1970 Plymouth Cuda

Description

There aren't many cars that inspire car-related lust like the Plymouth 'Cuda. And in the muscle car era, 1970 was the biggest year of all. This particular 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda is a special one, sporting its matching-numbers 383/4-speed powertrain, a long list of factory options including A/C, and a perfect period color combination that will make it stand out anywhere it goes.

Go Mango is this car's original color, and there aren't many colors that work better on a Mopar. Not quite orange and not quite yellow, it's definitely one of the high-impact hues that Chrysler used to generate excitement in showrooms, and it looks especially good in today's monochromatic world. The paint and bodywork are quite nicely restored, with good gaps and smooth panels, and only a few touch-ups that are an inevitable part of age when you're a fast car. There's no denying that this car was built to look fast, a benefit of Chrysler's delay in developing the E-body twins to combat the Camaro and Mustang, and it's probably why the 'Cuda remains a perennial favorite. Add in the white '383' hockey sticks, the hood pins and twin scoops, and a set of fog lamps hanging under the front bumper, and you have a car that looks fast just sitting still. A few splashes of brightwork, most notably the chrome bumpers and that ribbed rocker panel trim, give the Cuda a finished look that's very appealing.

The white interior is also the way this car was ordered and it's a nice combination of new and original components. The seat covers, carpets, and door panels have been replaced, but the headliner and dash are likely original, suggesting a car that's been well-maintained all its life. Today it looks fantastic, with high-back buckets giving it a sporty attitude. A full complement of Rallye gauges, including optional tachometer, are set into four round pods in the dash, and the pistol-grip shifter is an iconic way to top the 4-speed manual transmission. You'll note this car has a long list of options, including a 6-way driver's seat, twin mirrors, and factory A/C, which is still using R12 refrigerant that just needs to be topped off to be fully functional. Black floor mats protect the replacement carpets and the original Music Master AM radio is still in the dash, although it's not currently functional. The trunk shows you just how through the restoration was, with bright Go Mango paint and a reproduction mat.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching 383 cubic inch V8 mated to the original 4-speed manual transmission. That's a great pedigree, and while the 440s and Hemis get all the attention, it's hard to beat a good-running 383 on the street. Eager to rev but with a big hit of low-end torque, it's a great muscle car engine. The engine bay is tidy, but not detailed for show, and the big A/C compressor dominates the show. There's also a correct air cleaner with 383 decals, a big radiator up front, and Hemi Orange paint on the block. Dual exhaust is coded onto the fender tag, and a correct reproduction system lives underneath along with a fresh gas tank out back. It's also got the optional performance axle package with 3.55 gears inside an 8.75-inch rear end and the floors underneath are as nicely restored as the rest of the car. Factory Rallye wheels with bright trim rings are fitted with correct reproduction F60-15 Firestone Wide Oval bias-ply tires, as original.

Documented with the original window sticker, owner's manual, title documentation, and restoration records, this is a 'Cuda with a fantastic pedigree that's just a joy to drive. Call today!