1971 PLYMOUTH CUDA 426 HEMI 4 SPEED “RECREATION”.  Do you know why they call it a “RECREATION”?  Because at $750k to over a million for an original 1971 “R’” Code Hemi Cuda, actually driving it around can more cause for anxiety than a recreational activity.  That is almost like betting your 401k at the race track!

Still, many more of us have fond memories of HEMI dominance during the muscle car era than those of us who CAN drive around a million dollars without taking a ‘XANAX’ first.  Still, there is a pecking order for recreation cars.  Least desirable would be 318 Barracuda’s that were originally brown, granny shift cars that resembled more of a cheese grater than they do a car prior to restoration.  Those are more clown cars than they are clones.  Let’s call them Barraclona’s.  Barraclona’s commonly have hard mounted over-bored Hemi crate motors that require aviation fuel hard mounted onto a 318 “K” member, and slap an after market Shaker onto the carb, and top it all off with an ill-fitting fiberglass hood.  Did I mention the punched out front fender gills that are probably on two different places from left to right?  

The result is a bone jarring, teeth ratting ride that will eventually make the whole car a shaker, not just the hood!  Doesn’t sound very recreational, does it?

This 1971 was born a genuine big block ‘Cuda with an original N96 shaker, billboards, factory 'Cuda fenders and 4 speed pistol grip shifter, power steering, and power brakes.  The other distinction is that this car possesses an original era correct block.  A rebuilt 1969 426 HEMI with stock exhaust manifolds steel hood and original shaker were used to transform this 383 shaker car a real King Kong mobile!

At the same time, a recreation meant for driving allows one some artistic license.  A Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust system, complete with an X cross-over pipe and chrome tips scream “Can you HEMI NOW?!” better than the stock original.  A Mopar elctronic ignition and a single carb was used for better street-ability and set-it-and-forget-it-tuning.  The paint is Show and Go quality EV2 Tor-Red.

The original black bucket seat, no console interior is in very good condition.  The wheels are correct 15x7 Rally’s with Goodyear Polyglass tires. You can drive this car anywhere and turn heads.

The last and perhaps most important distinction between a Barraclona and ‘Cuda recreation, is the quality of the build.  The owner of this car also happens to be a chief mechanic for a rather prominent CART racing team. Translation, he knows his way around the garage and know how to do things right the FIRST time!  He started with the ideal specimen to make into a Hemi recreation, a fresh ground up restored NOM 383 ‘Cuda with all the character traits one would otherwise desire.

Only 75 miles are on this rebuilt engine with all new internals.  The entire front suspension is comprised of new, freshly installed parts.  Meticulous attention to detail was paid to the mechanicals, HEMI installation, and engine compartment detailing. 

No doubt about it, if you want to still relive your well wasted youth and keep your 401k in the bank, this the Hemi recreation for you!