What makes a '71 Cuda special?

[Gumby]

Nice article. http://classiccars.about.com/od/classiccarsaz/fl/What-Makes-a-1971-Plymouth-Cuda-Special.htm?utm_source=zergnet&utm_medium=tcg&utm_campaign=zergnet-test-397579

[HP2]

They forgot to mention that the recession of 1970 meant not a lot of people were willing to plunk down the cash needed to pick up the '71 model year cars. All of the big three saw sales figures drop on 1971 models across the board. The fact that it coincided with some major styling changes further exacerbated the problem. So you could say the overall styling of the '71 was a major flop with consumers as well as it was the lowest sales year of all the years combined, except the final half year production run of the '74. Add in that it was the last year before the conversion from gross to net horsepower and the ensuing tightening of emissions and you have a formula for making a moderately desirable car a collectors holy grail.

[LEMOOREACE]

Fender vents that almost look like fish gills were added to the upper part of the front fenders and actually helped vent the engine compartment[/b]

 

[4406v]

For me it was this one. I was 18 years old and fresh out of high school. A buddy and I were riding around one day and came across this 71 Barracuda sitting in a driveway. It was obvious to me the engine was out since the nose was sky high in the air. I knocked on the door and a guy answers, I asked "Is the car for sale?" his reply was "Yes I just bought a corvette and my mom won't let me bring it home till the Barracuda is gone, gimme $200 and get it out of here!!!"  We flew home I borrowed $200 from my grandma and within an hour I had a chain hooked to the car and we pulled it home (today you'd go to jail)

This was a factory 6 cylinder car that was so clean and original I couldn't believe it. I put a 6 cylinder back in it resisting the urge to put a big block in it. This car was fun to drive and for a young kid with no job and very little money cheap too. The hood in the picture is off my aunt's AAR 'Cuda that was sitting in the yard wrecked. As the car sits in this picture I had about $400 total in it. I had people chase me down all the time asking to buy the car and I wouldn't sell. One day a guy offers a 72 340 4 speed Duster and when I hesitated he threw in a 1973 Honda CB350 in on the deal, I countered I would do it but he had to pay all notary and transfer fees. He agreed and we made the swap.

This is the lesson I learned about selling cars in my local area. That car haunted me for years after I got rid of it. I would spot it coming at me in traffic and I would kick my own butt EVERYTIME I saw it. If I sell a car now it has to be GONE out of my life never to be seen again!!!

It took me years to find another 71 'Cuda and I just bought it this past fall. I am gathering parts to begin a restoration this spring. I paid ALOT more than $200 for this one!!!

[Gumby]

Don't get me wrong - it's my fave Cuda of all time. I was just pointing out a cool write up. And yes, he was wrong about the venting, lol.