Hear the car, see it perform and listen to the QTP
cutouts on the exhaust too.
Smart Buyers Read & Watch My Video...tire
kickers...don't.
If
you are using a mobile device, you may not see the video
so go to the link above or get to a PC.
If
you want to talk deal,
pick up the phone
and make your serious offer.
702-353-7500
I don't respond nicely to
stupid messages such as:
"What's
your reserve?"
"What is your bottom line?"
"What's the least you'll take?"
"What is your bottom
dollar?"
"Do you have a
Buy-it-Now?"
"What's it take to buy
it?"
"What is your asking
price?"
I will not email
you a figure but we cantalk about it.
It's a flippin' Auction! That means . . .
it's your
number that counts . . . not mine.
Also, if yours is among the hundreds of emails I get with
any of the above lame questions, I will immediately
assume that you(r):
•
have not
taken time to read the listing
•
have
zero intent to purchase
• are
clueless about relevant market values
• forthcoming "offer" will be completely detached from
reality
26
years in the business has proven beyond all doubt that serious buyers
read every line, look at every picture, research well
enough on their own and feel confident making a real
offer.
Our presentations are unequalled, on eBay or anywhere
else.
We are therefore, usually able to choose from among
quality buyers that actually wantto
purchaseavehicle.
THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!
My
vehicles are so unique and so rare,
knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.
That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious
buyers making a serious offer.
Our Muscle Car Model Kim B. thought it
was a hot day
You are
looking for a rare quality, high value
investment that can be driven and enjoyed.
You are here because the excellence in your neck
of the woods, by any measure, is a joke. I
know exactly how you feel. I scour the
nation searching for the best of the best hoping
to find that special breed, conceived and built
to a higher standard. With help from my assistant, Foy, I scan
lists of thousands of vehicles and select cars I've come to know are hard
to find and that fit my business model of
marketing exclusively on eBay. E-body Mopars
get my attention any time they appear but just a
fraction turn out to be worthy my money.
During the 12 years I've been doing this, I see
dozens or more of these every
single year and what that means for you is; I have
looked at,
touched, smelled and walked away from a lot of 1970-74
Challengers and Barracudas.
I am extremely picky about what to buy and this
'Cuda is one of a precious handful nice
enough to justify the considerable efforts of me
and my staff. Past ownership,
project management to completion, authenticity and
condition, condition, condition are what
matters. High demand muscle car builds are
too often poorly conceived and/or done in bad
taste. Some are not treated well,
but a few are
correctly done and given proper respect.
This Plymouth is an extremely rare find and one
this exquisite won't soon become available again.
Gorgeous paint, spectacular interior and an absolute knock-out to see in person;
as good as my pictures are, they can't possibly
convey the overwhelming visual impact this car
has in real life. What
else could you want? A great deal? I
have that covered too but you will not be
purchasing this fine automobile for wholesale,
low book or mere driver quality money. You already know you
get what you pay for and if you want quality condition
and profession work, this 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda
340 is a one-in-a-million car. Read what
Foy has to say about his time driving this Hemi
Orange powerhouse. Examine every picture
in detail, see the amazing quality up close and personal and then make
your call and give me an offer. I promise,
you will not be disappointed.
Doug - Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
Kim B. thought the wheels on this
'Cuda were a perfect match
Complete numbers
matching 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda 340 with factory air
conditioning (modern updated) Rallye cluster, center
console, AM/FM stereo and eye-popping condition inside and
out. This top quality restoration showcases dazzling
Hemi Orange paint over a nearly bondo-free body. New
upholstery makes a well preserved original interior as show
car ready as the exterior. Its
real character however, happens when you turn the key . . .
