For Sale: 1971 Plymouth Cuda in St. Louis, Missouri

The 1971 model year marked the beginning of a particularly memorable chapter in Plymouth's performance-car history, as the redesigned E-body 'Cuda emerged with dramatically sculpted bodywork, a distinctive split-grille front fascia, pronounced fender contours, and an unmistakable road presence. While the 'Cuda could be ordered in a variety of configurations ranging from formidable big-block power to more approachable small-block combinations, examples equipped with the high-performance 340 V8 offered an especially appealing balance of power, drivability, and handling.

This remarkable one-owner 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda Hardtop was ordered new precisely as its original owner desired from Paddock Chrysler-Plymouth in Florissant, Missouri, on May 4, 1971. Earl Hoyt specified a particularly attractive and well-equipped combination of factory options, and the completed automobile was delivered new on June 7, 1971, showing just 4 miles on its odometer. Mr. Hoyt would maintain, cherish, and enjoy his 'Cuda for the next 44 years before finally parting with it in 2015.

Finished in its factory-correct Y9 Tawny Gold Metallic exterior paint with V1W White vinyl roof over a H6XW White/Black combination vinyl bucket-seat interior, this 'Cuda presents an exceptionally attractive period-correct color combination. The contrasting white roof and interior provide a striking complement to the rich metallic gold exterior, while the aggressive lines of the 1971 E-body give the car the unmistakable appearance that has made these 'Cudas among the most desirable American muscle cars.

Under the hood is the desirable E55 340-cubic-inch four-barrel High Performance V8, factory rated at 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The 340 was one of Chrysler's most respected small-block performance engines, combining strong low- and mid-range torque with the high-revving character expected of a true performance V8. Power is delivered through a 727 Torqueflite automatic transmission with center console and backed by a 3.23 axle ratio, providing an excellent combination of performance and relaxed cruising.

The original equipment list is equally impressive. This 'Cuda was ordered with the Performance Hood and hood pins, power steering, power brakes, working factory air conditioning, and the Heavy-Duty Suspension package featuring stabilizer bars, firm-ride shock absorbers, and heavy-duty 11-inch brakes. It rides on factory Rallye road wheels with white sidewall tires, while all tinted glass, chrome racing mirrors with driver-side remote, and the solid-state AM radio further reflect the thoughtful specifications selected by its original owner.

The A01 Light Group added a collection of practical details, including fender-mounted turn signals, trunk light, interior courtesy lights, ashtray light, map light, and illuminated glove box. Together, these options make this 'Cuda considerably more than a stripped-down performance machine, instead providing the equipment and comfort befitting a car that was intended to be enjoyed and carefully kept by its owner for decades.

Following Mr. Hoyt's ownership, the 'Cuda underwent a professional restoration in Corinth, Mississippi, completed shortly before he said goodbye to the car in 2015. Today, it presents in excellent condition throughout, with show-quality exterior paint, engine compartment, interior, and trunk. The restoration has preserved the character and factory appearance of this highly desirable E-body while bringing the automobile to a level befitting its exceptional provenance.

Perhaps equally impressive is the extensive collection of original documentation that accompanies the car. Included is a copy of the original order form, original sales contract, factory window sticker, three-and-a-half original production build sheets, two production build cards, owner's manual, consumer information insert, fuel consumption statement, dealership safety/delivery checklist, and warranty information. These materials have been carefully preserved and are nicely organized in a three-ring binder, providing an unusually detailed record of the car from its original ordering and delivery through its long-term ownership.

For the collector, documented originality and provenance can be just as important as specification, and this 'Cuda excels in both categories. Ordered exactly to one man's preferences, delivered with only four miles, cherished by its original owner for 44 years, professionally restored, and accompanied by an exceptional archive of factory and ownership documentation, this 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda Hardtop represents a particularly compelling example of one of Chrysler's most celebrated performance automobiles.