Salvagio Designs Brings a 1971 ‘Cuda Dream Car project to Reality
Congratulations Marshall Gay for being named a Finalist for the Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year with his Salvaggio Design built 1971 ‘Cuda!
Marshall Gay was but a wee lad of 10 when he first dreamed of owning a classic muscle car, and it wasn’t long before he had his sights fixed specifically on a 1971 ‘Cuda. Years went by but the desire for that Plymouth never waned and when he was positioned in life to finally own a muscle car, there was no question as to what it would be.
It was during the 2021 Myrtle Beach Run to the Sun car show where Marshall met a nice couple, the Probsts, that happened to have purchased a brand new ’Cuda in 1971 – and they brought the car to the show with the intent to sell.
Signed. Sealed. Delivered.
Marshall had the car of his dreams and enjoyed the driving it in its original condition, but that was only part one of his plan. The second step would be to transform the car into a one-of-a-kind muscle machine. To accomplish his vision, he turned to Dave Salvaggio and his team at Salvaggio Design with guidance from Ragle Design and Sean Smith Designs.
The classic lines of the 1971 ‘Cuda were massaged and sharpened, but their form was left faithful to the car’s heritage. Subtle mods can be found throughout, such as the fender vents and custom carbon fiber components including the grille, valence panels, and the tail pan. The shaker hood was a challenge and comprises three machined pieces surrounding a carbon fiber scoop assembly. The color, while similar to the factory B-2 Glacial Blue, is a custom blend from BASF.
Beneath that trick hood lies a 426c.i. Hellephant Hemi topped with a custom induction system managed by a Holley Terminator-X EFI system. Marshall gets to grab six different gears through a custom pistol grip shifter stirring a 6060 Tremec transmission. To handle all that Gen III Hemi power, the Salvaggio team created a complete chassis featuring a Detroit Speed front end with JRi shocks and a four-link and Watts link and 9-inch rearend in the rear.
The ’Cuda relies on steelies with dog dish caps to retain its vintage Mopar street sleeper style, but those are actually 18- and 20-inch custom aluminum wheels and caps machined by HRE Wheels.
The interior is a study in unifying the old with the new. Look closely at the carbon fiber dash and filler panels combined with the refined form and leather work stitched by Gabe’s Custom Interiors. The Recaro seats provide support and comfort complemented by a Vintage Air system and custom Dakota Digital gauges.
Thanks to the vision and talents of Gary Ragle, Sean Smith, and Salvaggio Design, Marshall’s 1971 ‘Cuda has come to a winning finish – starting with a finalist spot for Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year!
Photos: John Jackson
