 One of our Mopars is this gorgeous '71 Barracuda Convertible. This car is probably the nicest partially restored original anywhere! It has perfect black interior, straight body, and the #'s matching 318 block! Although it is not a 'Cuda, it does sport many of the 'Cuda factory options (some of these options are EXTREMELY rare for a Barracuda), such as front/rear electrometric bumpers (still the originals!), dual color-keyed sport mirrors, hood pins, road lights, rallye wheels, A/T with console, wheel lip moldings, and the very rare "Gran Coupe" style rocker moldings (installed by the dealer!). The car is finished in it's original color, Curious Yellow (GY3), along with an ORIGINAL black, powered convertible top with a glass backlight. I drive her when weather permits (as does my wife!), and take her to shows, where she does pretty well. I have added a few minor, but very "original" items to the car, such as a complete polygraphite front end, factory front 7/8" anti-sway bar, 'Cuda 340 torsion bars, and a '71 AM/FM radio. But talk about DOCUMENTATION... I HAVE JUST ABOUT ALL OF THE ORIGINAL PAPERWORK! This includes the window sticker, 2 build sheets, original title, showroom brochure, most service and parts receipts/records, both service manuals, glove box owner's manual, dealership badge, and photographs going all the way back to 1974! How lucky can you get?! In May '98, I FINISHED treating the 318 to a complete rebuild! We first boiled the block, intake, and heads. Next, the block was bored .030 over and correctly honed. Then, the heads were machined to include a 3 angle valve job, hardened valve seats, and mild porting. Other items included rebuilding the original Rochester 2-bbl (unique to mid-1971), new cam (Competition) and lifters (Crane), new water and fuel pump, conversion to electronic ignition, new coil and voltage regulator, 2" dual exhaust (FlowMasters), and a re-cored 22" radiator with new thermostatic-clutch fan. The 904 TorqueFlite was also pulled and overhauled. New mounts now also support the engine and tranny. Before we dropped the little LA block back into the bay, I detailed it with 2 coats of correct Chrysler Blue paint and correct markings. The tranny, driveshaft, power steering pump and gearbox, K-frame, windshield wiper motor, battery tray, and horns also received thorough cleaning and new paint. Additionally, new rear leaf springs (standard Cuda 340 type) will be added this fall. Ask yourself... when was the last time you saw a concours quality detailed 318 in a Barracuda? That kind of detailing attention is usually reserved for the big blocks, or the 340. I think it will be a hit at shows this year...and years to come! |