The 1970 ‘Cuda came with a number of engine options, and for the people who wanted to turn corners, the weapon of choice was the 340 LA-series small-block. This car, mildly modified, retains the matching-numbers drivetrain it was born with. The 340/275 HP V-8 engine, which first arrived in 1968, was one of the pride and joys of Chrysler’s engineering team, making use of a lightweight block configuration with solid RPM potential. In this case, the 4-barrel layout was needed as the car came with factory air conditioning. There is an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission and the 8 3/4 differential with 3.55 gears behind it. The ‘Cuda was on the new E-body platform for 1970, superseding the A-body variations of the Valiant from the 1960s. Here the vehicle has been given a restoration and was rotisserie-painted in code-F4, Lime Green Metallic. This was completed in 2015. The engine is upgraded with headers and custom exhaust, as well as a serpentine accessory belt drive, aluminum radiator with fans and Mopar Performance valve covers among the visible underhood details. Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes and the associated master cylinder are seen here, too. Inside it is the original factory interior with highback bucket seating, woodgrain-rim steering wheel, chrome pedal dressups, AM/FM radio and driver’s side mirror remote. The exterior features the twin-scalloped sport hood with ‘Cuda 340 metal tags and J45 hood pins, road lamps, chrome mirror, circa-1971 billboard graphics with displacement numbers, valance-exit exhaust tips, and ‘Cuda emblems. As noted earlier, with the balanced small-block for power, cornering prowess increased, and this is now aided by massive 20x8.5-inch front and 20x11- inch rear wheels, a five-spoke design shod in Kumho Ecsta radial 245/35/ZR20 front, 285/35/ZR20 rear tires, respectively. As an E-body, the Plymouth ‘Cuda model existed for only five model seasons. Many consider this very first year to have the purest appearance of style and power. With its original parts and nice upgrades, somebody will certainly find this example turns, and turns them on!
