Classics Rare unrestored ’Cuda convertible wears its age proudly

© Provided by Hagerty

When it comes to muscle cars—Mopar muscle cars in particular—engine and color options can make all the difference in the world. Of course, the condition is still paramount, and this 1971 ’Cuda convertible, available at Mecum’s Indy 2020 auction in July, offers a unique look, thanks to its unrestored bodywork.

The 1971 model year marked the last hurrah for Chrysler Corporation’s 440 six-barrel, as well as being the final year for the drop-top E-body. This Tor Red ’Cuda, with its massive billboard 440 graphics, is just one of 17 convertibles fitted with the 385-horsepower big-block and one of two that were built for export outside of the U.S.

Surprise! 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Won’t Get Price Hike

Surprise! 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Won’t Get Price HikeThat means the base price for the 2021 Stingray coupe, which was the 2020 MotorTrend Car of the Year, remains at $59,995 while the convertible stays pat at $67,495. Other good news: You don't have to get the Z51 performance package to enjoy GM's excellent Magnetic Ride Control. It will be a standalone option, even on the base model, says Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer for the Corvette.

For those of us who can't remember 1971, it might be difficult to explain why an automaker would walk away from muscle cars, especially one as dominant in its heyday as the Plymouth Hemi Cuda . By then, muscle cars felt played out; between smog laws, gas prices and rising insurance rates, power stopped being quite so cool. Those trends were temporary, but they still reverberate today with the reverse effect — making this 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible potentially the most valuable muscle car ever when it goes up for sale next month.

10 points11 points12 points 3 months ago (0 children). Around the time they got married, my dad had a yellow Barracuda convertible . I wanna say it was a 69 or a 70, my mom made him sell it when my sister was born. In fairness, it was pretty ratty, but man I wish he'd held onto that thing.

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible Mecum rear three quarter

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible billboard graphic

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible Mecum interior

The rare pony car was stored for 35 years and the patina on its bodywork speaks volumes. Inside you’ll find the Slap Stik shifter for the A727 automatic in the console between the bucket seats. What you won’t find is a radio. Apparently the original owner didn’t want anything to compete with the big-block’s induction road as the four barrels of the secondary carburetors open up. Now that we think about it, we can’t really blame the guy for checking the radio delete box. After all, it was ordered before Led Zeppelin IV was released. He had no way of knowing.

Complete your collection with these 3 well-documented 1970 LS6 Chevys

Complete your collection with these 3 well-documented 1970 LS6 Chevys appeared first on Hagerty Media.

Rare unrestored ’ Cuda convertible wears its age proudly . The Garage: For OTHER car talk.

This ' Cuda looks legit.Talk to any car lover, and the mention of a Hemi ' Cuda is usually enough to get any gearhead's oil racing! The reason is that Hemi 'Cudas are both extremely rare and very expensive, but if you're looking for a more budget-friendly way to get one of these mean Mopars parked in your driveway, then check out this 1970 Plymouth Hemi ' Cuda Tribute being auctioned off through GAA Classic Cars.This beautiful car is fresh off an extensive restoration that took seven years to complete.

The 440 six-barrel engine is too cool to be kept completely under the hood and peeks out by way of a Shaker hood scoop that, according to the auction listing, is not original. Unlike the body, which was left unrestored, the engine and the rest of the drivetrain have been refreshed, so it should be ready to cruise as-is.

© Provided by Hagerty Mecum

Mecum estimates that this rare combination of options and unrestored status will bring $500,000–$700,000. For the right collector, this may be just the right combination of options and a lack of options. Restored examples may deliver a time machine experience that takes the owner back to the way these cars looked on the showroom floor, but paint and bodywork are only original once. For some collectors, that’s worth quite a bit.

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible Mecum oblique

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible Mecum profile

© Provided by Hagerty 1971 Cuda Convertible Mecum fender gills

The post Rare unrestored ’Cuda convertible wears its age proudly appeared first on Hagerty Media.