First introduced in ’64, Plymouth’s Barracuda was a popular American pony car offered in a variety of specs, one of the rarest of which was undoubtedly V-Code 440-6 Convertible. Of the 17 units produced for the ’71 model year, only two were earmarked for export, one of which was relegated to a shipping container not long after its initial delivery where it spent the next three-and-a-half decades.
Almost half-a-century after this rare Cuda left the factory, it’s now headed for the auction block. Bestowed with the largest powertrain offered in the Cuda: a 440ci BBL V8 fitted with a trio of Holley 2300 dual-barrel carbs — hence the “440-6” moniker — the V-Code put down an impressive 390hp and 490ft-lbs of torque. These examples also got bolstered chassis and suspension setups. After being pulled from storage, this specific ’71 specimen’s 7.2L V8 and Torqueflight automatic transmission were mechanically overhauled, though the exterior’s original “Tor Red” factory livery remains, as does its black interior, optional rear spoiler, shaker hood, chromed bumpers, and Rallye rims. While it does admittedly boast a few non-factory elements and modifications, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more original V-Code 440-6. This 1971 Plymouth Cuda Convertible is slated to cross the auction block at Mecum’s upcoming Indy 2020 sale.
