Story
The 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible is the open-air final-year version of Plymouth's R-code E-body. It combines the 1971-only Cuda nose, fender-gill styling, and the 426 Street Hemi with a convertible body, which is why it sits at the top of Mopar rarity discussions.
The shared hardware is well supported: 426 cubic inches, dual four-barrel carburetion, 425 gross horsepower, 490 lb-ft of torque, Shaker fresh-air equipment listed as standard with the Hemi, and either A833 four-speed or TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Over-Drive's 1971 Barracuda fact sheet also gives the Hemi rear-gear pattern: 3.54 standard and 4.10 optional for four-speeds, 3.23 standard and 3.55 or 4.10 optional for automatics, with Sure-Grip available.
Production counts are handled carefully. Current reviewed references commonly cite 12 Hemi Cuda convertibles worldwide for 1971, split as seven automatics and five four-speeds, while older descriptions and some media records cite 11. This page therefore treats 12 as the working count and keeps the conflict visible instead of using production totals to make unqualified claims.
Auction and magazine examples are useful for option context, but they are not universal equipment proof. A documented blue four-speed car supports the two-U.S.-four-speed discussion; a documented Sno White automatic supports the 1-of-5 automatic discussion. Individual claims such as color, interior, stripes, axle ratio, and original drivetrain still require that car's VIN, fender tag, broadcast sheet, and drivetrain stampings.
The gallery uses licensed exact or near-exact media where available: a Commons 1971 Hemi Cuda hardtop for Hemi exterior/engine context, a licensed 1971 Cuda convertible with Shaker-visible context, a broader 1971 Barracuda convertible body reference, source-card summaries, and reviewed video embeds with live thumbnails.