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1971 Plymouth Cuda

The '71 Cuda: a seriously cool muscle car! Its aggressive looks, especially the iconic "shaker hood" on some models, made it a legend. A big part of the muscle car era, it's still highly sought after today for its power and style. Think "fast" and "fierce," and you're getting close!

History of the 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda

Stepping back into the early '70s, the Plymouth 'Cuda emerged during a transformative era in the automotive industry. It was a time when muscle cars were making their loudest noise, both literally and figuratively. This year, the 'Cuda saw several stylistic enhancements and modifications, distinguishing it from its predecessors.

The 1971 model showcased unique elements such as a redesigned grille with segmented features, four headlights, and a modified rear with new tail light designs. These changes weren't just about aesthetics but also about performance and identity, crafting a vehicle that stood out on every street corner.

Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda

1971 Plymouth Cuda Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Cuda Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,654.00

Outstanding

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$54,800

Clean

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$44,000

Average

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$32,000*

Rough

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$22,500

1971 Plymouth Cuda Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: BH21
Length: 186.6 inches
Width: 74.9 inches
Height: 50.8 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Weight: 3,010lbs
Type: Slant 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 225.54 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 13/32 & 4 1/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.4 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 145@4000
Horsepower Rated: 27.85
Torque: 215@2400
Main Bearings: 4
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: Stamped on joint face at right corner, adjacent to number 1 cylinder bore.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Holley
Type:
4.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.25 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.08
Gear Ratios Second:
1.7
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.9
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Hotchkiss
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 9 inches
Service Rear Size: 9 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 7.35 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 19 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2.1 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting BH21C1B100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
Winchester Gray Metallic, Slate Gray Metallic, Glacial Blue Metallic, Evening Blue Metallic, Rallye Red, Burnished Red Metallic, Amber Sherwood Metallic, April Green Metallic, Autumn Bronze Metallic, Sandalwood Beige, Coral Turquoise Metallic, Tahitian Walnut Metallic, Spinnaker White, Formal Black, Tawny Gold Metallic, True Blue Metallic, In-Violet Metallic, Mood Indigo Metallic, Sherwood Green Metallic, Sassy Grass Green, Bahama Yellow, Tunisian Tan Metallic, Tor-Red, Sno-white, Curious Yellow, Gold Leaf Metallic, All colors may not be available in all models.
Coupe: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
225 Cu. In. Inline 6 Engine: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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Engine and Performance of the 'Cuda

Under the hood, the 'Cuda was nothing short of a powerhouse. Options like the iconic 426 Hemi and the 440 Super Commando engines provided more raw power than many had experienced before. With an option for dual 4-barrel carburetors and the A833 New Process 4-speed manual transmission, the 'Cuda was geared for speed and agility.

Talk about performance! On the right track, this beast could easily hit unbelievable speeds, showcasing just how far engineering had come. From zero to sixty in just over five seconds, it wasn't just a car made for show – it was all about go.

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Pop Culture and the 'Cuda

Movies and TV shows of the era didn't miss the chance to feature the 'Cuda. Its memorable stint in the TV series "Nash Bridges" made the car an instant icon. In fact, the rare '71 HEMI 'Cuda convertible from the show became a fan favorite, often calling back to those classic days of prime-time muscle.

In film, the 'Cuda made waves too. Whether rumbling down the streets in "Fast & Furious 7" or other iconic films, its role was often that of a cultural touchstone, representing an era of freedom and speed.

Famous Figures Who Own the '71 Plymouth 'Cuda

Zachary Taylor Reynolds

Zachary Taylor Reynolds, known for his high-flying lifestyle, was one of the more colorful characters to own a 'Cuda. As the heir to the Reynolds tobacco fortune, he had a penchant for fast rides and even faster times. His acquisition of a 'Cuda not only lent the car a touch of aristocratic allure but also peppered its history with tales of indulgence and rebellion.

Russ Meyer

Another notable figure was Russ Meyer, a cartoonist with a dramatic flair for car collection and racing. His ownership of the 'Cuda, which later saw a controversial yet fascinating journey through auctions and ownerships, adds another layer of intrigue to its legacy. Meyer's story with the 'Cuda includes everything from auctionable fame to moments of high drama.