passenger outside mirror (likely
sourced from a 1971 'Cuda/Barracuda
3-1-72
wheels x 2
7-72
rear/left side glass
9-72
rear window
11-72
windshield
1-73
driver's and passenger door, rear/left
side glass and driver's outside mirror
1-12-73
block casting date
1-15-73
wheel
1-19-73
intake manifold casting date
(original)
2-20-73
vehicle build date
6-25-89
Special Interest Auto Club application -
Sarasota, Florida
12,018
6-27-90
Holland's Exxon - Pearland, Texas -
2-quarts oil, coolant and radiator part
7-28-97
Summit Racing - shipped to Springhill,
Florida - intake manifold, carburetor, chrome air
cleaner, cam/lifter kit
7-29-97
Summit Racing - shipped to Springhill,
Florida - gasket set
2-13-98
Year One - rear leaf springs, wiper
blades, trunk weather-stripping, glove box liner and
trunk mat
2-16-98
Classic Auto Air - shipped to Chamblee,
Georgia - evaporative coil
2-20-98
Wrights Car Care - Chamblee, Georgia -
lights/electrical work, transmission filter/gasket, LOF
3-13-98
Wrights Auto Care - Chamblee, Georgia -
repair diagnosis/estimate and R134a retrofit
3-27-98
Wrights Car Care - Chamblee, Georgia -
estimate
4-2-98
Stephens Performance - shipped to
Pearland, Texas - breather
4-9-98
Wrights Car Care - Chamblee, Georgia -
alternator, voltage regulator, rear leaf springs,
4-shocks, heater core, air conditioning evaporator and
compressor, HVAC controls, trunk seal and starter
65,000 ?
4-15-98
Hemi Products - shipped to Chamblee,
Georgia - kick-down with bracket
4-24-98
Wrights Car Care - Chamblee, Georgia -
transmission rebuild with new converter, fix horn
8-12-98
Year One - shipped to Pearland, Texas -
fan shroud
9-24-98
Cars Limited - Pearland, Texas - install
fan shroud, air conditioner service
11-13-98
Cars Limited - Pearland, Texas - R and R
cable (possibly speedometer)
4-1-99
Cars Limited - Pearland, Texas - battery,
tune, air conditioner service
8-20-99
South Coast Automotive - Stafford, Texas -
air conditioner blower and switch, rewire radio,
ignition control harness
68,265
2-11-00
HPR Super Service Center - Springfield,
Illinois - coolant, LOF
68,607
2-13-00
Sears Auto Center - Springfield, Illinois
- battery hold-down
2-14-00
Mid-States Auto Supply - Springfield,
Illinois - starter
2-28-00
Big A Auto Parts - Springfield, Illinois -
STP. octane boost
2-28-00
Law Automotive - Springfield, Illinois -
timing, fix vacuum leak
5-24-02
Nevada emissions - Reno
7-19-02
AutoZone - Reno, Nevada - voltage
regulator
1-20-03
ITAL Motors - Reno, Nevada - carburetor
kit, wires, plugs, belts, water pump, starter, fan
clutch, fan, by-pass hose, wire loom kit, cooling system
service, heater hoses
Rebuilt 340 V8, Torque-Flite automatic
and 3.23 Sure-Grip rear axle are all numbers matching
and original to the car. Steering and suspension
are new as well so that every critical mechanical
component is either new, updated, rebuilt or fixed.
The amazing result is a rare vintage Plymouth that
tracks straight, doesn't vibrate, overheat or otherwise
annoy and/or worry its owner. Extremely easy to
enjoy and not at all temperamental
. . .
The engine and transmission both carry
correct VIN derivatives and all glass is original and
crystal clear. Provenance dates from the late
'80s to present and several thousand dollars in receipts
come with the car. Visually stunning and functionally
reliable, you're getting a well documented vehicle with a known
history that you'll be proud to own and show . . .
Kim B. really wanted to go for a
ride in this 'Cuda...just a few more shots...about 300
more sweetie.
Panel seams and metal condition is superb
and we've yet to hear any complaints about this 'Cuda's near perfect
stance. Indeed, it's thumb's up and smiles everywhere
we go . . .
Kim B. say this 'Cuda gets about
340 thumbs up a day...and more when she's driving it.
Doors open, close straight, hood and trunk
lid hardware is awesome, side glass rolls up/down with ease
and door locks click smoothly with the key . . .
