1971 Plymouth Cuda 340

Pony car powered by Chrysler 340 four-barrel LA V8.

1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 coupe in stock-presenting model and trim context

Engine E55 340 four-barrel LA V8

Factory rating 275 gross hp and 340 lb-ft

Body styles Hardtop and convertible

Reported 340 production 3,440 cars across three transmission paths

Story

1971 Plymouth 'Cuda 340

The 1971 'Cuda paired the E-body's new four-headlamp face and fender-gill styling with the E55 340 four-barrel small-block. Rated at 275 gross horsepower and 340 lb-ft, the 340 offered less front-end weight than the 440 and Hemi while retaining the 'Cuda's performance suspension, dual exhaust, and distinctive trim.

Plymouth listed three-speed manual, A833 four-speed, and TorqueFlite automatic paths for the 340. Rear-axle ratio and Sure-Grip equipment depended on the transmission and original order; the cited factory material records ratios from 2.76 through 3.91 in the relevant applications.

The cited secondary production table reports 3,440 340-powered cars by transmission: 159 with the three-speed, 1,171 with the four-speed, and 2,110 automatics. Those figures remain attributed while a primary Chrysler production ledger is still sought.

Twenty documented paint choices and the available billboard graphics, wheels, hood treatments, seats, console, and Rallye instruments gave buyers broad visual choices. Current paint or stripes do not establish how a particular car left the factory.

For authentication, start with a BS23H1 hardtop or BS27H1 convertible VIN pattern, then reconcile the fender tag, broadcast sheet, body numbers, engine and transmission stampings, axle, hidden paint, and cabin trim. A replacement 340, billboard stripe, or 'Cuda badge alone does not prove factory identity.

Specs

Car type: Pony car
Body: 2-door hardtop; convertible also factory-listed for Cuda V-8
Engine: 340 cu in 4-barrel V8
Horsepower: 275 hp SAE gross reported for 340 4-bbl references; 235 hp SAE net appears in later-formatted data references
Torque: 340 lb-ft reported in period/reference 340 4-bbl specifications
Carburetion: Four-barrel carburetor; references note Carter AVS/Thermoquad transition claims, so exact carburetor for a specific car needs build-date documentation

Equipment

Quad-headlamp 1971 E-body front styling
Simulated Cuda front-fender vents
Black Cuda rear panel treatment
Optional billboard side graphics
Optional Rallye instrument cluster
Optional power front disc brakes

Linked Parts

Price history

Values

Nominal dollars from original price sheets, auction archives, and approved value references.

Original Price

Base MSRP $3,391

1971 Cuda V-8 convertible BS27 (1971)

1971 Plymouth Salesman Models & Equipment Prices - Barracuda Section
Base MSRP $3,134

1971 Cuda V-8 two-door hardtop BS23 (1971)

1971 Plymouth Salesman Models & Equipment Prices - Barracuda Section
Option price $45

340 4-bbl engine option on Cuda (1971)

1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 valuation/model overview

Market Observations

Price guide value $95,600

Jul 28, 2026 · Hagerty Price Guide · Current guide point
Exact 1971 Cuda two-door convertible with the 340/275-hp four-barrel engine in #3 Good condition. · unknown · good Dated exact-body, exact-engine guide point; build state is unknown because it represents a condition class rather than an individual car.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 convertible valuation
Auction sale $121,000

May 15, 2026 · Mecum Indianapolis
Highly original H-code hardtop BS23H1B361961 with matching-numbers 340 and TorqueFlite, one repaint in original FC7, original records, and added billboards and Go-Wing. · modified · good Mecum records the exact VIN, completed sale, date, amount, matching drivetrain, A36 package, documentation, repaint, and appearance additions. Added graphics and spoiler make modified the conservative state.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 340, Indianapolis 2026, lot F127
Auction sale $156,200

