Pick Of The Day: 1971 Plymouth ‘cuda 340

Consensus over time can be a funny thing that no one can predict. Take the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro as an example. It elicited universal praise at the time, with many considering it a landmark American design (something never afforded to the first-generation model), but which one do collectors prefer today? Our Pick of the Day experienced a similar phenomenon twice over! This 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 hardtop is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Huntsville, Alabama.

When the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda was introduced, the buff books were cool towards it. Hi-Performance Cars magazine stated in the June 1971 issue that “Styling is a very subjective thing and we’re supposed to be objective. But all we want to know is why Plymouth couldn’t leave well enough alone. They killed the frontal appeal with four headlights and a gooky grille treatment. Last year’s front end was sleek, smooth and hairy, tying the whole package together.”

Today, the collector car world feels differently — enthusiasts love the ’71 Barracuda. I myself believe it has a lot to do with several things that were unique for 1971. For example, several colors were available with a painted grille. A Plymouth dealer book stated that “the front face of the grille on ‘Cuda models is available in nine different body colors, color-keyed to the body. This area is Astrotone on other models and on ‘Cudas painted other than the nine special body colors.” Those colors were Tor Red (EV2), In Violet (FC7), Rallye Red (FE5), Sassy Grass Green (FJ6), Blue Fire Metallic (GB5), Ivy Green Metallic (GF7), Autumn Bronze Metallic (GK6), Sno White (GW3), and Curious Yellow (GY3).

Add the Elastomeric front bumper (code A21, available in EV2, FC7, FJ6, GB5, GW3, and GY3) and you’d have a very monochromatic-looking car. Interestingly, the colored grilles ended up having a supplier issue, so it’s not unusual to find ‘Cudas in those colors with the Astrotone grille.

On the other hand, a color that was contemporary at the time, Tawny Gold (GY9), doesn’t seem to have many fans today. It’s a dark gold that some today would call “Baby @#$ Brown,” but back then, it was in fashion, much like many earthtone hues. It was not available with a painted grille or Elastomeric bumpers, so we cannot get an idea if those features would make it more attractive to contemporary eyes. Win some, lose some.

That being said, when fresh, Tawny Gold can shift its tint and shade under the sun, as evidenced by this 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 340 hardtop. Additionally, Plymouth offered several features that could brighten up the color, in this case a white vinyl top. Say what you will about vinyl tops (some hate ‘em), but it really wakes this color up, as does the white interior. The 340 received a new carburetor for ’71 for better performance, and some 1970 AAR ’Cuda bits became optional the following year, making for a better small-block performance car overall, no matter which model year you prefer. “What makes this car even more special is its one-owner history, an increasingly rare trait in today’s collector market. Cars like this are only original once, and finding a one-owner 1971 ‘Cuda in such a unique specification is a true opportunity,” says the seller. He mentions little about options, but I spy console-shifted automatic, air conditioning, Rallye wheels, AM radio, and remote driver-side mirror.

It’s one thing to own a ’71 ‘Cuda. It’s another thing to own one that looks like it came right out of 1971 due to the color. How many cars do you know that have flipped the script twice over time? The pricing section says “Contact Seller,” so click on the links in this story to buy a Barracuda that has a story to tell.

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