Nothing out of place back here and you'll never
tire of seeing the exhaust tips poke through the rear
valance. The distinctive Mopar rumble, deep and
threatening, is equally mesmerizing . . .
Kim B. says this 'Cuda has what
it takes, especially when she heard it start up.
Looking good and wrapped around those
gorgeous wheels are brand new Nitto NT555
Extreme ZR radials; (less than 50 miles) modern, ultra high
performance rubber that endows this 'Cuda
with turn-in and grip better than any E-body ever had
when new. The difference in drive quality over the
previous set up is incredible. And, because we are
purist, the original Rallye wheels, complete with center
caps, trim rings and 14-inch raised white letter tires are
yours for just one penny more than the final agreed upon
price. Also, it's pretty much impossible to take a bad picture of this 'Cuda
and the more you look, the closer you look, the
better the quality is . . .
Kim B. say this 'Cuda's muscle
doesn't hold a candle to hers. Them are some guns girl.
It has been my pleasure to enjoy many
miles behind the wheel of this spectacular
Plymouth. Upon arrival at out facility it appeared
similar to the image below; a very handsome 'Cuda 340 with
its original numbers matching drive train intact. We
replaced the weathered hood/scoop emblems, fresh
upholstery
was all the interior needed and Doug (the owner) applied new
hockey stick stripes to the 'Cuda's pretty flanks. The
car looked sensational but it didn't have the curbside swagger a classic like this can possess.
Instead of the popular alloy reproduction of the original Rallye wheel, we went with a modern interpretation of the
other optional rim that year; the
more expensive chrome styled road wheel, more often called
the Magnum or Magnum 500 wheel. At 17x7 up front and
17x8 in back, these 5-spoke American Racing beauties rivet
all eyes instantly to this car and no matter where you are, you
will be the focus of attention. I have to say also,
how relaxed and confident it is driving this gem.
The 340 starts every time, the TorqueFlite 727 shifts
perfectly and downshifts correctly - the latter a
common failing with rebuilt transmissions. The car
came to us with an aged dual exhaust system but with typical
overkill, Doug ponied up for a pricey Flowmaster
Series 40 installation, complete from collectors to rear pan
where they exit through the pan with a pair of
stainless rectangular tips. It sounded pretty good
before but the new Delta Flow mufflers restores that
old-school punchy throb, unique to Chrysler V8s. It
sounds like a big block to my ears and if that weren't
enough, another $500 got us a pair of electric exhaust
cutouts. Uncapping the headers (electronically) swaps
a mellow burble for a NASCAR
roar with the flip of a switch. Along with that roar
comes the throaty torque of a potent 340, fortified with an Edelbrock 4-barrel, Weiand
aluminum intake manifold and Hooker long tube
headers. The result is a rare quality, stress free
muscle car experience that can paste you to the seat with
surprising firmness and light up the rear tires at will.
This high quality 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda 340 will be enjoyed, around town or
across the nation . . . by someone. Can you
say, Power Tour?
Kim B. gets her ride in this 'Cuda...ya...she's
pretty badass
The original interior was/is
fantastic but we installed new front and rear seat
upholstery to bring back that new car pop. This is a well
optioned 'Cuda too, with a Rallye cluster, center console,
AM/FM radio and factory air conditioning (to name a few) . . .
I think black is the best interior color
for an E-body and I think this is the quality
everybody hopes for . . .
Position from which car is best
appreciated. The shifter is called a "Slap Stik" so,
slap that bitch and kick it right in the carburetor . . .
Heater and air conditioner does work, but radio
does not . . .
Kim B. says she knows just where
to find the hood release in this 'Cuda
New Sanden air conditioner compressor,
Edelbrock 650 cfm 4-barrel carburetor, Weiand single plane
aluminum intake manifold and Hooker Competition equal length
long tube headers. All new radiator and heater hoses,
vacuum lines, air conditioning, power steering lines and
connections . . .
