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THE CUDA’
1971
PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA
426 HEMI CONVERTIBLE
recreation.
Very few people in this world get to day that they owned THE BEST of something. Attaining something that is so incredibly well-crafted, with attention to detail that surpasses all others, is a once and a lifetime achievement for most, and that rare reward for those that can afford to possess it.
This 1971 Plymouth Cuda’ 426 HEMI Convertible recreation is perhaps the finest car I have ever had, and I am offering it to the highest bidder/offer on eBay in a 7-day NO RESERVE AUCTION.
Started in 2006, this project began, as so many do, as the lifelong dream of the original owner. An employee of Chrysler for 35 years at the stamping plant, he wanted a car that would perfectly capture the essence of that Holy Grail of MOPAR’s, the 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible, but without the $1.5 Million price tag!
Let me be clear on this: You will NOT find a nicer example of 426 Hemi Convertible recreation built on an ORIGINAL convertible platform anywhere else in the world. NO EXPENSE was spared on the creation of this car, and not one single component was left untouched during the renovation.
Few cars stand as tall as this one, and with just 87 miles since completion, the car presents as-new in every possible way.
The last 14 photos in the listing are of the car from origin through restoration. They are courtesy of Hot Rods Unlimited.
At the inception of this project, a suitable donor car was sought, but great care was taken to insure that the donor was a REAL Cuda Convertible, NOT a coupe, so that the car would be as correct as possible.
A perfect vehicle was found, and the car still wears the original VIN and FENDER tags which decode as follows:
VIN:
B – BARRACUDA
H – HIGH PRICE CLASS
27 – CONVERTIBLE
G – 318ci 2BBL V8 “LA” ENGINE
1 – 1971 MODEL YEAR
B – HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY PLANT
395136 – SEQUENCE NUMBER
FENDER TAG:
BH27:
Plymouth Barracuda
High
Convertible
G1B: 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1971
Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
395136: Sequence number
E44: 318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D31: A904 3-Speed Auto Trans.
GF3: Medium Green Poly Exterior Color
H6F7: Trim - High, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Green
000: Full Door Panels
518: Build Date: May 18
172397: Order number
V3X: Black Convertible Top
U: USA Specifications
B51: Power Brakes
C16: Console w/Woodgrain Panel
C55: Bucket Seats
G33: LH Remote Racing Mirror
325: Unknown
M91: Luggage Rack
P37: Power Convertible Top
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
V5X: Body Side Stripes, Black
EN2: End of Sales Codes
As you can see in the photos provided of the car at the beginning of the build, the vehicle was not only very well-equipped, but extremely clean and straight as well, which allowed the focus of the build to be on making it as good as it could be, not trying to make it whole again.
When sourcing a shop with the experience and ability to oversee an investment grade project such as this, many shops were interviewed and met with, but the team at Hot Rods Unlimited in Clio, MI stood out amongst all the rest thanks to great customer focus, low volume, and an award-winning history that would take this car all the way to the Detroit Autorama!
The car was photographed, stripped down to the last nut and bolt, and the process of creating the ultimate 426 Hemi Tribute was started.
Over the next 4 years, the entire car was completely refinished, and the one-inch tall stack of receipts and paperwork show that 90% of the components used in the build were BRAND NEW, and those that were not received the highest level of restoration and refurbishment money could buy.
There are detailed receipts and billing documents that total $222,075.64, plus an additional $3,845.17 that was spent after that initial tally, for a total of $225,920.81 to make this machine the BEST OF THE BEST! That’s over a quarter of a million dollars spent, and you better believe it went to make the car the best it could possibly be.
I am not going to bore you with long and detailed condition reports on this car, because there is no need to do so. It is as close to new as you could possibly get, and may have a handful or so minor blemishes, if any, on the entire car. This vehicle has only been driven 87 miles since completion, and has spent the rest of its time in enclosed, climate-controlled storage, inside a show trailer traveling to events, or inside invitational shows such as the Detroit Autorama, MOPAR Nationals, and the Carlisle Nationals.
I provided an array of photos for you to review, and I would hope that when spending this amount of money, you would want to come and inspect the car in person, which I encourage.
The car is as spotless underneath as it is on top, and the gloss black finish works in combination with all new suspension components, lines, hoses, and hardware to present like it was 1971 and you were at the Plymouth dealership looking at your new car. The DANA 60 rear end is fit with 3.55 gears, and the posi-traction works perfectly along with the correct spring ratios to provide that slight lean which helps on a hard launch.
4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES were installed to make it stop as good as it looks, and they are all-new, and perform flawlessly.
The engine bay is supremely detailed, and now houses a brand new $25,000.00 426 HEMI with dual-quads kitted out by Mancini Racing with the best components that money could buy.
The original 727 Transmission was sent out to be completely rebuilt with all new internals and a stripped and refinished case before being reinstalled.
Great pains were taken to insure authentic parts were sourced and used wherever possible, including almost $500 for the ultra-rare BY PLYMOUTH badging that goes on the rear valence!