Jan 25, 2025 · Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
H-code 340/275-hp convertible BS27H1B177139 in Tawny Gold over white. · restored · good Hagerty records the exact convertible VIN, completed Barrett-Jackson sale, date, amount, engine, body, and colors. Mecum's prior exact-chassis listing documents the rotisserie restoration and broadcast sheet; the prior result is not counted as another value observation.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 VIN BS27H1B177139 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340 Convertible, Harrisburg 2024, lot S69
Auction sale $77,000

Oct 19, 2024 · Mecum Las Vegas
Rotisserie-restored H-code 340 hardtop BS23H1B148243 with automatic transmission. · restored · excellent Mecum records the exact VIN, completed sale, date, amount, H-code 340 configuration, automatic transmission, and rotisserie restoration.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 340, Las Vegas 2024, lot S54
Auction sale $74,250

Nov 5, 2016 · Mecum Dallas
Unrestored H-code 340 hardtop BS23H1B304593 with automatic transmission, 46,000 miles, original TX9 paint, interior, sheet metal, matching-numbers engine, and two broadcast sheets. · original unrestored · excellent Mecum records the exact VIN, completed sale, date, amount, drivetrain, extensive originality, mileage, and documentation.
1971 Plymouth Cuda 340, Dallas 2016, lot S96

Values move with paperwork, originality, options, condition, venue, and body style. High bids and guide values are labeled separately from completed sales.

Reference records

Options, Colors & Components

Source-backed details for trim, chassis, production, and authenticity.

Engine Details

Carter 4972S carburetor assembly 4972S · 1971 340 application shown in Chrysler parts-catalog carburetor assembly table; transmission-specific use should be verified against the original build record for an individual car. · carburetor / carburetor list
Carter 4973S carburetor assembly 4973S · 1971 340 application shown in Chrysler parts-catalog carburetor assembly table; transmission-specific use should be verified against the original build record for an individual car. · carburetor / carburetor list

Transmission

Factory transmission 3-speed manual
Factory transmission 4-speed manual
Factory transmission TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic

Options

340 Four-Barrel reference for the 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340Classic Muscle · Reference illustration

A31 High-Performance Axle Package optional · performance · Factory price guide lists availability with 340 4-bbl and 383 4-bbl engines with 4-speed manual or TorqueFlite; includes 3.91 Sure-Grip, 7-blade fan and 26-inch radiator/fan shroud.
A62 Rallye Instrument Cluster optional · interior · Referenced as optional on Cuda in factory/auctioned factory price material.
N41/N42 Dual exhaust / chrome exhaust tips unknown · performance · Fender-tag examples and options references identify these codes; individual-car correctness must be verified by tag or sheet.
A01 Light Package optional · comfort · Factory price guide lists Cuda availability and describes the group as turn-signal indicators, trunk light, glove-box light, ash-receiver light, ignition-switch light with time delay, instrument-panel floodlight with time delay, and map/courtesy light.
A04 Basic Group optional · comfort · Factory price guide lists Cuda availability for the Basic Group and describes radio, power steering, variable-speed windshield wipers with electric washer, and left chrome remote mirror; compatibility rows distinguish Rallye-cluster/440/Hemi exclusions and pricing.
A21 Elastomeric Front Bumper optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists A21 as available for Cuda.
A22 Elastomeric Front and Rear Bumpers optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists A22 as available for Cuda.
A67 Backlight Louver Package optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists Cuda availability; package notes include black vinyl roof, backlight louvers and molding, left/right racing mirrors, and exclusions for convertibles and Pennsylvania registration.
B11 Heavy-Duty Drum Brakes standard · chassis · Factory price guide lists B11 heavy-duty front and rear drum brakes for 340 and 383 CID engines and marks Cuda availability as standard.
B41 Front Disc Brakes optional · chassis · Factory price guide lists B41 front disc brakes as available for Cuda and states power brakes are required; not available with B11 heavy-duty drum brakes.
B51 Power Brakes optional · chassis · Factory price guide lists B51 as available for Cuda and required with disc brakes.
C16 Console optional · interior · Factory price guide lists C16 console availability for Cuda with bucket seats only.
C62 Comfort Position Seat Adjuster optional · interior · Factory price guide lists C62 as a manual six-way seat adjuster available for the left bucket seat only.
H51 Air Conditioning optional · comfort · Factory price guide lists H51 as available for Cuda, with exclusions for 198, 426 Hemi and 440 six-barrel engines.
J45 Hood Pins standard · appearance · Factory price guide marks J45 hood pins as standard equipment on Cuda.
J54 Performance Hood standard · appearance · Factory price guide marks J54 performance hood as standard equipment on Cuda.
J81 Aerodynamic Rear Spoiler optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists J81 as available for Cuda and notes exclusions with luggage rack and heavy-duty suspension requirements tied to listed engine groups.
S25 Firm-Ride Shock Absorbers standard · chassis · Factory price guide states S25 is standard with 340, 383 four-barrel, 440, or Hemi engines and marks Cuda availability as standard.
S77 Power Steering optional · chassis · Factory price guide lists S77 as available for Cuda.
S83 3-Spoke Rim-Blow Steering Wheel optional · interior · Factory price guide lists S83 as available for Cuda.
W21 Rallye Road Wheels optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists W21 Rallye Road Wheels as available for Cuda in 14- or 15-inch sizes; four only with standard spare, and 15-inch wheels require collapsible spare tire code W34.
W23 Chrome Styled Road Wheels optional · appearance · Factory price guide lists W23 Chrome Styled Road Wheels as available for Cuda in 14-inch size; four only with standard spare, and not available with Hemi engine or Rallye Road Wheels.
W34 Collapsible Spare Tire optional · chassis · Factory price guide lists W34 as available for Cuda; standard on convertibles and required with 15-inch tires.