Good shot of the Quick Time Performance
electric cutouts. We went with a 2.25 inch
kit with stainless pipes and our guy fabbed the outlets,
angle cutting the tips away to the sides. No crawling
under the car to uncap headers like back in the day . . .
Kim B. told me I better get done
soon...do you blame me?
Wow, wow and wow is all anybody ever says
about these unbelievably killer wheels. Absolutely
took my breath away the first time I saw the car wearing its
new loafers and the bigger wheel and tire size improved
drive quality significantly. We see the (power) front disc
brakes here between the spokes . . .
Kim B. is such a trooper for
taking her time to show off our fun cars. Thanks Kim
Nothing like a set of Hooker long tube
headers snaking up, over, around and through everything,
doing their part to maintain undercarriage aesthetics,
contribute symphonically to the environment and introducing
all who ride within to the religion of torque. Updated steering
and suspension plants this E-body confidently to the road .
. .
Optional Sure-Grip 3.23 differential in a
beefy 8.75 inch rear axle. Air shocks and new springs
back here and if you look close, unlike most muscle cars
from this era, a rear sway bar. You'll find no rust
under this bad boy, just a clean well finished undercarriage
the equal of its amazing top side . . .
A closer look at the side-out
installation, all tucked up nicely out of the way . . .
Complete view of the exhaust system and a
whole lotta original metal . . .
VIN Decode:
BS23H3B350425
car line
B
Plymouth Barracuda
price class
S
special
body style
23
2-door hardtop
engine
H
340/4-barrel V8
model year
3
1973
assembly plant
B
Dodge Main - Hamtramck, Michigan
sequential production number
350425
VIN derivatives stamped on the
radiator support (left) and cowl. (right)
fender
tag decode
EN2
end of codes assembly line 2
B41
power front disc brakes
N41
dual exhaust without tips
C16
center console
N42
chrome dual exhaust tips
C56
bucket seats
R11
Music Master am radio (original)
G37
left and right hand chrome outside mirrors
with left hand remote
V6X
black upper body tape stripe
GB5
True Blue metallic (upper and lower
body color/single color/non-vinyl roof)
26
26-inch radiator
A6X9
A = A-class
(trim grade) 6 = vinyl
bucket seats (style) X9 =
Black (color)
J25
3-speed variable wipers
000
upper door frame: full door panel
L31
fender mount turn signals
220
vehicle build date: 2-20-73
M21
roof drip rail molding
221276
order number
M25
wide sill molding
E55
340/4-barrel V8 engine (1969-73)
M31
belt and hood molding
D34
standard duty 3-speed Torque-Flite
automatic transmission
M88
quarter panel tape treatment
BS23
B = Plymouth
Barracuda (car line) S =
special (price class) 23 =
2-door hardtop (body style)
GB5
True Blue metallic paint
H3B
H =
340/4-barrel V8/240 net horsepower (engine)
3 = 1973 (model year)
B = Dodge Main-Hamtramck,
Michigan (assembly plant)
Engine and transmission matching VIN
derivatives . . .
8 3/4 inch "489" rear axle . . .
Original axle paint . . .
Brake pads . . .
Owner's manual.
A note from the owner.
I am a “used car dealer” but before that,
I’m an automobile enthusiast. I love original rare and high
quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve
been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding
selection of high-demand, high value vehicles. I specialize
in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that
were cherished by their previous owners. I have an
experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my
preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I
have therefore, built my business and reputation around
finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.
Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict
requirements but a car must do something for me on a
personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the
bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional
vehicle. If nothing about the car excites me, it probably
won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of
business.
With just four employees and no sales
people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may
at first glance appear. It has taken great care and effort
to create such an organization and often, an unusually high
investment in a particular car we are about to list. To
sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my
corner and Chris, owner of
A-Best Auto Repair
in Henderson, Nevada has my back. He and his crew can fix
anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute
most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no
small detail unimportant. They do an exhaustive 130 point
inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes
their methodical investigation. Experience has shown that
everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back
to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy
customer that says good things about me. Moreover; it
allows my writer to describe the car with ease and
confidence, something that simply is not possible unless
he thinks it is true. If major issues are found or the
cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too
expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one. I simply
absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it
at auction.
