1971 Plymouth HEMI Cuda
Castline Collectors Information
This 1971 Plymouth HEMI Barracuda is one of 6 die-cast models from the first release of Castline's M2 Machines Auto-Projects series in 2010. I placed the car in the "service area" of my new Matchbox Tri-Level Garage for this photograph, since the model is that of a Barracuda that needs serious work. It has no headlights; different panels of the car have different worn paint colors; the air filter is missing; the wheels do not match; and, the tires are worn and/or flat.
About the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda
The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights, and also the only year of the fender "gills" on the 'Cuda model. The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except the 4-barrel carbureted 440 engine was not available; all 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead. The 426 Hemi remained available, and the 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible is now considered one of the most valuable collectible muscle cars. Only eleven were built, seven of which were sold domestically, and examples of these cars have sold for US$2 million.
About the 426 HEMI Engine
During World War II, Chrysler developed its first experimental Hemispherical engine for use in the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft. The XIV-2220 engine was an inverted V16 rated at 2,500 hp (1,860 kW). The P-47 was already in production with a Pratt & Whitney radial engine when the XIV-2220 flew successfully in trials in 1945 as a possible upgrade, but the war was winding down and it did not go into production. However, the exercise gave Chrysler engineers valuable research and development experience with two-valve hemi combustion chamber dynamics and parameters. Using their military experience with the hemispherical combustion chambers, Chrysler decided to use this layout in their first OHV V8 in 1951, introducing a 180 bhp (134.2 kW) Hemi V8 with a displacement of 331 cu in (5.4 L). The engine was not, however, marketed as a "Hemi". Each Chrysler division had its own unique version of the early Hemi engine, with different displacements and designations. As soon as this engine was introduced, Briggs Cunningham chose to use the Chrysler version in some of his race cars for international motor sports. A Chrysler-powered Cunningham C5-R won its class in 1953, and Team Cunningham automobiles using these engines finished as high as third place overall, at the 24 hours of Le Mans Grand Prix. Cunningham switched away from these designs in 1959 when Chrysler abandoned the hemispherical concept in favor of the wedge-head Chrysler B engine. The hemispherical head design was revived in 1964. These were the first engines officially designated HEMI, a name Chrysler trademarked. Chrysler HEMI engines of this generation displaced 426 cu in (7 L). Although just 11,000 Hemi engines were produced for consumer sale due to their relatively high cost and poor street-use reputation, the engine became legendary, with "HEMI" becoming one of the most familiar automobile-related words in the United States. The 426 Hemi was nicknamed the "elephant engine" at the time, a reference to its large dimensions and weight. Tipping the scales at a dry weight of 843 lb (382 kg), the 426 Hemi was considerably more massive than other engines of the era, such as the Ford 427 at 650 lb (290 kg) and the Chevrolet Big Block at 685 lb (311 kg). Even the modern iron block Dodge Truck V10 weighs less, at 836 lb (379 kg). Its 10.72 in (272.3 mm) deck height and 4.80 in (121.9 mm) bore spacing made it the biggest engine racing in NASCAR at the time.
Photo by Kevin Borland.
If you enjoy my photographs, I invite you to listen to my music as well. Follow this link to visit SPEED LIMIT MUSIC on Pinterest.
1971 Plymouth HEMI Cuda
Castline Collectors Information
This 1971 Plymouth HEMI Barracuda is one of 6 die-cast models from the first release of Castline's M2 Machines Auto-Projects series in 2010. I placed the car in the "service area" of my new Matchbox Tri-Level Garage for this photograph, since the model is that of a Barracuda that needs serious work. It has no headlights; different panels of the car have different worn paint colors; the air filter is missing; the wheels do not match; and, the tires are worn and/or flat.
About the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda
The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences. This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights, and also the only year of the fender "gills" on the 'Cuda model. The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except the 4-barrel carbureted 440 engine was not available; all 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead. The 426 Hemi remained available, and the 1971 Hemi Cuda convertible is now considered one of the most valuable collectible muscle cars. Only eleven were built, seven of which were sold domestically, and examples of these cars have sold for US$2 million.
About the 426 HEMI Engine
During World War II, Chrysler developed its first experimental Hemispherical engine for use in the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft. The XIV-2220 engine was an inverted V16 rated at 2,500 hp (1,860 kW). The P-47 was already in production with a Pratt & Whitney radial engine when the XIV-2220 flew successfully in trials in 1945 as a possible upgrade, but the war was winding down and it did not go into production. However, the exercise gave Chrysler engineers valuable research and development experience with two-valve hemi combustion chamber dynamics and parameters. Using their military experience with the hemispherical combustion chambers, Chrysler decided to use this layout in their first OHV V8 in 1951, introducing a 180 bhp (134.2 kW) Hemi V8 with a displacement of 331 cu in (5.4 L). The engine was not, however, marketed as a "Hemi". Each Chrysler division had its own unique version of the early Hemi engine, with different displacements and designations. As soon as this engine was introduced, Briggs Cunningham chose to use the Chrysler version in some of his race cars for international motor sports. A Chrysler-powered Cunningham C5-R won its class in 1953, and Team Cunningham automobiles using these engines finished as high as third place overall, at the 24 hours of Le Mans Grand Prix. Cunningham switched away from these designs in 1959 when Chrysler abandoned the hemispherical concept in favor of the wedge-head Chrysler B engine. The hemispherical head design was revived in 1964. These were the first engines officially designated HEMI, a name Chrysler trademarked. Chrysler HEMI engines of this generation displaced 426 cu in (7 L). Although just 11,000 Hemi engines were produced for consumer sale due to their relatively high cost and poor street-use reputation, the engine became legendary, with "HEMI" becoming one of the most familiar automobile-related words in the United States. The 426 Hemi was nicknamed the "elephant engine" at the time, a reference to its large dimensions and weight. Tipping the scales at a dry weight of 843 lb (382 kg), the 426 Hemi was considerably more massive than other engines of the era, such as the Ford 427 at 650 lb (290 kg) and the Chevrolet Big Block at 685 lb (311 kg). Even the modern iron block Dodge Truck V10 weighs less, at 836 lb (379 kg). Its 10.72 in (272.3 mm) deck height and 4.80 in (121.9 mm) bore spacing made it the biggest engine racing in NASCAR at the time.
Photo by Kevin Borland.
If you enjoy my photographs, I invite you to listen to my music as well. Follow this link to visit SPEED LIMIT MUSIC on Pinterest.