Car: Plymouth ‘Cuda Coupe
Year: 1971
What makes it special: The Plymouth Barracuda model finally shook off its “economy car” stigma beginning with the 1970 model year. It’s original fastback design was replaced by coupe and convertible body styles. It’s E-Body was also shared with Dodge’s Challenger model, although no sheet metal was shared between the two. Three versions were available for 1970 & 1971, consisting of the base model, the luxury Gran Coupe and the ‘Cuda sport model.
What made it famous: Standard for the ‘Cuda was the 335hp, 383 cu in V8, but it also had options like the 440 cu in Super Commando and the 440 cu in, six-barrel Super Commando Six Pak, and the famed 425hp, 426 Hemi V8. The 440 and Hemi equipped ‘Cuda’s were given upgraded suspension and structural reinforcing to help transfer all that power to the road. The engine bay was now larger than the previous year A-Body, to accommodate the larger powerplants like the 440 and 426 V8’s The 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda was given one-year only dual headlights and as well and fender fins.
Why I would want one: The ‘Cuda and its sister Challenger model were the Pony Car offerings for Plymouth and Dodge, and given the amount of V8 power available for each, these were pretty potent Ponies.
Fun fact: The high-performance models were marketed as ‘Cuda deriving from the 1969 option.
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