National Award Winning 'Cuda 340 4 Speed 3.91

You're looking at what might be the finest restored small block 1970 'Cuda in the world. Scratch that—it IS the finest in the world. Throwing a six-figure restoration on a Hemi 'Cuda is no surprise, but when someone does it to a small block car, the results have got to be astounding. Taking a look at the fender tag, and it becomes a little clearer why this one got the full treatment. As a very rare “two tag” car, there are so many options in this one that they overflowed onto a second tag, and that certainly justifies the dedication to the amazing restoration. Have a look for yourself:

BS23:
Plymouth Barracuda
Special, 'Cuda
2-door Hardtop
H0E: 340 275 horsepower 1x4 barrel 8 CYL
1970
Los Angeles, CA, USA
129546: Sequence number
E55: 340 cubic inch 4-barrel V8 275 horsepower
D21: 4-speed Manual Transmission
EB5: Bright Blue Metallic / Blue Fire Metallic Exterior Color
H6X9: Trim - High, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Black
000: Full Door Panels
122: Build Date: January 22
062570: Order number
EB5: Bright Blue Metallic / Blue Fire Metallic Top Color
A01: Light Package
A31: High Performance Axle Package with 3.91 Ratio
A62: Rallye Instrument Cluster Package
C16: Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C55: Bucket Seats
G33: LH Remote Racing Mirror
J25: 3 Speed Wipers
J45: Hood Tie Down Pins
J54: Sport Hood
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
M31: Belt Moldings
N88: Auto Speed Control
N41: Dual Exhaust
26 26-inch radiator

That's quite an impressive list of options, and with a great-running 340 under the hood, this two-owner 'Cuda is still a formidable piece on the street. Of course, after making claims that this is the finest small block 'Cuda you're likely to find, you know the bodywork is beyond excellent. I don't know if I've ever seen an E-body that fits together this well, and it suggests that not only was this a super-straight car to begin with, but that someone spent a month just getting the panel fit correct. The B5 Bright Blue finish is, well, bright, just as it should be, and it has been faithfully reproduced in 2-stage urethane for a forever shine. The Shaker hood makes this one look just like its big brother, and has been finished in the correct Argent Silver using just the right amount of metallic. And just as the fender tag says they should be, the super-rare belt moldings, pin stripe, hood pins, and fender-mounted turn signals are all in place.

In addition, both the front and rear bumpers have been restored to show condition, and the chrome has been finished to the same standards you'd find on a magnificent '30s Classic. The blacked-out tail panel is even and uniform, and all the glass is new. Looking at the rocker “gills” along the bottom of the car, I'm wondering if the workmanship is simply too perfect, because the guys at the factory sure didn't spend much time getting it this nice as it was rolling down the assembly line. But if you're building the best one in the world, that's the standard. And an interesting wrinkle in this car's history is the chrome passenger-side mirror, installed by the dealer in-period to match the chrome driver's side piece.

The engine is a correct 340 that has been immaculately detailed to replicate factory standards in every measurable way. Although it's largely hidden by the big Shaker hood scoop, the bright Hemi Orange paint on the block is a nice contrast to the B5 Blue on the inner fenders and firewall. Extreme measures were taken to preserve, document, and replicate all the factory markings, and correct components were used throughout. Where NOS components couldn't be located, exact reproductions were used, including the hoses and clamps, as well as a big load of parts from expert Frank Badelson. A reproduction yellow cap battery cranks it to life, while a set of beautifully preserved cast iron exhaust manifolds feed the correct dual exhaust system underneath. This is also an LA-built car that stayed in California, so it includes California Emissions with a correct 4-barrel carburetor. The list of awards this car has won since being completed in April 2011 is proof enough that the engine bay is worthy of top-flight status.

The original 4-speed manual transmission lives behind the high-winding small block, and drives a 3.91 gear, making this one of only approximately 90 340 “Track Pak” cars built in 1970. I wish it were possible to display cars like this upside-down to show off the remarkable chassis detailing. The floors are finished in more beautiful B5 Blue, but there's just the right amount of overspray around the edges. Factory markings were again accurately replicated, including on the driveshaft, rear end, and front suspension. Restored Rallye wheels wear a set of brightly polished trim rings and correct E60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires that have done little more than roll on and off the trailer.

Nobody was doing interiors better than Chrysler in 1970, and the fully restored black bucket seat driver's compartment of this E-body is absolutely show quality in every way. If you can touch it, it's probably new, ranging from fresh seat covers and door panels, to a crisply restored dash, to the beautiful center console. In fact, even the things you can't touch are restored, including the foam on the seats and the Rally Gauges. The factory wood graining on the console, door panels, and especially the steering wheel has been exactly duplicated, and the pistol-grip shifter is new. Open the deck lid and you'll find an immaculately presented trunk, with a new mat, correct finishes on the insides of the quarter panels, and a space-saver spare complete with inflator kit and jack assembly.

Documentation includes the original purchase agreement and finance agreement. Finished just a few months ago, this car has already won "1st place E Body Judged,” and "Best of Show - E Body", at Mopars At The Strip (Las Vegas) this year, and at this years "Spring Fling" (largest west coast show of the year), where it was "Second Place E-Body Judged" (1st place was a $1.5 million Hemi 'Cuda restored by Roger Gibson, which also received "Best of Show").

Cars simply don't get any nicer than this 'Cuda. Every detail is exact and the workmanship is beyond excellent. And while we wish we could charge enough for this car to cover the cost of the restoration (never mind the purchase of the car from the original owner), it would probably double the price. However, if you're looking for a show-quality 'Cuda that will sweep the Mopar Nationals, this one is bargain-priced compared to doing it yourself. And good luck finding a two-tag car with original ownership documentation at any price. Small block 'Cudas are some of the best driving cars of the era, but they also make pretty darned nice pieces of art. Call today!