V-Code 440 cid V-8 engine, triple two-barrel Holley carburetors, 385 HP, New Process A833 four-speed manual transmission, HD suspension, independent front suspension with coil springs and torsion bars, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes; wheelbase: 108"


Released for sale in late 1969 for 1970, the Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger replaced the Valiant based 1964-1969 Barracuda and assumed “instant legend” status. While the new Barracuda was offered in standard and luxury Gran Coupe guises, performance-minded buyers opted for the more aggressive ‘Cuda. Power choices for the ‘Cuda ranged from the standard 383 cubic-inch V-8 to the optional 375-hp 440, 390-hp (385 hp for 1971) V-Code “Six Barrel” triple-carb unit and 426 Street Hemi. Interestingly, the easy-to-maintain 440 Six Barrel ‘Cuda ran closely with, and often better than, the vaunted Hemi – at a far lower price and with easier maintenance and tuning.

While the “Six Barrel” ‘Cuda was only produced for 1970-71, it left an indelible impression on subsequent generations. One young fan in particular was Ed Belfour from Carman, Manitoba, who eventually became a professional hockey player and went on to become an NCAA champion, Olympic Gold medalist, Stanley Cup winner and NHL Hall of Fame inductee. Having earned too many awards and honors throughout his career to fully list here, Belfour was also selected six times for the annual NHL All-Star Game. Early in his career as a celebration of signing his first pro contract, Ed purchased this numbers-matching V-Code 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible, one of only five built with the V-Code 440 Six Barrel/four-speed powertrain. The previous owner had partially disassembled the car, but it was all there, so Ed and his friend Jeff loaded everything up and took the project home. Since Ed’s hockey career was extremely demanding and he had collected other high-end Mopar muscle cars through the intervening years, this extremely rare and sound ‘Cuda was restored in 2006 with the intention of achieving top honors in judged shows. Ed’s friend Jeff of Carman Customs in Freeland, Michigan, was enlisted to perform the restoration, with the ‘Cuda earning O.E. Gold certification with a 95.42/100 score its first time out at the 2007 Mopar Nationals in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. Attention to detail was intense even down to the careful duplication of the factory single-stage paint, texture, orange peel and all. With less than 10 miles of use since the restoration was completed, Ed decided to maintain the car in its show-quality condition and placed it into storage along with his other legendary Chrysler muscle cars.

Since his eventual retirement from hockey, Ed Belfour’s business interests have included a venture into high-end whiskeys with the launch of Belfour Spirits, along with his son Dayn. As before, the rigors of starting and operating a growing business have dictated that this extremely rare 1971 ‘Cuda convertible find enjoyment with a new caretaker. Accordingly, classic Mopar specialist Paul Christophersen of Paul’s Suite 426 Restorations in Lincoln, Nebraska was selected to prepare the car for its current offering with a professional service and detailing of this incredibly presented, numbers matching ‘Cuda retaining its original drivetrain and specific factory parts and components including the ignition distributor and triple Holley two-barrel carburetors.

Documenting the ‘Cuda’s original details and options is an original Chrysler Production Broadcast Sheet, carefully reassembled and preserved by Mr. Christophersen. As he recently related, about 70 percent of the document remained intact and a number of loose pieces were laid out with it and placed between two sheets of glass and photographed. Nonetheless, the crucial factory details are confirmed by the document and the fender tag. Options are many, including the D21 Four-Speed Transmission, E87 440 Six Barrel Engine, SRX9 Sport Trim Grade Vinyl, C55 Leather Bucket Seats, GB5 True Blue Metallic Paint, G15 Tinted Windshield Only, A62- Rally Instrument Cluster, A33 Track Pack (3.54:1 Dana 60), M31 Body Belt Moldings, M25 Body Sill Moldings, J54 Sport Hood, J45 Hood Tie Down Pins, J25 3-Speed Variable Windshield Wipers, R11 Radio Am Music Master, P37/V3X Black Convertible Power Top, S81 Woodgrain Steering Wheel, N85 Tachometer, S15 Hemi Suspension, S77 Power Steering, N42 Bright Exhaust Tips and N41 Dual Exhaust. Continuing to benefit handsomely from its award-winning restoration, this very well-presented and extremely rare, one of only five V-Code 440 Six Barrel/four-speed 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertible is an investment-grade example worthy not only of the finest muscle car specific collections, but other significant and highly selective collections of all eras.