Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs

Blending a classic style with modern performance, this sinister ’71 (Lot #685) takes the Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda to a whole new level.

Some things just pair perfectly together: Biscuits and gravy, the 4th of July and fireworks, movie theaters and popcorn. In the collector car world, there’s no better pair than a 1971 Plymouth ’Cuda and a 426 HEMI. With a legacy as one of the most legendary cars to come out of the muscle era, the ’71 HEMI ’Cuda defines everything a muscle car would strive to be: loud, powerful, bold and fast. With tremendous pedigree also comes tremendous prices, so for many an original isn’t in the cards, but there are solutions. If you want something exactly like the original, a simple re-creation will do, but if you want something more, then it’s time to step into the world of Resto-Mods. With the focus on maximizing a classic style with modern performance, this sinister ’71 (Lot #685) built by Jeff Wolfenbarger at Kool Kolor Rod & Custom takes the perfect pair to a new level.

Starting under the hood, the 426ci HEMI V8 was sourced from Keith Black Racing Engines, a company with a legacy all its own, having built numerous top fuel engines for drivers like Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen. Helping transfer the power and torque is a 4-speed manual transmission and a Dana 60 rear end with 3.55 gears, giving the car a great balance between acceleration and top-end speed. Giving the engine bay some pop are a few subtle touches, like a custom air cleaner painted to match the body, billet valve covers and accessory drive. An aluminum radiator was used to help keep the monstrous motor cool under pressure, and 4-wheel disc brakes with a Wilwood master cylinder were added for the required stopping power.

In order to handle all the power and maximize the performance, the chassis and suspension would need to be addressed as well. A tubular front K-member was installed to cradle the big V8, and tubular control arms were installed for increased rigidity. Air suspension was added in the front as well, allowing for a smoother ride and adjustable stance. Out back, a 4-link setup was installed, complete with coilover shocks.

Once the performance was taken care of, it was time to make sure the looks were up to par. The key was to keep it subtle, letting the performance of the car shine. To execute this, the whole car was finished in a glassy smooth black paint with custom touches like tucked bumpers, LED headlights and taillights, factory-style dual-scoop hood and staggered-fit Billet Specialties wheels.

For the interior, the car was turned over to Steve Holcomb of Pro Auto Custom Interiors. (Barrett-Jackson bidders may be familiar with his work; he has turned out numerous award-winning customs like the Great 8-contending “Transitions” 1954 Corvette that sold at the 2019 Scottsdale Auction for a whopping sum of $269,500.) Once they settled on a shade of deep red as the primary interior color, Steve and his team went to work fabricating a full-length center console, wrapping the sides in red leather with a black top surface for contrast. The iconic pistol-grip shifter was also customized with a matching red grip and leather shifter boot. The factory seats were replaced with high bolstered buckets to keep the occupants planted firmly in the corners, and there are even matching-style buckets in the rear. The dash pad was wrapped in the same red leather, and a custom black dash panel was created to house the AutoMeter gauges. Custom red door panels were made featuring black inserts with billet handles and pulls, and red carpet was installed. A modern stereo was added with rear package tray speakers, and wrapping everything up is a fully upholstered trunk to match, with all components – including the battery – hidden.

As far as pairings go, this HEMI-powered ʼCuda sets the standard of what they should be: looks and power, a sleek black exterior and stunning red interior, classic style and modern technology. The only thing this ʼCuda needs to make it complete is the perfect owner to take it home from the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction, where it will be selling at No Reserve.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the 2019 Northeast Auction docket, click HERE.