340/4-Speed Project: 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda
When it comes to E-Bodies, the 1970 and ’71 Barracuda are probably my two favorites, with a slight nod to the latter considering its cool grille design and quad headlights up front, plus the one-year-only ‘Cuda exclusive gills in the front fenders. The third-generation Barracuda debuted in 1970, with the car losing all of its Valiant ties and wearing a great-looking fresh body. Things were looking promising, as Plymouth managed to find buyers for 48,867 examples during the 1970 run, but then everything that could go wrong in the auto industry did, causing production to slip to just 16,492 for the ’71 model. In terms of rarity and desirability, this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda ranks high, so if you’ve been searching for a Mopar project from this vintage, this one’s probably worth considering.
The owner tells us he bought the ‘Cuda to restore himself, but when the opportunity arose to purchase a Hemi car it was a no-brainer, and now this one’s looking for a new home. We don’t get much in terms of history or where this car has been over the years, just a statement that it has great options but needs a full restoration. There’s body rust on some of the panels along with a few dents, plus the grille and both bumpers are missing, but the fact that this car left the factory with a Shaker and it’s still present is a plus.
The ‘Cuda was born with a 340 and 4-speed manual, and while the engine in the bay now is still of that displacement, it’s got a 1970 date code. From the looks of things, probably quite a long time has passed since this small block was last running, but the seller is also offering a 1971-dated rebuilt 340 for an additional cost of $12,500. Unless you’ve got a powerplant already, maybe that’s worth considering, if everything checks out and it’s ready to drop in.
One of the weaker areas is inside, literally when it comes to the floorboards, as they appear to be plagued with rust, as does the trunk. What remains of the interior components are just about all going to need repair or replacing, but fortunately, plenty of aftermarket items are available to help the next owner get this one back to its former glory. If you’re envisioning light at the end of the tunnel, this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda is in Hillsdale, Illinois, and can be seen here on eBay. So far, bidding has already climbed to $27,720, which is enough for a sale. Is this ‘Cuda worth all the effort and expense required to get it back on the road?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now3 hours$17,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
Could you imagine paying 30k for this? I mean could you imagine spending 30k and standing back at it once it’s in your yard? And then sitting in it and looking at that dash. And then rushing out because maybe under the hood is better. And then ok, at least underneath is solid and looking and it’s not. And then that moment of I ripped myself off hits.
I’m with you. I love E-bodies & practically worship shaker hoods on anything. But 30k and then the work *starts*? I can buy a lot of cool old rides ready to drive anywhere for $30k.
Listen this car isn’t bad. You start with the quarter panel…no start with the floor…start with interior, it don’t even have a radiator, or brake booster.
It’s a complete hot mess and needs a ton of new metal.
Greg,
Was bored and just finished reading the whole ebay ad. Viewed all the pics.
I’m stumblen’ amazed that the owner found anything to secure the car to the trailer!
Who in their right mind is bidding on this car?
Before bidding on this car:
1. Add up the cost of every 71 ‘cuda part in the Year One catalog.
2. Go next door and ask your neighbor to slap the sense back into you.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣..Thanks I needed that Mooney….. 🐻🇺🇸
How come everyone puts their cars on trailers to sell them? It’s so weird……..
Because they just bought them for a hundred dollars and they just want to flip them for 30k. And they don’t run.
Because they can’t get it out of their hair fast enough.
Maybe the trailer comes with it??
Along with a ’56 Nomad tow truck.
“Honey look what I bought”
“I hope you didn’t pay more than 300 bucks for that eyesore”
“Wellll …… we need to talk”
More like “Remember the kid’s college fund? Yeah…forget about that”
College is overrated anyway.
Parts car tooooo much rust
Basket case full of rust…I’ll pass.
There will never be a day of reason again with these classic cars and the prices that are being demanded for them. Like one of the gents said, “I can buy a lot more car for $30,000”. I can’t imagine stopping and realizing after spending 30g’s on a project like this that will take years of blood sweat and tears to bring it back to life! Somewhere, sometime the madness has to stop! The lure of making money on these cars is no longer a factor due to the cost involved to restore them but it is the reason we are seeing the ridiculous prices!
I agree with just about every comment about this thing so I can’t really add much more, except this: $12,500 for a 340 motor? Admittedly, I am far from being a Mopar export, but in what universe would a 340 be worth that kind of money?
It’s not, but it depends on what’s been done to it. Machine work, parts, competent building are not cheap. It doesn’t take much to spend over $10k on a small block build.
Again, I am no Mopar expert, but when you can buy a brand new 383 sbc carburetor to oil pan for under $7,000, I find it pretty hard to believe that a small block Mopar is worth over 12 grand.
Ahhh…..No…..save your money and frustration and time and buy one finished.
This is one of those cars you’ve driven by decades ago and decided to stop only to be greeted by a seller who claims it’s too valuable to sell and he’s going to “fix it”.. So 50 years later someone is picking up the pieces..
I know where a couple old(same story) mopar muscle cars have been setting outside for 40 plus years and they are worse than this.
More money than brains if you buy this pile. You better have a boat load of money and Mark Worman skills to fix this heap. When will the madness end on rusty Mopars?
the same time it ends on rusty Camaros and trashed Mustangs.. but I forgot, you’re a Mopar hater
I’ve never understood that mopar madness. They were some of the cheapest cars made in the day. I think this one belongs in a crusher. I would rather buy a nice older Pontiac or a mid 60s Chevelle.
Holy Moly…
Has anyone ever driven through or lived in the state of this cars residence?
If so, did you happen to wonder what all the huge piles of salt were used for?
Sure wasn’t for dust control.
I swear, all the automobile manufacturers paid all of the North East and Mid West states to use that pretty white crap.
This is all I’ve got.
Have a great Independence Day ya’all!
I would have my eyes closed when this came back from the dipper…if it made it back…of course worthy of a full buck resto but it won’t be me..glwta
Not even if there is 30 grand in the glove box ,if there is one
NOPE !!!!!! Explain to me again why ppl are bidding this kind of money on a pile of rusted parts??? Never mind it’ll never make sense. Lot of lost minds with money out there. As it’s said sucker born every day. Glwta
I have to wonder if someone is “shell bidding”?
Greg, I initially thought the same thing, but then I re-read the bf write-up.
I don’t know man, this one is really starting to make me wonder if maybe someone out there is messing with all of us. Just to see our comments.
I’ve been pretty negative on some of my comments so I’ll let you guys have fun with this one. Besides you can pile only so much dirt on a dead dog.