1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible 340 4 Speed, Numbers Matching on 2040-cars

1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible.  A Real BS27H1 car. Not a clone, not a 70 disguised as a 1971 but a real numbers matching 1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible, 340 4-Speed Car.  1 of just 30 built. Car was sold somewhere in Maine in 1971. It left the factory as a 1971 340, 4 Speed, B-5 Blue, White Billboard, Power Steering, Manual Drum Brakes, Manual White top and interior. Really, just a low option car. Car had been repainted twice. Once red, in the 70s and then back to the original B5 Blue around 1980.  After being painted red, in the late 1970s it was involved in a front end collision which wiped out the front sheet metal. The purchaser bought it this way in 1980 had a 1971 Barracuda Grand Coupe parts car and took the fenders, hood, grill and gravel shield from that car, and possibly the driver’s inner fender. The Cuda gills were added to the replacement Barracuda fenders. He also replaced the Cuda Standard Gauges with the wood grain overlay.  It appears the car had been in a front end accident prior to the one in the 70s and the radiator support had previously been replaced with an NOS part, which obviously has no VIN #. Surprisingly this part was not replaced the second time around but pounded and pulled back into shape.

I bought this car 2 years ago from an enthusiast who spent many years trying to track this car down. He saw the car for sale locally in Bangor, Maine in 1996, but at the time could not afford to buy it. The owner had purchased the car about 1980 from the original owner and it was sold locally in 1996. The car sat in storage for 15 years, never touched or driven until it was rediscovered in 2011, and some basic restoration was begun. The original numbers matching 340 was still running strong, so just a few replaced gaskets. 4 Speed, which was replaced years ago, was rebuilt and the clutch was replaced. The rear axle was dropped (3:55 Sure Grip)and was rebuilt end to end. New windshield and new TTI exhaust system installed, as well as some 15” Rally Wheels and Polyglas white letter tires. Front end kit was ordered and installed. New gas tank and sending unit, new rear bumper, new carpet. Engine compartment was detailed and repainted. Billboard stripes put back on. New engine and light harness, new hood pin kit, added chin spoilers, replaced wheel opening moldings, new Master Cylinder, New Fuel Pump, New front brake lines, new starter, new alternator and new top well liner. I purchased the car in 2012 and continued the process replacing and installing new white seat covers, new white door and rear panels, new white seat backs, new white top boot and added a factory rear spoiler with correct mounting brackets. The inner fender tag was lost in 1980 when the body was redone, so I had a new one made, listing JUST the original options. Top is a 1980s replacement and is dirty and has a patch. White arm rests and new outer door handles will be included.

Condition: What you have now is a great running car with a 30 year old paint job, with its share of nicks and scratches and fading. Car appears to have always been garaged so the bodywork is as tight as it was when new. Quarter panels were replaced during the 1980 restoration, at the body line. Underside of the car is crusty, but no rot. Drive it as like I have, or restore it. I would have no trouble driving this car as is for the next 5 years. Provided it is garaged, there should be no issues.Carb is old but engine runs great, windshield wiper motor not working and speedo not working, everything else functions fine.

Items concerning authenticity. The car has its normal cowl number in place, never disturbed; dash has its original VIN tag, Engine is original and numbered such. Radiator support has no number as it was an NOS piece; Inner fender tag is a replacement. Important! Because the inner fender tag was missing and the broad cast sheets are gone, how did we verify the colors and options?? This car has NEVER been sand blasted and floor pans are original, so the color is easy to find and the 4 speed hump is still in place. The original B-5 blue paint is still there. The white gut was verified as we have the original rear panels that were repainted when the color was changed. Billboard stripe and color was verified when speaking to the 1980 owner. Original transmission is long gone. I can provide names and contact info of three previous owners going back to 1980.

This vehicle is certainly the most sought after Mopar there is, with only 292 Cuda Convertibles built during 1971, only 30 being 340 4-Speeds. With Hemi versions reaching over 2 Million Dollars and restored 340 and 383 Convertibles selling in the $175,000-$200,00 range, this car is priced very fairly. I am not going to photo every square inch of the car. Come to see it, or hire someone to come see it. I have been buying and restoring Mopars for 28 years, if you don’t have the money please do not call me. If you want to trade your car, your boat, your motorcycle or your ex-wife, don’t call me. If you want to talk cars, tell me about the one you had 20 years ago or go for a joy ride, don’t call me. If you are expecting a perfect flawless car that needs nothing, don’t call me. If you are a serious enthusiast who has been looking for a real 71 Cuda Convertible and can afford it. Call me. 978-855-2179, between 9AM and 9PM Eastern Standard Time.