134912 / 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda

Is there a rarer Chrysler pigment than Bahama Yellow? As one of the more subdued and scarce hues to come out of Auburn Hill's hip, 'brighter is better' mindset, code EL5 yellow is some of the crispest paint to ever adorn classic MoPar metal. Naturally, the fall-like color looks right at home highlighting this ground-up restored 'Cuda's laser-straight panels, razor-sharp lines and rock-solid profile. When expertly applied under fresh white vinyl and buffed to a show worthy shine, it becomes an absolutely fantastic reminder as to just how cool Detroit's golden era really was. And overall, the car's first class finish creates a high gloss visual masterpiece which oozes the bare knuckle confidence and old school appeal that made Plymouth street warriors the stuff of legends!

Pull the pins on this 'Cuda's smooth yellow hood and you'll find a stout RB V8 that's been stroked to 488 cubic inches by Charlie Mullen of Burtis Racing Inc. Dressed in bright orange paint, that '78-cast mill utilizes Edelbrock aluminum heads, ROSS Racing Pistons and a giant Holley carburetor to turn solid 9.3 to 1 compression into 525 horsepower and 560 lb./ft. of torque. That stump-pulling twist starts in an aluminum intake, which sacrifices a rich air/fuel mixture to an Eagle crank, Eagle rods and a .480 MoPar Performance cam. Compression is sparked by thick MSD Super Conductor plug wires, which are snapped onto a correct points distributor. Spent gases travel through elaborate, long-tube headers. The big engine's cylinders are cooled by a high quality aluminum radiator, which comes complete with a polished overflow tank. And naturally, ancillaries like an Optima gel cell battery, finned MoPar Performance valve covers and a correct Chrysler washer reservoir add increased form to impressive function.

That buff Chrysler block churns power through an era-correct A727 Torqueflite. That smooth gearbox twists a correct 8.75-inch rear end, which spins a Sure Grip differential around 3.55 gears. Included in the restoration was a completely rebuilt suspension that, thanks to welded subframe connectors, helps the car hook up quicker and perform better. Braking comes courtesy of power-assisted discs and drums. Quick turns and tighter circles are a product of factory-style power steering. And at the corners, 15-inch Rallye wheels spin fresh 235/60 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 255/60 BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

Inside, the car's well-executed Black and White interior is simple, functional and looks almost as good as new. The leather bucket and vinyl bench seats are showroom fresh, showing hardly any signs of wear. In front of those seats, a warp-free dash hangs rebuilt Rallye gauges above a Pioneer CD player and controls for modern air conditioning. Below that dash, Black carpet centers a small T-handle shifter inside a correct console and a full outfit of 8ºv'cuda8ºv branded floor mats. And in front of the driver, a simple Tuff Wheel keeps everyone pointed in the right direction.

[ERIKOLSONTPM]

This is either one of the four 70-71 "'Cudas" we used on Nash Bridges, or a very, very tidy recreation. These were finished in a custom paint that was closer to Caterpillar Yellow / school bus yellow than Lemon Twist or Bahama or even Curious, as often reported as the color. The hero #1 car was a 440 Magnum - none were true Hemi Cudas, of course. Three were drivable, with the 4th being a very rarely used tow vehicle, meant to be pulled behind our Shotmaker camera truck. Don Johnson preferred to drive freely, and that's how most of the series was shot.

[terryschnereger]

Absolutely beautiful! This car made my day.👍

[MichaelMyers]

Fun fact: after the TV show of Nash Bridges ended Don Johnson actually kept one of the Cudas from the show until he sold it at auction

[EdBriggs-bm]

this looks like a Nash Bridges recreation. this one has heater panel with a/c buttons, has had the quarters replaced also. original Nash cars didn't need quarters, all non a/c cars, etc. repro shaker scoop, we only used originals for the show.

[johnmoss]

Is this a Nash Bridges screen used cuda restored ? It's exactly the same as the NB cuda and there were 4 that the production sold I know Don Johnson kept one of the close up camera cars and last I knew Texas classic cars had restored 1 and was for sale but lost touch with where the other 2 went that's why I ask. It's a beautiful beautiful car absolutely gorgeous love that color combo perfect restoration very nice ride!!

[gerald]

Wow i really miss my 71' 383 cuda. Hardtop with black billboards cam aluminum manifold holley it ran more closer to a 440 than a stock 383. :/