1971 Plymouth 'Cuda. Ola Nilsson
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Название: 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda
Автор: Ola Nilsson
Издательство: Ingram
Жанр: Автомобили и ПДД
isbn: 9781613253809
isbn:
Take, for example, the SHAKER bubble emblems. There are several known examples of original cars that came from the factory with the wrong emblems. The Dodge version for the Hemi engine callouts was “426HEMI” and the correct callout for Plymouth was “hemicuda.” It has been speculated that the original supplier ran out of the correct assemblies, which came with the correct emblems. A substitute was taken from the stock already at the factory. Right or wrong, it fit and would do the job. There are several examples of factory mistakes that were not really a concern with the “get-the-car-out-the-door” philosophy of the plant.
Dealer Prepared
The transport truck delivered the brand-new 'Cuda to the selling dealership. After the car was received into inventory, the preparation process began. The selling dealer would do a New Car Pre-Delivery Service Inspection prior to the new owner receiving it. This included tasks such as aiming road lamps, installing front spoilers (which were shipped in the trunk), and removing the rear shipping tie-down brackets. The 85-point dealer prep form was to be included in the specific car’s folder, which was stored in the dealership file room. Once the inspection was completed and the required information was recorded, the dealer contacted the owner to take delivery. A warranty card was included in the paperwork. The first owner received a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, whichever came first, covering the entire vehicle except tires. A 5-year/50,000-mile warranty, was issued for most of the drivetrain. This 5/50,000 warranty was not issued to cars with either the 426 Hemi or 440 6-barrel engine.
This Dealer inspection form was to be filled out during initial delivery inspection, noting that all components ordered on the car were present. A service technician performed the inspections and corrected any flaws prior to the customer receiving the new car. (Dodge, Plymouth and the AMC design are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC)
Positive Automotive Reviews
Several newspaper articles were written for the anticipated release of the new model. Many reports described how the new 'Cuda sported a strong grille treatment, with dual headlamps highlighting the front end with six sections formed by vertical bars. Parking and turn indicator lamps were mounted below the grille. Rear end styling was received well. The writers boasted about the new separation of the reverse lights and brake lights. Another favorable item was the reduction of the engine compression ratio so owners could use regular fuel instead of the more expensive high octane.
On a positive note, some reviewers enjoyed the manually adjustable six-way driver’s seat and louvers for the rear windows that kept the glass dry and clear in rain or snow. Most of the great hardware was still available on the order form, and the high-performance engines retained high-compression status. Most other auto manufacturers had dropped every engine option to around 9:1 for this model year. Test driving a 'Cuda340 provided a new experience in curves and corners.
All 'Cuda models were to go on sale in Plymouth showrooms on Tuesday, October 6, 1970. It was indeed a highly anticipated day for the enthusiast.
Negative Automotive Reviews
When automotive journalists first reviewed the redesigned grille, many disliked it. Authors wrote “too busy,” “reminds me of a cheese grater,” “unpleasant pearlescent color that can be made to look better with body color,” and a variety of other negative publicity for the new design. Most reviewers also disliked the Sport Stripe option, which were knownas “Billboards.” One author recommended that you special order your new 'Cuda so as to “avoid the garish displacement signs that are at least half the height of the doors.”
Car Craft magazine was quoted, “It’s going to take some getting used to in order to accept the car’s new front end. First impressions leave one with such thoughts as a toothless grin or the frozen dessert section at the local automat.” It was a “bastardization” of a cleaner car. Most reviewers preferred the original design, noting that it was “clean, simple, devoid of clutter.”
Shown here is a warranty document. This example has some slight amendments for California-registered cars. This indicated what was covered under a new car warranty. It provided the VIN, original owner, and original selling dealer. It is a valued document for collectors that can confirm a vehicle's history.
Convertible 'Cudas are seldom seen and are considered very rare. Driving a muscle car with the top down is truly a wonderful experience. Two-tone Saddle Tan interior code H6T7 is a good match for this Formal Black paint code TX9 exterior. Note the standard Argent colored grille. (Steve Klein Photo)
Insurance Rates
The most prevalent reason for dismal sales was the rising cost of automobile insurance. Most performance engines found their home in a muscle car. This concept was looked upon in considerable disfavor when combined with the usually youthful buyers. The all-new 'Cuda appeared in 1970 just when these insurance companies became aware that they could spot and avoid a performance-minded client not just by the cubic inches of the car he owned, but by specific model designations and the power-to-weight ratio. The projected sales of the 1970 'Cuda were to be 50 percent more than 1969, but due to the high premium of automobile insurance, the actual sales were never met. Potential buyers desired them, but couldn’t or wouldn’t pay the high premiums, which could cost an owner $500 yearly. Automobile makers, especially Chrysler, would need to rethink their strategy for future sales. In 1971, Chrysler-Plymouth offered a large variety of performance options that just begged the insurance companies to gladly raise their premiums.
Production Run
Production was scheduled from August 2, 1970, to July 15, 1971, but probably actually started during the third week of July 1970. The very earliest Plymouths were slated for Canada and International Specifications builds. Chrysler-Plymouth faced many hurdles in the spring of 1971 and had already stopped offering many of the iconic options. The last Hemi 'Cuda was scheduled to be built in mid-June, the last 'Cuda440-6 a few days before that, and the last of the 'Cuda convertibles on June 22.
Throughout the latter part of the production run, Plymouth was running about a week behind schedule. It is most likely that the 'Cuda that was scheduled for July 9 was actually assembled at the end of the second week in July, possibly even later. I have found that several 'Cuda 383 hardtops have a Scheduled Production Date of 709 (July 9, 1971). These may have been the last of the 1971 'Cudas built. Because Chrysler-Plymouth has no records from this golden age, exact build dates remain a mystery.