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This 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Restomod Render Transforms A Million-Dollar Muscle Car
Exact production numbers vary, but not by much. Barely more than ten Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles got made for the ´71 model year. Manual-powered cars were even rarer. It was arguably the peak of the ‘Cuda story – the muscle car was still available with the 7-liter Hemi V8 and in convertible form together. Two things that would cease to be soon after.
Not only was 1971 the last year for Hemi power and drop-top body styles, but there was a change in the ‘Cuda’s usual attire. You could safely assume that not everyone would be a fan of the new quad-headlight look.
This exclusive render courtesy of HotCars designer Rostislav Prokop showcases another kind of ‘Cuda: a restomod example with modern upgrades, and styling tweaks from the pre-’71 ‘Cuda era. It’s an interesting combination, and what better for a classic muscle car restomod than one of the most valuable examples ever?
Is The ‘Cuda And Barracuda The Same Thing?
What seems obvious to one person is a riddle to another – the ‘Cuda and Barracuda are essentially the same Plymouth muscle car. The Barracuda is the original nameplate while the ‘Cuda name got given to the performance models.
A ‘Cuda with the range-topping 425-hp / 490 lb-ft, 7-liter Hemi V8 in a convertible body style would prove to be a rare phenomenon. Yet, the holy grail of the ´71 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible with the four-speed manual is the most sought-after as only around 3 got made. In 2014 a new record for the manual ’71 Hemi ‘Cuda convertible got reached as one sold for $3.5 million at auction.
1971 was the year the Barracuda got a facelift and quad headlights, altered rear lights and a toothed front grille, among other changes. Hemi ‘Cudas also got fender gills, shaker hoods, and graphics on the side. Yet Rostislav Prokop’s render goes back to the 1970 pre-facelift car for inspiration, where the ‘Cuda still had the dual headlamps and former grille design.
The ’71 Hemi ‘Cuda’s fender gills are also not present, and the rear lights, another marker of the 1971 facelift, are one-piece units like the 1970 model. All lights are now LEDs, with a racing-style center fog light under the rear bumper. Integrated exhaust tips in the rear bumper were a feature of the ’71 muscle car, but the render comes with side-exit exhaust tips in front of the rear axle.
How Much Is A Manual 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible Today?
HotCars Photo © 2023 Valnet
Other changes include a lowered ride height, a carbon fiber front lip and orange auxiliary lights below the front grille. The ‘Cuda has a shaker-type hood opening without the cold air intake, and graphics on the side read ‘HEMI’ as they would have done when the car left the factory.
Painted in Sassy Green, the muscle car features an interior shot with the upgraded cabin: what awaits inside is an impressive black leather suite with Sassy Green highlights. Also fitted is a new steering wheel, dash, and infotainment system from a modern Dodge.
A restomod on a unicorn like the manual ’71 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda convertible would affect its value, but what an awesome machine it would be.
They don’t come up for sale or auction often, and aside from the $3.5 million manual ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda drop-top in 2014, another successfully went to auction in 2016 for $2.3 million (an automatic).
An example went to auction in 2021 with an estimate of $5,750,000-$6,500,000 and didn’t sell. When these cars sell for figures many times that of even the coveted Plymouth Superbirds, and match that of the Ferrari Enzo, you know you’re looking at something special.