Paint

GB2 Glacial Blue Metallic factory · metallic
GB5 True Blue Metallic factory · metallic
GB7 Evening Blue Metallic factory · metallic
GF3 Amber Sherwood Metallic factory · metallic
GF7 Sherwood Green Metallic factory · metallic
GG3 Winchester Gray Metallic factory · metallic
GK6 Autumn Bronze Metallic factory · metallic
GT2 Tunisian Tan Metallic factory · metallic
GT3 Amber Sherwood Metallic factory · metallic
GY8 Gold Leaf Metallic factory · metallic
GY9 Tawny Gold Metallic factory · metallic
GW3 Sno White factory · solid
TX9 Formal Black factory · solid
EL5 Bahama Yellow factory · solid
EV2 Tor-Red factory · solid
FE5 Rallye Red factory · solid
FC7 In-Violet Metallic factory · metallic
GY3 Curious Yellow factory · solid
FJ6 Sassy Grass Green factory · solid
FY1 Lemon Twist factory · solid

Appearance

Performance hood / twin-scoop sport hood optional · hood
Billboard side graphics with engine callout optional · stripe
Cuda badging and simulated front fender vents standard · badge
Rallye wheels optional · wheel
Quad headlamps standard · lighting

Interior

Vinyl bucket seats standard · seat
Vinyl split-back bench seat optional · seat
Leather bucket seats, code SR optional · upholstery
Rallye instrument cluster / oil-pressure gauge coverage optional · gauge
3-spoke Rim-Blow steering wheel, code S83 optional · steering wheel

Chassis

Firm-ride shock absorbers Suspension · standard
Heavy-duty/performance axle cooling items in A31 Suspension · optional
Four-wheel manual drum brakes Brakes · standard
Power front disc brakes Brakes · optional
8 3/4-inch rear axle Rear axle · 3.23 standard reported for most Cuda combinations; 2.76/3.23 also shown in pocket-facts axle tables for selected 340 transmissions · standard
A31 8 3/4-inch Sure-Grip performance axle Rear axle · 3.91 · limited-slip · optional
8 3/4-inch rear axle Rear axle · 2.76 · optional
8 3/4-inch Sure-Grip rear axle Rear axle · 3.23 · limited-slip · optional
8 3/4-inch Sure-Grip performance axle Rear axle · 3.55 · limited-slip · optional

