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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Car: AMC Rambler Classic 770 Convertible

Year: 1966

What makes it special: The intermediate Rambler Classic model was produced and sold by American Motors Corporation, more commonly known as “AMC” for the 1961 to 1966 model years. It took the slot once occupied by the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 models that were retired at the end of the 1960 model year. It began as a six-passenger four door sedan and station wagon, but a two door post and hardtop model style were added around 1964, then a convertible was added for the ’65 and ’66 production years.

What made it famous: The 66 Rambler Classic model’s were on the receiving end of some trim changes and safety feature additions. The mid-trim level 660 was dropped from the line-up, leaving just the 550 and 770 models available for 1966. Available for the first time was a floor-mounted 4-speed manual transmission and a dash-mounted tachometer. Engine choices were the same as the ’65 models, beginning with a Modern Straight-Six replacing the 195.6 cu in choice. The 770 model choices were a 145hp, 232 cu in six, and a 155hp version was available as an option. Also additional were a 198hp, 287 cu in and a 270hp, 327 cu in V8 as dealer options.

Why I would want one: It’s different. In a world of Ford, GM and Chrysler products, it’s nice to see the old AMC’s still kicking around. I love it.

Fun fact: The name Classic was no longer considered a positive factor in the marketplace and AMC began reshuffling model names in 1966.
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