John De Paoli’s 74 Cuda

John De Paoli has been a lifelong Mopar fan.  The 'Cuda nameplate has been his focus.  Introduced in 1970, the 'Cuda was the high performance version of the Plymouth Barracuda.  'Cuda production spanned from 1970 to 1974.  Total production numbers for these coveted E body cars totaled 28,724, making surviving examples a relatively rare find.  'Cudas came with an available 340, 383, 440 or 426 engine.  Most were hardtops with convertibles only produced in 1970 and 1971.  

John's outstanding example is outfitted with a 383, manual transmission and 3:55 gears.  Impacted by the oil crisis, 1974 was the lowest production year for the 'Cuda with only 4.989 vehicles produced.  John found the car for sale on the internet late last year.  It was in the hands of a Midwest body shop and slated to go to auction.  John was able to negotiate a deal before the car ever crossed the block and the 'Cuda was on a transport bound for California.  This car is John's third 'Cuda.  He purchased his first one in 1973 new off the dealer lot.  His second 'Cuda was a 1972 built as a drag car.  He parted with that 'Cuda in 2003 and waited a long 20 years before diving back into the hobby with this 74.

Since acquiring the car, John has busily been making improvements.  The first order of business was to rebuild the front suspension.  After that the brakes, front disc and rear drum, were rebuilt.  John then put new rims and tires on his ride.  To improve performance, he upgraded to a Tremec 5 speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch.  To help keep the interior cool on hot Calaveras days he had Custom Auto Air install Vintage Air.  Most recently he had an OEM valance and exhaust installed to maintain the period look.  The net result is a striking car that John can drive anywhere in air conditioned comfort - and drive it he does!  Keep your eyes peeled for this blue beauty in Angels Camp and beyond!