Production

Transmission Choices reference for the 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340Classic Muscle · Reference illustration

1971 Barracuda/Cuda 340 4-bbl total by transmission: 159 3-speed, 1,171 4-speed, 2,110 automatic by engine · 3,440 · reported
1971 Cuda 340 hardtop automatic by transmission · 2,008 · reported
1971 Cuda coupe/hardtop production by body · 5,383 · reported

Authenticity

Rear Axle reference for the 1971 Plymouth Cuda 340Classic Muscle · Reference illustration

VIN model/engine prefix BS23H1... for Cuda 340 hardtop; BS27H1... for Cuda 340 convertible · Dash VIN, door label, fender tag, broadcast sheet, title records · fraud detection
Engine-option evidence H engine code / 340 1-4BBL evidence aligned across VIN, tag, and broadcast sheet · VIN fifth character, fender tag, broadcast sheet, engine pad/casting/date documentation · numbers matching
Billboard stripe originality Factory stripe code and color must appear on fender tag or broadcast sheet for an individual-car claim · Fender tag, broadcast sheet, original sales/order paperwork · trim correctness
340 engine identification-number stamping 340 CID engine identification uses a plant code, 340 displacement, four-digit date code, and daily sequential serial; 340 identification boss is at the left side, front of block, below the cylinder head. · Engine identification-number boss on the left front side of the 340 block below the cylinder head; compare with VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, and assembly-date evidence. · date correctness
Manual transmission identification-number stamping Manual transmission identification uses plant code PP, a three-digit component code including 833, a four-digit date code, and daily sequential serial. · Below centerline on the front portion of the right side of the manual transmission case; compare with the car paperwork and build-date evidence. · numbers matching
TorqueFlite automatic identification-number stamping Automatic transmission identification uses Kokomo plant code PK, seven-digit part number, four-digit date code, and daily sequential serial. · Oil-pan side rail on the left side of the automatic transmission case; compare with the car paperwork and build-date evidence. · numbers matching

Still Researching

engine Core 340 specifications and two parts-catalog Carter carburetor list numbers are recorded, but complete casting, distributor, and assembly-date tables are not. Transmission-specific carburetor application and individual-car originality still require build records or inspection.
transmission The three factory transmission paths are recorded, but complete ratios, assembly numbers, and date windows are not.
rear axle Factory axle-ratio and axle-package tables now document selected 1971 Cuda 340 rear-axle combinations, including the 2.76 optional TorqueFlite ratio, 3.23 Sure-Grip availability, and the 3.55 Sure-Grip Performance Axle Package. Individual-car ratio and Sure-Grip originality still require order-specific records or inspection, so the category remains partially unresolved.
brakes Standard and optional brake system component and hardware part numbers from the factory parts catalog are now fully documented. However, individual-car option originality (B11 vs B41/B51) and exact assembly-date transitions still require a broadcast sheet or original sales paperwork to verify.
suspension Heavy-duty suspension is recorded, but complete torsion-bar, spring, shock, and stabilizer applications are not.
option packages Selected Cuda option/group codes from the factory price guide are now normalized for major accessory groups, appearance options, interior options, chassis/brake items, steering, wheels, air conditioning, and standard Cuda hood/shock/brake entries. The complete dollar-price matrix and every compatibility footnote remain only partially represented because the current schema omits prices and detailed per-row exclusions.
production Body-style totals are secondary-source figures and are not reconciled to a surviving Chrysler ledger.
paint colors The model-year palette is recorded, but color frequencies and individual-car combinations remain incomplete.
trim and appearance Major 'Cuda trim is recorded, but every stripe, wheel, hood, bumper, and molding combination is not.
interior Seat, console, gauge, and trim context is recorded, but the complete upholstery-code matrix is not.
authenticity markers Engine and transmission identification-number formats and stamping locations are now recorded from the 1970-71 parts catalog, but complete body/hidden stamping locations and acceptable date windows are not.