The car was professionally wired with all new electrical components and correct, NOS lighting and switchgear throughout.
Nothing on the car was left untouched, and every single nut, bolt, washer, clip, clamp, and piece was either replaced, restored, or upgraded during the extensive renovation of the car.
The interior is stunning in its Salt and Pepper finish, and everything from the door panels, dash, kick panels, trim panels, carpeting, center console, switchgear, and pedals shows as-new.
All of the gauges are functioning and calibrated, and even the original clock works like a charm!
Factory choke control works as it should, and the cold-blooded nature of the 426 HEMI appreciates a little extra juice in the mornings!
Air vents work as they should, glove box locks and works as it should, and even the center console works perfectly without the usual “floppy lid” you see on most Cuda’s.
The T-shifter was replaced by a new pistol-grip unit that looks and works great! The original is included, along with the factory original steering wheel, which is in fine condition.
Seats are entirely new, and Legendary provided the gorgeous Salt and Pepper upholstery that looks like new front and rear.
The convertible top? Yeah, it is new too, and absolutely flawless. Power top switch raises and lowers it in seconds from the comfort of the driver seat, and all of the pumps, hardware and electrical for it are brand new as well.
Glass is original to the car, and is in exceptional condition, with only very light signs of normal use and age to keep it from being brand new like the rest of the car.
Chrome and bright work is stunning all the way around, and the balance of all the other exterior trim is just as exceptional in its condition and presentation.
Hood pins harken to the original 426 cars, and were added to give it that finishing touch.
The paint on the car is exceptional, and as I said earlier, the finish underneath is just as beautiful as the carefully applied $700/gallon base coat/clear coat Jet Black finish on the car is.
Yes, you will find some sort of minor little microscopic mark or blemish on the finish if you spend 6 hours looking for one, but believe me when I tell you, this finish presents better than 98% of the cars you will ever see.
Flat black billboards with the HEMI script are in exceptional condition, and show wonderfully.
Rallye wheels are brand new, and wrapped in new correct Polyglas GT tires sized F60-15 with just 87 miles on them since new.
All the rubber and seals are new. All of the trim pieces and hardware are new. All of the hoses, lines, wires, and connectors are new.
The car comes with the original spare tire, inflator, jack and accessories, original brochure, original accessory booklet, new convertible boot, original steering wheel, and original t-handle shifter.
It also comes with a 1” thick stack of carefully organized and tabulated receipts and documentation for the over quarter million dollar investment that was made on the car.
I could go on, but you get the idea I think. If not, I’ll try and sum it up for you:
1. TAKE A REALLY NICE 318CI CONVERTIBLE CUDA
2. SEND IT TO ONE OF THE BEST SHOPS IN THE COUNTRY TO PERFECT A 426 HEMI CONVERSION
3. WRITE CHECKS LIKE A MADMAN UNTIL YOU GET TO AROUND A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS.
4. STOP. GET CAR. ENJOY IT. WIN AWARDS AT DETROIT AUTORAMA, CARLISLE NATIONALS, AND MOPAR NATIONALS.
5. MOVE ON TO THE NEXT CAR GOAL
This car is an absolute dream, and you could actually take it out to drive and enjoy every now and then, unlike one of the 11 REAL 426 Verts which are destined to see the street only from a transporter taking them to an auction.
I am offering it at NO RESERVE, and the high bidder WILL be the new owner of the car once payment is collected, so PLEASE, have your funds ready to go, or get your financing pre-approved so that we can conduct business the right way should you win.
IF YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR IN YOUR COLLECTION, FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AND MAKE AN OFFER TO BUY IT NOW. IF I FEEL THE OFFER IS FAIR ENOUGH, I WILL END THE AUCTION WITH A BUY IT NOW AND YOU WILL BE THE NEW OWNER. MY CELL IS 941-286-0889 FROM 9AM TO 9PM EST.
Dealers can purchase the car on a wholesale order and are welcomed to contact me directly.
I think that about covers it! If you want more info, call me at 941-286-0889 for fastest response.
FOR VEHICLE FINANCING, APPLY ONLINE AT:
WWW.JJBEST.COM
WWW.LIGHTSTREAM.COM
SEE MORE INVENTORY ONLINE AT
WWW.CALI-MOTORS.COM
Sale Information and Warranty disclaimer THIS VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR RETAIL SALE AT OUR FORT MYERS, FL LOCATION, AND I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THE AUCTION AT ANY TIME SHOULD THE VEHICLE BE SOLD.
THE VEHICLE IS SOLD IN AS-IS / WHERE-IS CONDITION WITH FULL RIGHT TO INSPECT PRIOR TO BIDDING ON THE AUCTION.
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, HONESTLY, AND OBJECTIVELY.
