1970 Plymouth 'Cuda convertible project, original 383 and 4-speed car

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: the VIN, BS27N0B337938, decodes as a genuine 'Cuda convertible with the 383 4-barrel, and the seller says it left the factory with a 4-speed, EV2 Hemi Orange paint, factory air and an 8 3/4 Sure Grip rear. Real E-body 'Cuda convertibles rarely come up, and the seller says the data plate is intact and pictured with a full decode.

The dealer, Duffy's Classic Cars, is asking $62,950. The numbers-matching 383 and 4-speed come with the car but need rebuilding, and the seller says some new body panels and parts are included. A finished 383 'Cuda convertible sold for $118,250 at Mecum in September 2026, so there is room for a careful restoration, though not a lot of margin if the body needs major metal work.

The value check

The seller is asking $62,950. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $118,250, so the middle of the market is about $118,250. That put this car 47% under.

Finished-car reference only: a 383 automatic 'Cuda convertible (BS27N0B187980) sold for $118,250 at Mecum Nashville in September 2026. We found no recent sold results for a comparable project, so this is listed on rarity, not a measured discount.

Where the numbers come from:

• Mecum Nashville 2026, 1970 'Cuda 383 convertible, $118,250

What to check

• Title status is not stated on the listing. Confirm a clean title in the seller's name.
• Check the data plate and VIN against the dash, cowl and trunk-area stampings, and have a Mopar E-body specialist verify it before paying.
• E-body convertibles rust in the floors, torque boxes, rear frame rails, trunk pan, lower quarters and the cowl. Inspect from underneath.
• Engine and transmission need rebuilding. Confirm the block and transmission stamps match the VIN as the seller says.
• Inventory the included parts and panels; missing convertible top frame and trim parts are costly.

Making it drive like new

Most buyers will restore a car like this to stock, but a sympathetic pro-touring path keeps the original 383 and 4-speed crated: a modern Gen III Hemi or stroked 440 with an overdrive 5- or 6-speed, subframe connectors (important on a convertible), tubular front control arms with a torsion-bar upgrade, and four-wheel disc brakes.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1970–74 Mopar E-body (Challenger, Barracuda/'Cuda). Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.