Faults:

This was a 71 Cuda Convertible. Convertible top lines and fittings constantly broke and leaked. I replaced with copper lines.

The car needed restoration when I got it. Front end bushings and ball joints shot by 70K miles, as most of these were by that mileage.

Mechanically, the car was pretty bulletproof.

Doors sagged. Window cranks stiff and noisy.

Windows rattled and leaked.

Frame/Unibody flexed a lot over typical city road bumps and dips.

Everything inside the interior felt loose and cheaply made, like it was going to crack and fall apart.

General Comments:

This was a 71 Cuda 340 Convertible, AT, 3.55 gear, factory air, no rust, mechanically restored, desert car.

I traded a 69 SS 396 Four Speed Chevelle for this car. The Chevelle was superior in every respect to this E-Body junker Cuda, except for rarity and investment value.

Everyone knows the old Mopar drivetrains are pretty strong, powerful, and hold up well. This car ran as good as any 340 did back then.

The body and chassis was junk. Flexy, rattly, and just plain terrible riding, and noisy as hell.

The rear valence panel exhausts direct the spent gas up and toward the middle of the rear, so exhaust fumes and stink somehow get sucked into the car, even with the top up.

Chassis rigidity and ride quality was inferior most any other muscle car of the day that I can think of.

It was, and is, a great looking, cool car. If you are the type that likes attention, distractions, and annoyances everywhere you go, this car will get it for you.

Every time I drove it, it seems it attracted all the freaks, losers, and leftover burnt out LSD hippie freak types from the 60's.

Cars would hit the brakes in front and speed up from behind just to see it, then roll down the windows and shout, "Hey dude, you wanna sell that". What a PITA.

If you want to preserve a rare and important piece of American muscle car history, then this is for you.

However, if you appreciate quality and a finely engineered driving and handling experience, you will be sorely disapointed by a convertible.

I had a 65 Comet Cyclone, 289 four speed, that was way more solid than this heap.

But hey, it looks cool, so buy one now for $75,000 and enjoy the comments as you drive in misery in this leaky, flexy, stinky, noisy rattle trap.

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Faults:

Replaced ball joints at 91,000 miles.

Starter solenoid bad at 84000 miles, normal for older Chrysler.

General Comments:

One fast car. Convertible top provided much air noise when cruising.

Front ends of Cudas and Challengers are rust traps. Keep them clean, and reduce much trouble later on.

Front ends of these cars need help, and wear out with hard driving, which is what these cars are made for.

Faults:

This car was very reliable. I never had problems with the 3-2BBL Holley carbs in terms of synchronization, etc.

General Comments:

A fast car for its time. Few cars came close to its performance until the late 90s, but technology has surpassed the engine output, handling, brakes, and comfort. But I still get nostalgic whenever I see another Cuda or muscle-car.

Faults:

Pushrod wore through the stamped steel rockers. Easy fix.

It is in the body shop getting restored.

General Comments:

It is not the quickest Mopar I've owned, but it will be the nicest when I am finished.

It has a 340 with 3-2 barrels and automatic with 3.91 gears in the rear.

It's Mopar or no car!!