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE LISTING IS CULLED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: VISUAL INSPECTION, PRIVATE PARTY INSPECTION, RECEIPTS OR RECORDS INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE, INORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE PRIOR OWNER, AND PERSONAL DRIVE TIME WITH THE VEHICLE. IF GEAR RATIOS, ENGINE INTERNAL SPECIFICS, TRANSMISSION INTERNAL SPECIFICS, AND ANY OTHER DETAILS THAT ARE NOT APPARENT IN THE PHOTOS SHOWN ARE LISTED, THAT IS BASED ON THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY PRIOR OWNER, ASWE DO NOT BREAK OPEN ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, REAR ENDS, ETC., SO WE ARE SIMPLY OFFERING IT TO YOU IN THE SAME GOOD FAITH THAT IT WAS OFFERED TO US. WHEN IN DOUBT, COME HERE AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF, ORHIRE AN INSPECTION SERVICE.
MILEAGE STATED IN LISTING IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE LISTING, BUT CAN INCREASE DUE TO TEST DRIVES, TAKING THE VEHICLES TO CAR SHOWS, AND MOVING THEM BETWEEN OUR WAREHOUSES. MILEAGE WILL NO EXCEED THE AMOUNT STATED BY MORE THAN 300 MILES.
IF A VEHICLE WAS A TRADE-IN AT OUR DEALERSHIP AND HAD A LOAN/LEASE PAYOFF, THERE MAY BE A TITLE DELAY AS THE TITLE COULD BE IN TRANSIT FROM THE LENDER. WE AGREE TO SUPPLY CLEAN, CLEAR, AND VALID TITLE TO THE VEHICLE WITHIN 25 DAYS OF YOUR PURCHASE.
PURCHASER AGREE'S THAT ANY AN ALL ARBITRATION, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, OR UNRESOLVED COMPLAINTS SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE, THIS AUCTION, OR OUR DEALERSHIP, WILL BE PURSUED THROUGH LEE COUNTY, FL SMALL CLAIMS COURT AND NO OTHER STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPALITY, OR FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM.
PURCHASER FURTHER AGREES THAT BY BIDDING ON THIS AUCTION, HE AGREES TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION AS STATED IN THE LISTING/. IF FOR ANY REASON AT ALL THE PURCHASER ELECTS TO NOT COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION, PURCHASER WILL REMIT $500.00 usd TO COVER DAMAGES ACCRUED BY THE SELLER. IN THE EVENT THAT THE $500.00 usd IS NOT PAID WITHIN 10 DAYS OF AUCTION END, WINNING BIDDER AGREES TO ALSO REIMBURSE THE SELLER FOR ANY AND ALL REASONABLE FEE'S IN COLLECTING THE DEBT INCURRED, INCLUDING COURT COSTS, COLLECTION FEES, and WAGES LOST IN SEEKING FULFILLMENT OF THE SAID OBLIGATION. *****************************************************************************************************************
My preferred shippers
FOR VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLESHIPPING IN THE U.S. CALL
BETH AT 239-250-7639
FOR MOTORCYCLE AND VEHICLE SHIPPING IN CANADA GO TO
WWW.AA-AUTO.COM
FOR MOTORCYCLE AND VEHICLE SHIPPING/EXPORT SERVICESOUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES GO TO
WWW.SCHUMACHERCARGO.COM
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FLY IN AND VIEW THIS VEHICLE IN PERSON, WE WILL GLADLY PICK YOU UP AND BRING YOU TO OUR LOCATION IF YOU FLY INTO
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(CODE -RSW)
WE ARE LESS THAN 9 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT, AND ENCOURAGE PERSONAL SHOWINGS OF ALL OUR VEHICLES.
PLEASE CALL ME IN ADVANCE TO ARRANGE.
***********************************************************************************
Fee and Tax Information:
ALL SALES
RETAIL OR WHOLESALE
ARE SUBJECT TO A
$299 DEALER DOCUMENTARY FEE AND THIS IS BEING DISCLOSED PER STATE AND FEDERAL DISCLOSURE LAWS.
PLEASE BID ACCORDINGLY, AS THIS $299 WILL BE CHARGED
OVER AND ABOVE
YOUR WINNING BID AMOUNT.
PLEASE be prepared to pay the initial NON REFUNDABLE $250.00 deposit via PAYPAL within 24 hours ofwinning the auction, and pay the balance in full within 7 daysof auction end date.
The ONLY acceptable forms of payment are:
*CASH IN PERSON
*BANK WIRE TRANSFER
(BANK WIRE IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE OPTION FORSALES OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES)
*BANK DRAFT/CASHIER CHECK
*JJBEST BANK OR LIGHTSTREAM LOAN
The vehicle and title will NOT leave our possession until any check/draft/loan has been verified and cleared OUR account.
WINNING BIDDER WILL GET A BILL OF SALE AND CLEAN AND CLEAR TITLE, AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING SALES TAX, TITLE, REGISTRATION, ETC. IN THEIR HOME STATE, WITH THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION:
WE ARE REQUIRED TO COLLECT TAX, TAG, TITLE FEESON VEHICLES BEING TITLED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA!
LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS IN ALL STATESCAN PURCHASE ON A WHOLESALE ORDER WITH A VALID DEALER LICENSE AND TAX I.D. CERTIFICATE.
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