Documented Numbers Matching Restored 'Cuda 383 Super Commando V8 4 Speed PS

1971 Plymouth Barracuda Description

SUMMARY

Original 383 cubic inch Super Commando V8
Original Chrysler A833 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Tor-Red High Impact Pigment
Correct Black interior
Sale includes: An original Broadcast Sheet / Restoration photos
Factory power steering
Chrysler 8.75-inch rear axle
15-inch Rallye wheels

Hemi-powered Plymouth 'Cudas have been fetching serious money for years. It seems, when it comes to old school muscle cars, there's just something about big engine, square-jawed MoPars that turns grown men into starstruck admirers. And, while that's great for collectors and a few long-term owners, it leaves most classic car enthusiasts out in the cold. Fortunately the phrase "numbers-matching Hemi" isn't the only indicator of this brand's market success. And if you're looking for a sweet piece of Detroit muscle that'll show AND tear up the road, cars like this fully documented 383/4-speed combo are just as cool and just as much fun!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Is there a cooler color than Plymouth's glowing Tor-Red urethane? An eye-catching, High Impact hue that came out of Chrysler's hip, 1970s 'brighter is better' mindset, this 'Cuda's correct code EV2 pigment is some of the coolest paint to ever adorn classic MoPar metal. Naturally, that racy red looks right at home highlighting a ground-up restored BS23's laser-straight panels, razor-sharp lines, and rock-solid profile. When expertly applied under a correct Black top and crystalline clearcoat, it becomes a great reminder as to just how cool Detroit's golden era really was. And overall, this coupe rolls as one head turning cruiser that simply oozes vintage appeal!

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 flashy good looks. And, thanks to a quality Le Hodge restoration, the car's crisp shut lines and excellent panel alignment present much better today than when it originally rolled off Dodge Main's storied assembly lines. At the front of its broad shouldered body, a stainless-trimmed, 1971-exclusive grille hangs four halogen headlights above a bright bumper and sculpted parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a "'cuda 383" branded hood props two stainless lanyards and a small "PLYMOUTH" script in front of like-new glass, fresh stainless trim and correct window louvers. At the sides of that hood, satin door handles and stylish fender louvers ride between correct Tor-Red sport mirrors, dent-free rocker trim and RKM-installed billboards. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence hangs a cool "'cuda by PLYMOUTH" emblem between a prominent spoiler, bright taillights, a second chrome bumper and correct stainless exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Hoist the car's hood and you'll find an original, 383 cubic inch Super Commando V8 that hangs a familiar 2468130 casting number between a June (6) 18th (18) of 1970 (70) casting date and matching 355567 partial VIN. More popular than Chrysler's famed Hemi, and almost as feared, the Super Commando V8 was designed to be Plymouth's best combination of comfort, streetability and performance. At the top of the stout mill, a beefy Edelbrock carburetor breathes through a correct air cleaner that's covered in a striking combination of fresh Organisol and traditional lettering. Below that carburetor, a spotless orange block wears familiar steel valve covers and previously restored exhaust manifolds. The big engine's fires are lit by reproduction Chrysler Electronic Suppression wires, a reproduction Chrysler voltage regulator and a proven points distributor. And cooling is provided by a correct, 26-inch radiator, which is augmented with authentic squeeze clamps and reproduction Chrysler hoses. Take a second to refocus your eyes on the clean engine bay and you'll find a familiar red cap battery, an appropriate washer tank and a fresh master cylinder. And the entire set up, from its fenders to its firewall, is coated in the same EV2 red as the car's glossy exterior panels.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

As expected, this 'Cuda's fully sorted chassis is every bit as clean and road-ready as its solid body and bright engine. A rugged A833 4-speed, which is branded with a matching 355567 partial VIN, churns power to a tough Chrysler rear end. Included in the restoration was a completely rebuilt suspension that, thanks to retrofitted power steering, helps the car hook up quick and perform great. Braking, which is surprisingly competent for a 43 year old design, comes courtesy of four beefy drums. Spent gases are escorted rearward by aluminized, true-dual pipes, which roar through deep turbo mufflers and Magnaflow resonators. At the corners, 15-inch Rallye wheels spin fresh F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs around stainless trim rings and charcoal center caps. And aesthetically, the bottom of this super cool Plymouth is cased and ready to roll, with correctly oversprayed floors framing a roster of proven components.

INTERIOR

Swivel the car's solid-closing doors and you'll find a correct Black interior that's functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are covered in crack-free vinyl that displays hardly any signs of wear. Below those seats, stain-free carpet centers thick rubber floor mats on a wood-trimmed console and Hurst pistol grip shifter. At the sides of that carpet, sculpted panels proudly hang the 'Cuda name above traditional window cranks, integrated door handles and cool chrome locks. In front of those panels, a clean black dash props correct Rallye gauges above a familiar Chrysler Solid State radio. Above that dash, a fresh headliner frames a fully functional courtesy lamp. In front of the driver, an attractive, wood-rimmed steering wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hangs a correct decklid decal above a new mat and full-size spare tire.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Here's a detailed look at the Galen Govier fender tag decode that's included with this coupe's sale.

E65: 383 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 300 horsepower
D21: Heavy duty A833 4-speed manual transmission
B: Plymouth Barracuda
S: Special
23: 2-door hardtop
N: 383 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 300 horsepower
1: 1971 model year
B: Assembled at Chrysler's Dodge Main facility in Hamtramck, Michigan
355567: Production Sequence Number
EV2: Tor-Red High Impact Pigment
H: High trim grade
6: Vinyl bucket seats
X9: Black interior
000: Full door panels
409: Assembled on Friday, April 9th, 1971
088471: Order number
V1X: Black vinyl top
U: Built to USA specifications
A62: Rallye instrument cluster
A67: Plymouth Backlight Louver Package
C16: Woodgrain console
C55: Bucket seats
G36: Painted remote driver's mirror/ Painted manual passenger's mirror
J25: 3-speed variable wipers
J45: Hood pins
J68: Backlight louvers
J81: Rear spoiler (wing type: 70-2)
M21: Drip rail moldings
M25: Body sill moldings
M31: Body belt moldings
M88: Rear deck molding treatment
N41: Dual exhaust
N42: Chrome exhaust tips
N85: Tachometer
R11: Music Master AM radio
26: 26-inch radiator
END: End of codes

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Original marketing materials
An original Broadcast Sheet
Restoration receipts
The aforementioned Galen Govier paperwork
A pair of factory-style resonators

Thanks to its solid restoration, exceptional performance and classic good looks, this 'Cuda is poised to please even the most discerning muscle car enthusiast. Fully sorted in every way, you can drive it, show it and take home a few trophies, all for about half the price of a 'ropes and red carpet' Hemi. If you've been searching for an awesome MoPar to cherish AND enjoy, you've found your next car!