda, the 440 with three 2-barrel carburetors, saw production fall from 853 units to 129 coupes (the ones with automatic transmission).

The seller’s car may be the only one built this way (according to a Govier Report the seller has). That’s due to things like the In-Violet paint, white/black interior, and power windows all coming together in a single package. We’re told this beauty has just been restored and a couple of additions were made that weren’t along for the initial ride. Those include the Shaker hood, spoiler, and big white billboards on the side panels. But everything else is said to be the way things would have been off the assembly line 52 years ago.

We’re told that the seller is into these early 1970s Mopars and would consider a partial trade. So, if you have another Barracuda that needs restoring, working with this guy on a swap for be the way to go. He’s done all the heavy lifting already on this car, which he outright says won’t come cheap to the buyer. The photos aren’t the best for what may be a six-figure automobile, but the seller is happy to send you pics of whatever you need to get a serious dialogue going. This Mopar certainly puts the “wow” into the “wow-factor”.

Comments

  1. MLM
    Jul 4, 2023 at 9:41am

    This car is a WOW factor. The quad headlights is what make the ’71 my favorite year of the entire run of the Cudas. This is one nice looking car no doubt it won’t be cheap, but that’s how it is.

    Like 17
    • Steve
      Jul 5, 2023 at 7:36am

      I like the quad lights and fender gills. A lot more aggressive looking.

      Like 2
  2. Rixx56Member
    Jul 4, 2023 at 9:51am

    My favorite, as well, but… why add the shaker
    hood, billboards and most of all; that spoiler!?
    It stood tall on its own merit with no add-ons.
    Still… a tremendous beauty!

    Like 25
  3. Grant
    Jul 4, 2023 at 9:54am

    I once saw a 71 in bright shiny yellow. Believe it or not, I thought it was great. My buddy called it the banana car, but what did he know? ( Hid PHD didn’t help him excel in having taste) Sure liked it better then this presentation.

    Like 3
    • Edwin Haggerty
      Jul 8, 2023 at 10:47am

      Huh?

      Like 0
    • Grape Ape
      Jul 8, 2023 at 10:50am

      Huh? Doesn’t pass the Objective Hypocrisy Test

      Reread, or ask someone you trust

      Psychology = Word Salad Fraud

      Existing in academia

      Academia is a fraud

      Simple Logic Simple Integrity

      Former SWAT Nuke Team Leader US Army
      Killed people in combat to earn my education
      Paid attention in Economics class, because I understood the cost

      Ask someone you trust

      Like 0
    • 454ratMember
      Jul 8, 2023 at 8:40pm

      You’re on the wrong site Albert. This is a car site and it is not an American Motors site for ”Ramblers”. Capisce? Show some respect for others please.

      Like 4
  4. Gary Haas
    Jul 4, 2023 at 10:02am

    RARE power windows!

    Like 8
  5. Don H
    Jul 4, 2023 at 10:07am

    Are the front bumpers suppose to be painted?

    Like 3
    • James Whetzel
      Jul 4, 2023 at 11:06am

      You could get it in an Argent paint that was. The same as the arget color on the rims and it had the same rough finish. While I have also seen painted body colored grills on some of the wow factor colors but I don’t think it is correct.

      Like 3
    • Melton Mooney
      Jul 6, 2023 at 8:25am

      Either chrome or painted elastomeric rubber were available.

      Like 1
  6. 454ratMember
    Jul 4, 2023 at 10:09am

    EVERY car is a one of one according to the ”new” requirements for rare cars. It is a one of 129 built. That’s rare enough to say rare without the silly one of one with existing options.

    Like 12
  7. Jack
    Jul 4, 2023 at 10:10am

    Agree that the 71 quad headlights are the ones to get, though interestingly I like the round taillights on the 72-74.

    I think that though numbers matching, the shaker hood, billboard and spoiler hurt the value as it detracts from the originality.

    Of course In Violet is not a sleeper, these add-ons are unnecessary.

    Like 14
  8. Howie
    Jul 4, 2023 at 10:41am

    I clicked on see sellers other items, 1,185 came up, i guess mostly parts, but lots of red in his sellers feedback.

    Like 7
  9. 370zpp 370zpp
    Jul 4, 2023 at 4:20pm

    I wonder just how many of these they made with the rare Glad Trash bag upholstery option?

    Like 6
  10. Sam
    Jul 4, 2023 at 6:06pm

    So if it wasn’t a 1 of 1 it is now. Let’s add a Shaker, Billboards and a Spoiler, Well you just SPOLIED the car.

    Like 10
  11. novawagon
    Jul 4, 2023 at 11:20pm

    No Dana 60👎

    Like 2
    • Melton Mooney
      Jul 6, 2023 at 8:20am

      Optional on automatic cars. Dana is nearly bulletproof, but 8.75″ is still pretty rugged.

      Like 2
  12. Alan Kieler
    Jul 11, 2023 at 7:21pm

    I bid $110k on this car. Seller cancelled my and all bids. He is fishing only to see what it will bring. Bad form.

    Like 2

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