After the vehicle is fully sorted it
arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious
eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see
on eBay. He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else
tells him about the car as he combs over every inch,
researches its history and documents originality and
authenticity. Historical significance, rarity, special
features, possible modifications and much more are used to
accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.
Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150
high resolution pictures that I take myself. The pricey
equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the
very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a
logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with
close-up shots of every square inch. I provide detailed
views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a
lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty
of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.
Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so
meticulously clean. This reconditioning can sometimes take
several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially
prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each
car lovingly receives.
Usually, I’ll also include a high
definition video that shows the car doing its thing. If
it’s a fast car, we film it going fast. If it’s a 4x4
you’ll see it crawling up a hill. In every case you will
hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system
and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser
thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent. How many
“dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty? We
do.
No “dealer,” on-line or in the real
world, takes it to this level. No other seller or
organization provides you, the buyer, with so much
information. I do this because it is the only way I can
convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or
feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I
say is the truth. All the above is necessary for me to stay
in business while keeping integrity intact. I want every
buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on
eBay. To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that
are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought
it.
If you have any questions at all, please
call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500. If your inquiry is
sincere and your offer serious, you’ll find me the most
accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with. If
you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my
bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the
conversation. Until you are ready to actually pull the
trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest
nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a
number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste
your time, or mine. I am after all, a “used car dealer.”
Serious buyers know the maximum they can
offer. I then must simply decide if I can sell for that
number.
If you hit the reserve, the decision is no
longer mine. I must sell at that number.
I don't respond to emails
asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now"
figures on top line cars.
THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE
FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!
The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling
figures.
NADA & KBB wouldn't be
in business if their values were not real but their figures
are averaged for the entire nation. If this car is less than or
better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.
Please
ask about our service programs and pricing.
Cars
sold without warranties are sold As-Is.
Waiver's of Warranty
will be signed if declined.
All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor,
some serious. I know, because I fix them
without the advantage of a warranty. You don't have to.
Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.
Most vehicles are
already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com
Terms of Sale
This vehicle is safely stored in
our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder
City, Nevada. We are just 25 minutes from Las
Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the
opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive
them to our facility for vehicle delivery. We have
years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide
and across the globe. We stand ready to facilitate
whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers
request and expense. This vehicle will not be
delivered or released for shipment until complete
payment is received and all funds have cleared.
Third party, pre-purchase vehicle
inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction
ends. We are happy to answer questions about this
vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have
BEFOREYOUBID
and BEFORETHEAUCTIONENDS. . .
THEREARENOEXCEPTIONS. If you are in the Las
Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a
demonstration.
A $1000 non-refundable
partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end
of this auction . We prefer VISA but will accept
PayPal if necessary.
Full payment must be received
within four (4) business days of the end of
auction. Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in
person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE
TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and
required for all winning bidders outside the United
States. Loan checks can be accepted only after
prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams. M/Os
will NEVER be accepted. CHECKS
in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before
delivery of any item.
Free and clear title is in seller's
possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.
Important:
Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding
contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.
Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will
be aggressively pursued. Non-paying bidders will
be prosecuted. If you do not intend to purchase
this vehicle, DO NOT BID.
We will happily
do whatever is required to assist a legitimate
bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with
their transaction.
This vehicle sold AS-IS,
with no warranty. This is not a new vehicle, it is
used. A used vehicle will have normal wear and
tear congruent to its age and/or mileage. This
vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications
of use because it has been used. Terms such as
"perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective
but all other descriptions are.
When you bid, you understand and
agree to these terms.
Sales tax, smog and title fees may be
applicable to Nevada residents.
A document
fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing
auction price.
An
optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for
$8.25.
New eBay bidders with (0)
feedback or international bidders
please make contact by
email or
phone at least 2 hours before bidding.
We reserve the right to cancel
bids if necessary to protect our
clients.
