1971 Plymouth Barracuda Cuda review from North America

In the year I drove this car very little went wrong that wasn't due to my own tinkering and experimentation. A few loose electrical connections and new front disc calipers, that was about it.

The main problem was rust. Quarter panels, fenders, roof seams and the trunk and floor pans got it bad. Grinding it all out was a daunting task.

There was probably a list of sensible cars for kids just out of high school, and the 340 Cuda was not on it. Big, loud and quick, it was everything a young man could want, but probably not what he should have driven. I loved it.

Straight line acceleration was its strong suit with enough engine and tire noise to turn every head. Handling was above average, braking good, the stark cockpit was actually rather comfortable. This car could turn a late night run to the store into an adventure.

The 4-barrel 340 was rather thirsty and delivered 12 mpg, barely a notch above abysmal, but for a kid with hot wheels this didn't seem to matter much.