Image via Autotopia LA/YouTube
Most people wouldn’t buy a one-owner ’71 Cuda that’s in great shape and yank out the powertrain. But that’s exactly what this guy did, swapping the factory V8 for a Hellephant crate engine for a massive power boost. It’s also obviously been gone over outside and in, the original design largely kept but refined further.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurt has quite the down-to-earth car collection.
For some, the fact this guy altered an original, numbers-matching 1971 Plymouth Cuda is going to be almost enraging. But the owner explains that underneath the vinyl roof moisture had been trapped, leading to a big rust problem, and there were other things which had to be addressed.
We think the finished product looks fantastic. While the drip rails have been removed and some other modifications added, overall this build honors the legacy of a wildly popular classic American muscle car.
You’ll note there are carbon-fiber parts with the exposed weave here and there on the Cuda. But they’re paired with the chrome trim, plus the modern touches keep the original lines more or less, so nothing is overt.
Built by Salvaggio Auto Design, this ’71 Cuda doesn’t just look good, it’s a performance monster. The shop did some internal modifications to the Hellephant crate engine, including putting a Demon cam in it. That doesn’t change the 1,000-horsepower peak output.
The intake you see climbing out of the cutout in the Shaker hood is a milled piece of aluminum with a carbon-fiber cover and functional vents for the supercharger. Plus, the engine is a mated to a Tremec 660 6-speed manual transmission, which is just music to our ears. Who hasn’t wanted to row through the gears while enjoying a Hellephant?
Throughout the exterior, engine compartment, and interior are plenty of bespoke parts. This is definitely a high-end build most can’t afford, but it sure is great to admire. Check out the video to see it from different angles and watch the ‘Cuda in action.
Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube
