Plymouth ‘Cuda Hellcat Is the Mopar Masterpiece We Need
Auto designer & American muscle fan reimagines 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda inspired by the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. The result is the scorching ‘SRT Hell ‘Cuda.’
In the history of muscle and pony cars, you cannot deny the importance of Plymouth. In the 1960s and 1970s, they were ahead of the game and behind some of the era’s most important cars. And of the Plymouth’s most exciting and powerful was the Barracuda. During its third-generation (1970 to 1974) Plymouth redesigned the ‘Cuda, the most savage of the Barracuda models. Available with a Today, the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda is quite simply the epitome of muscle car greatness.
But while the ‘Cuda is an important Hemi beast, it is retired. And while every automaker seems to be following the same playbook, Dodge is blazing a different, more interesting path. They want power, performance, and a ride that you can feel in your spine: muscle car DNA. And after seeing this design we are convinced that Dodge needs a Hellcat powered, Challenger-inspired 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda.
One would have to be very bold or a little mad to redesign and reimagine the classic ‘Cuda. Apparently, automotive designer and artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel aka Adry53 is a little of both. And we definitely mean that as a compliment.
As a devoted fan of everything automotive, Adry is definitely, unashamedly partial to muscle cars. This passion is apparent in his creations. His designs of muscle cars play with style and performance with true enthusiasm. Starting with “what if?” Adry creates restomods and concept cars that seek to answer that question. His work is informed, fun inspiring, and always exciting. Not to mention his jaw-dropping skills definitely elevate his builds.
His previous projects include commissioned work as well as his own creations. Adry53’s range is extensive. He seems to be adept at every make and model of muscle and pony cars, to a variety of other rides. But his muscle cars are just remarkable. From classics to factory-fresh, the reworks and conceptualizes the mopar greats in a serious array of styles.
His latest creation was posted as a 360-degree video on his Instagram account. “My SRT Hell’Cuda Concept in 360⁰,” he says. Bringing together a Plymouth ‘Cuda with a Dodge Challenger Hellcat is the clash of the titans we want–no, need.
1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda
The design effectively brings together the muscle cars. Both the third-generation (1970-1974) Plymouth ‘Cuda and the 1970 Dodge Challenger shared the E-body platform. Given the big, capable E-body was a well equipped for big, hulking engines, it was a solid choice. The two cars paired together very well, and both make a seamless transition from classic to modern design.
By 1971 the ‘Cuda had a defined style and a killer Hemi V8. Adry cleverly retains the pivotal details; in particular the segmented toothy front grille, side gills, quad headlights, roof scoop, and overall snarl of a stance befitting the hi-po variant. But all the modern elements of today’s Challenger are also represented; raw power, muscular, track-inspired, wide, sleek and sinister.
This concept shows how a Dodge ‘Cuda could (and should) be a natural fit for today’s muscle cars.
Like most of Adry’s work, the concept was well thought out. Pairing the ‘Cuda and the Challenger may have been inspired by their shared history, but it is also just a smart move. Today’s Challenger is built on the Chrysler LA/LX platform. If it can handle the Hellcat, it can definitely handle whatever the ‘Cuda needs. Though probably not so much of a blower.
View this post on Instagram
If Dodge went back to basics and built a special edition performance ‘Cuda sharing the Challenger platform it would be incredible. So, someone at Dodge, please consider the possibilities. SRT Hellcat in ‘Cuda? We’ve had dreams about that.
Check out Adry53 for more incredible muscle.
Photos: Chrysler; Adry53 (Timothy Adry Emmanuel)
Join the conversation at Dodge Forum
