Sometimes it takes more than raw horsepower to stand out in a crowd. That was especially true during the peak of the muscle car wars in the 1960s and early 1970s. A car had to look the part in addition to providing the performance. The 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda recently available on eBay shows how to get the job done.
The Barracuda screams for attention with lime green paint, a black vinyl roof, rear spoiler, and stylish bold flat black “Cuda” graphics. But to be sure, this ‘Cuda has the horsepower part covered too.
Original But Better
The builder nailed the look of a factory performance ‘Cuda from 1971. At the same time, the car received numerous upgrades inside and out to improve drivability and performance.
The “Sublime” green paint, black graphics, and vinyl roof were all available from the factory back in the day. But they have all been redone with new materials.
Under the hood, there’s a 1976 Mopar Performance 400 cubic-inch V-8, tuned to crank out 600 horsepower. Other upgrades include:
- A FiTech fuel injection system
- Hooker headers
- Numerous chrome details
- An aluminum radiator
- A functioning shaker hood scoop helps the mighty engine breathe
Everything is impeccably detailed, and the engine compartment is spotless.
Brazilian Heartwood and Real Walnut Burl
The transmission is a three-speed 727 automatic, controlled by a B&M shifter with a Hurst pistol-grip handle modeled to look like an original. But in place of the imitation wood used in 1971, the handle is made from hand-carved Brazilian Black Heartwood. And real Walnut Burl replaces the original phony stuff on the dashboard and there’s a rim-blow steering wheel as well.
Inside, the combination of retro and modern continues. Perforated leather seats match the original look. There’s new carpeting, and soft black vinyl covers the restored door panels.
The dash and console are new, with trim to match. Stainless steel accents replace plastic look-alike pieces, while the original factory AM radio and an optional 8-track tape player remain. Before assembly, the entire floor was covered in sound deadener and additional insulation.
Even More Upgrades
The builders axed the original suspension. In its place, you’ll find new tubular upper control arms, adjustable gas shocks, a reinforced sway bar, and polyurethane bushings. In addition, the builder implemented a quicker steering ratio for better response.
Brakes are Wilwood discs at all four corners, with contrasting red calipers. The ‘Cuda wears black chrome five-spoke American Racing wheels, measuring 17-inches up front and 18-inches in the rear.
With a Buy-It-Now price of $89,900, this ‘Cuda is well below what you might expect, given its upgrades and impeccable condition. It stands as a shining example of how to combine an in-your-face, ultra-authentic 1970s muscle car look with modern performance and reliability.
