The third generation Plymouth Barracuda, introduced in 1970, boasted a new E-body platform and powerful engines like the 440 Six-Barrel and 426 HEMI. Despite selling nearly 49,000 units in its debut year, sales plummeted to 16,492 in 1971.
This dramatic decline was attributed to factors such as rising insurance rates, impending emissions regulations, and a shift towards more practical vehicles. As a result, the 1971 Barracuda became a rare find today.
While 16,500 units might seem substantial, the numbers dwindle when considering specific engine and transmission combinations. Many drivetrain setups sold fewer than 2,000 units, and some were even limited to a few hundred.
The HEMI version, in particular, was highly sought after but scarce, with only 114 produced. Of these, just 61 were equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, and only seven were convertibles. The latter, especially the HEMI convertibles, command astronomical prices at auctions.
The 440 Six-Barrel was also a rare find, with only 254 units built. The convertible body style, already uncommon in 1970, became even more elusive in 1971. Only 311 convertibles were produced, and of these, just 80 were paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The combination of a powerful engine, a convertible top, and a manual gearbox made these Barracudas highly desirable collector’s items.
The rare 1971 Plymouth Cuda you see here is one of only 30 built with a four-barrel 340 V8 and an automatic transmission. Its unique combination of a Shaker hood, Rallye dashboard, and wing-type rear spoiler is a testament to its well-optioned status.
Although repainted from its original Sherwood Green to Curious Yellow, the Cuda remains a highly sought-after classic car due to its rarity and distinctive features. Despite the repaint, the Cuda still retains its original fender tag, which confirms its factory ordered Shaker hood and other options. The fender tag also reveals that the car was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, which was later swapped out for an automatic.
The Cuda’s powertrain, a 340 V8 paired with an automatic transmission, was a relatively rare combination for the 1971 model year. The 340 V8 was a popular engine choice for the Cuda, but most examples were equipped with a manual transmission. The automatic transmission was a less common option, and it was only available with the 340 V8.
The Cuda’s Shaker hood is another distinctive feature. The Shaker hood was a performance option that was available on certain models of the Plymouth Barracuda and Cuda in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Shaker hood was designed to improve engine cooling and increase airflow to the engine.
The Rallye dashboard and wing-type rear spoiler are also unique features of the Cuda. The Rallye dashboard was a performance option that included a tachometer, clock, and other gauges.
The wing type rear spoiler was a styling option that was available on certain models of the Cuda. The 1971 Plymouth Cuda is a rare and desirable classic car. Its unique combination of features makes it a highly sought-after collectible.
