Restored Numbers Matching 'Cuda 440 Six Pack 4 Speed

When it comes to star power, these big-block square-jawed Mopars have it for days. It's part of why they were among the first heavy hitters in the muscle car marketplace and remain strong sellers to this very day. While the “HEMI” name certainly carries some weight, it's not the only mark of a desirable E-body. Take a look at this restored numbers-matching 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda. One of just 254 1971 'Cudas equipped with the legendary 440-6, this car certainly has the exclusivity factor going for it. That appeal is supported by a performance-oriented options list and a sinister factory look rarely seen in the E-body world. There's a full break down of the trim tag in the pictures, but the highlights include:

A34: Super Track Pack
N41: Dual exhaust
N42: Chrome dual exhaust tips
R11: Music Master AM radio
B51: Power assisted disc brakes
C55: Bucket seats
J25: 3-speed variable wipers
26: 26-inch radiator
J45: Hood pins with lanyards
J54: Sport hood
TX9: Tuxedo Black paint
H6X9: Black vinyl interior
E87: 440-6 engine
D21: HD 4-speed manual transmission

Thanks to a nut and bolt restoration performed by Mountain Mopars in Three Rivers, California, this 'Cuda's overall fit and finish presents much better today than when it rolled off Dodge Main's assembly line over 40 years ago. To restore this rare 'Cuda, it was completely disassembled and put on a rotisserie. All original factory sheet metal was used, except for a partial trunk pan replacement, and outer quarter skins, which were replaced with original parts from a donor car. Take a peak under the sport hood – the crumple zone creases in the bracing underneath are present, confirming it as a genuine article. The all-steel body was massaged to perfection and repainted in the correct PPG Deltron TX9 Tuxedo Black paint. Given that most of these cars seen at shows or in magazines are coated in relatively bright hues, the coat of black is especially striking.

At the front, a stainless trimmed, 1971-exclusive 'Cuda grille hangs four halogen headlights above a showroom fresh bumper, correct GE road lamps, and clear parking lights. At the top of the car a “440-6”- branded fresh air hood props two stainless lanyards and a small “PLYMOUTH” script in front of like-new glass, fresh stainless trim, new chrome drip rails and pitch black sport mirrors. At the sides of the car flush, satin-finish door handles and correct silver fender louvers ride above dent-free rocker trim, new marker lights and a trademark gold Chrysler Pentastar emblem. And at the back of the car, a satin black valence hangs a “'cuda by Plymouth” emblem between like-new tail lights, a second show-worthy bumper and correct stainless exhaust tips. Unlike most dressed and decaled cars, which tend to throw good taste out the window, this awesome E-Body seamlessly balances a cool personality with sinister looks to create one timeless muscle car.

Pull the pins on this 'Cudas black sport hood to find the original 440 cubic inch Super Commando that has been fully rebuilt and re-crowned with it's legendary Plymouth “6-barrel performance package”. As the top option for gearheads who don't want to sell an arm or leg for a Hemi, the 440 utilizes three 2-barrel Holley carburetors, a revised intake manifold, a high-performance camshaft and an externally balanced heavy duty crankshaft to turn stout 10:1 compression into 385 horsepower and 485 lb./ft. or torque. All that high performance hardware is housed in a glossy Hemi Orange block which wears a matching VIN derivative above the pan rail and a correct 256430 casting number behind low restriction exhaust manifolds. That compression is sparked by new plug wires which are snapped onto a correct points distributor. Those cylinders are cooled by a correct heavy duty radiator which comes complete with fresh hoses and a correct fan shroud. Aesthetically, the engine bay of this stellar Mopar is in brilliant, show-ready condition featuring immaculate detailing and correct finishes throughout. Naturally, all the little details like the correct reproduction Mopar red cap battery, a correct brake booster and even an old school Chrysler windshield washer reservoir, have been accurately duplicated or completely restored.

This 'Cuda's fully restored chassis and drivetrain are just as straight forward and clean as its exterior panels and engine bay. Undercoated floors make quick work of cleaning while providing a great backdrop for all the freshened hardware underneath. The torque-happy big block churns power through an original and professionally rebuilt A833 18-spline 4-speed manual transmission which spins a tough Chrysler rear end. At either side, a stainless dual exhaust system carries spent gases out through factory reproduction mufflers. The chassis is supported by a rebuilt factory suspension that maintains the beloved torsion bar setup at the front while a pair of leaf springs keeps the rear end planted. Braking, which is surprisingly competent for a 42 year old design, comes courtesy of correct power front discs and heavy duty rear drums; and steering is handled by a traditional Chrysler manual rack. At the corners, a restored set of 15 inch Rallye wheels spin fresh 235/60 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around satin trim rings and pristine center caps, completing the classis 'Cuda look.

Inside, the cars well-executed, fully restored black vinyl interior is simple, functional and looks as good as new. The driver and passenger high-back bucket and rear bench seats are showroom fresh and show no signs of any wear at all. Below those seats, new black carpet frames the legendary Hurst pistol grip shifter. Above a taut and wrinkle-free headliner stretches from door to door and window to window. From the driver seat, a simple factory gauge cluster monitors fuel, temperature, alternator, and speed. Interestingly, there is no tach to be found despite the list of performance options. A Mopar Tuff Wheel offers control of the front wheels while metal-trimmed pedals tie in visually with the door sill plates. This car is about originality so you won't find some modern head unit stashed anywhere- just a Music Master AM radio should the 440 ever fail to entertain. Behind the cockpit, a fully restored trunk holds a new mat below a correct spare tire, a full jack assembly and a correctly decaled decklid. Everything from this brawny 'Cudas bright dome light to its shiny sill plates, is fully sorted and ready to hit the road.

Included in the sale is a full break down of the trim tag as well as a nice stack of restoration receipts. The receipts provide significant insight into what it took to bring this 'Cuda to its current state.

Few things grab the attention of a collector quite like “rare numbers-matching Mopar” and that is exactly what you're looking at with this 'Cuda. Production numbers for the 1971 440 cars aren't much higher than the HEMIs and they're nearly as fast in the quarter mile. If you're looking for both a rare and sinister E-body to complete your collection, get in touch with out sales staff today. This one won't be around for long.