The standard engineโcould an enthusiast ever settle for something like this when choosing a dream machine’s motor? If that car happens to be a 1971 Plymouth Cuda like the one we’re currently gazing at, the answer might as well be “yes”, as the classic muscle icon only came in hyper-powered form.
The second iteration of the Barracuda had already grown into a desirable muscle car, but its Valliant economy vehicle underpinnings were holding it back. So, when the Mopar people came up with the Gen 3 version for the 1970 model year, this switched to the then-all-new E-Body platform, the kind Dodge also used for the OG Challenger.
And while the Gran Coupe added a touch of luxury to the base Barracuda, which, by the way, had a pair of slant-sixes as the base engines, the Cuda was aimed at adrenaline junkies, featuring a 383 ci (6.3L) V8 as the standard engine.
With 335 hp on tap, the engine was more than capable of giving the sleek body of the machine matching driving dynamics, even when fitted with a three-speed automatic like this car.
And this example can show one quite a lot about how things were back in the day, especially since it’s a genuine survivor, as described by its current seller, Virginia-based Callaway Classic Cars.
A Banana Yellow time capsule
With the odometer showing just 21,695 miles (34,929 km), this Cuda has never been restored. Among others, this means the Banana Yellow dominant hue is a pure taste of the 70s.
We’re talking about one of the eye-catching colors included in the High Impact range that Chrysler introduced in the summer of 1969โthese majestic shades continue to please drivers to this day.
The specialist doesn’t mention the price of the toy, but, given the condition, this is probably a six-figure machine.
Since we mentioned luxury above, we should tell you that the configuration of the two-door features plenty of amenities, from the AC and the Rallye dash featuring a tachometer to the power brakes, steering, and windows.
The vehicle appears to have no rust issues, save for what appear to be surface traces beneath the trunk liner. However, the company’s website doesn’t provide too many images of the underbody.
Even so, if you head over to the piece of footage below, you can listen to that 383 making everybody feel like it’s 1971 all over again.