Celebrity Connections

Even in recent years, the 'Cuda attracts attention from celebrities. Featured in auctions alongside other luminary-owned automobiles like John Mayer's Ford GT, the Plymouth 'Cuda's legacy continues to thrive in modern pop culture, reinforcing its status as a dream ride for many collectors and enthusiasts.

1971 Plymouth Cuda Gallery

Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda
Photo of a 1971 Plymouth Cuda

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Is there anything like the thrill of owning a classic beauty like the '71 Plymouth 'Cuda? For those entering the classic car market, understanding the past of your potential purchase is crucial. A vehicle history report and a build sheet are essential tools in anyone's arsenal:

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Price Records of the 'Cuda

The market value of a 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda has seen significant ups and downs, much like a stock ticker during a volatile trading day. In its prime, this classic car fetched over three million dollars at auctions, a testament to its desirability despite the market's unpredictable swings.

Conclusion

Today, the '71 Plymouth 'Cuda is as much a part of American folklore as it is a dream ride. Whether you're a fan of its muscular build, rich history, or cultural roles, the 'Cuda bridges yesterday's nostalgia with today's fascination, continuing to inspire both veterans of automotive enthusiasm and newer generations discovering its legacy.

If owning a 'Cuda or another classic star sounds like your sort of adventure, remember, every great ride starts with the right check – like a detailed can offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Well, the '71 Cuda, man, it's a real head-turner. It's easily recognizable by its distinctive fastback styling, you know, that sleek, sloping roofline. Think of it as a muscle car's graceful cousin. Beyond that, key features included the iconic split grille, which is super cool, and those aggressive fender flares—they're like, 'Hey, I mean business!' Depending on the trim level, you might see different hood scoops and even a shaker hood, adding to its beastly appearance. Oh, and let's not forget the taillights; those things are iconic. They're instantly recognizable, like a well-loved pair of jeans. In short, it's a beautiful machine that really stands out.

The '71 Cuda boasted a pretty awesome range of engines. You could get anything from a reasonably tame 318 cubic inch V8, which was sort of the 'entry-level' muscle, to the legendary 426 Hemi, a true monster of an engine; it was like having a small volcano under the hood. In between those extremes were several other powerful options including the 340 and 383 cubic inch V8s. Choosing the right engine was like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream – you had a lot of delicious choices, each offering its own unique experience. The Hemi, of course, was the top of the line and super pricey, but also hugely desirable. So yeah, finding one of those is like striking gold.

Precise production numbers for the '71 Cuda are a bit tricky to pin down perfectly. You see, different sources provide slightly varying figures, it's a bit of a headache, but generally, we're talking about a relatively low production run. It wasn't like they were rolling off the assembly line like crazy. Think of it as a limited-edition masterpiece, which is one of the reasons they are so sought-after today. Estimates range from around 6,000 to 8,000 units, give or take a few hundred. So finding one in good condition is a serious score. A real treasure hunt, you could say.

Whoa, that's a tough one. The value of a '71 Cuda varies wildly, okay? It all depends on its condition, options, originality, and overall desirability. A concours-condition Hemi Cuda, that's a holy grail car and can fetch millions, seriously. On the other hand, a well-used model might bring in a considerably more 'reasonable' price - still a lot, but it won't necessarily break the bank. It's kinda like real estate; location, location, location, and condition is key. To get a better estimate, you'll need to do some digging. Check classic car valuation sites and talk to specialized dealers; they're your best bet for a good appraisal.

Owning a classic muscle car is like owning a classic piece of art. It’s beautiful but needs special care. These cars are getting on in years, so you should expect some potential issues. Rust is a major concern, especially in areas prone to snow and salt. The electrical systems, even the best ones, can be temperamental. Engine components might need rebuilding at some point—they've seen some mileage. And, oh yeah, the brakes, these things are important, and you want them working perfectly. Finding a well-maintained example is essential. Thorough pre-purchase inspections are absolutely crucial; if you do it right, that’s the best thing you can do.