The 1971 Cuda Convertible

1 of 12 BBL Automatic Cuda Convertibles produced in 1971. Documented with the original broadcast sheet. Extensive restoration completed with original and NOS parts. Believed to be 21,026 miles. 440 BBL engine. Dual exhaust with chrome tips. D32 Heavy duty automatic transmission. A34 Super Track Pak with 4.10 gears. Power brakes. FE5 Bright Red with Black convertible top.

The multi-carbureted Mopar E-body convertibles of the early 1970s are among the most highly desired muscle cars on earth. Under the scalloped hood is the 440 6-BBL engine with a 385 HP rating.

The engine bay features the oval air cleaner, OE-design black battery, cast manifolds and dual exhaust ending in chrome tips. Built under the A34 Super Track Pak code, this Plymouth came with the D32 heavy-duty A727 automatic transmission and a Dana 60 differential featuring 4.10 Sure Grip gearing.

Final-year 1971 Cuda convertibles are well established among enthusiasts as the ultimate muscle car. While the 7 Hemi Cuda convertibles stand at the apex as the most valuable engine-option for 1971, the 17 Cuda convertibles built with the V-code 440 6-BBL engine command great respect. This example made $1.1m.

1971 Hemi Cuda convertible - $3.5m

The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and Cuda were selling well in that year with 50,617 cars sold. Buyers went AWOL in 1971, when Chrysler sold just 16,159. Of those, 108 were Hemi Cuda coupes and 11 were Hemi Cuda convertibles. Only two of the convertibles were sold with 4-speeds. This blue car is one of the them. In 2014 it became the most expensive Mopar ever sold at auction when it made $3.5m.

The car was restored in 2000. Once owned by Broom Hilda cartoonist Russell Meyers, it was sold to its next owner for $250,000. It was later confiscated in a drug raid and subsequently sold at auction for $405,000.

Writers of the time made comments. “There is nothing politically correct, nothing socially responsible about a Hemi ‘Cuda. The 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible is wretched excess in a nearly unimaginably limited production package.” It is the ultimate portrayal of the ultimate muscle car. Original list price‎ was ‎$4,348.