Research for this ad was
done with all due diligence toward an accurate
presentation of the facts. All information herein
represents our sincere effort to be correct. If we
have made any errors or provided information later found
to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and
resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it
is within our ability to do. Descriptive words
like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions
because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.
If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our
vehicles in person or by a professional inspection
service strictly prior to the close of the
auction. Post auction inspections are unacceptable
and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder
immediately.
Right/front blinker and park light
inoperative . . .
Side marker lights inoperative . . .
Right side fender blinker inoperative . .
.
All gauges work except oil pressure,
alternator, temperature and clock. Under dash
temperature gauge does work and high-beam indicator lens is
missing . . .
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005Office Line -
702-889-Viva (8482)Fax Line -
702-889-8486Dlr #
26850
Doug Williams
OwnerDirect Line -
702-353-7500
Win Victoriously, Your
Way!
Find Out How to Make
Your Deal Immediately!
We Can and Will Find a Way to
Make it Happen for You on eBay.
Beat all the last minute bidders to the
punch!
Save Time & Last Minute
Disappointment
Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it
Safe!
Don't worry eBay!
We'll make sure
the auction completes & does not happen off of
eBay!
We wouldn't want
eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!
Keeping our
clients safe and getting positive feedback is
critical to us!
Almost as
critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.
A Note for Potential Victims
Please let us know if you see our vehicles
under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance
Offer" with any e-mail other than ours. You can easily recognize the
crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay
system. They'll never disclose a telephone number or address
either. If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you
a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for
their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and
password.
* Be Careful! *
Be sure to ask about our Available
Warranties
&
Review our Programs and Pricing on the
Links below.
Some Vehicles May Qualify for the
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The Plymouth Superbird is one of those classic American cars from the muscle car era that has captured the imagination of all sorts of automotive enthusiasts long after its presence on roads and race tracks wore away. It's easy to see why. Where else but in the Swingin' Sixties and Seventies would a car leave the factory with an aerodynamics package that included a pointy beak and a rear spoiler that sat several feet above the rear deck? The example you see above, which was born in 1970, is one of the finest Superbirds we've ever seen. Combine its complete restoration with its original 426 Hemi engine, and it's no surprise that it managed to bring in a cool half million dollars (plus 10 percent in fees) at Barrett-Jackson. See it yourself in our high-res image gallery above, and scroll down below for the official auction description. If you want to follow along with the coverage, check out the Hagerty Fantasy Bid online game here.
We're plenty used to seeing classic cars selling for millions of dollars. It's just that they're usually European: Ferraris, Bugattis, Mercedes and the like. There are some rare American exceptions, usually wearing the names Duesenberg or Shelby. But what we have here is the most expensive Chrysler product ever sold at auction. The vehicle in question is a Plymouth Barracuda - specifically a 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible, chassis #BS27R1B315367 - that Mecum Auctions just sold after eight solid minutes of feverish bidding for a high bid of $3.5 million at its auction in Seattle, Washington. That figure positively eclipses the $2.2 million paid for a strikingly similar Hemi Cuda (chassis #BS27R1B269588) fetched nearly seven years ago in Scottsdale and another that was the first muscle car to break the million-dollar mark in 2002.
Before Chrysler had Street and Racing Technology, it had Performance Vehicle Operations. What the two entities have in common, before SRT became its own brand, of course, is that each was created to take Chrysler and Dodge (and Plymouth, before it was unceremoniously killed off) vehicles to the next level of style and performance. We'll leave the question of whether or not the old Plymouth (and later Chrysler) Prowler was ultimately a stylish, performance-oriented car to you, but the boys and girls currently leading the SRT charge at the Pentastar headquarters are keen to accept the retro-rod into the fold. According to the automaker, all of SRT's current high-performance models owe a debt of gratitude to the old Prowler, due mostly to that car's use of lightweight bits and pieces and innovative construction techniques. If nothing else, the fact that the Prowler's frame is "the largest machined automotive part in history" is pretty cool. Read all the details here.