Perhaps even more fascinating than a car itself, is the story behind it. From barn finds to generational ownership, Race Ramps customers have shared some great stories with us on how they got their car and how their passion became a work of art. More so, the joys that come with the journey of a car restoration is one that keeps us inspired.
How did you get your ’71 Cuda?
My 1971 Cuda’s journey started in 1977 when I was 17 years old. I was looking for a car just to fix up and sell and my brother, Richie, came upon this car for sale. It was purple with a white top, white interior, equipped with a rare bench bucket seat (which I thought was normal), and this thing poking up out of the hood called a Shaker.
I wasn’t happy with the loud exhaust, the seats seemed low, or I was just short, it had yellow taxi rims and it was out of a taxi garage in NYC. I bought it for $500 and kept it all this time.
What kind of transformation did you do with the Cuda?
It went through its life phases of candy apple paint, rebuilt engines, transmissions, then street racing and tickets which caused my insurance to skyrocket. Then, I parked it for seven years.
What happened after?
Then, came the Cuda’s show car era in 1986. It received new black cherry paint, a roll and pleated interior, new drivetrain, chromed out suspension in both the front and rear, Cragar mags, and BF Goodrich tires. In 1987, off to the show circuit it went. I won 1st place at a Mopar Show at Englishtown Raceway Park in NJ and you are awarded a cool jacket as the winner. I was also invited to show the car at the 1st ever New York City Rooftop Concours. Most recently in 2020, the Cuda won the "Best in Show" Grand Prize on Motorious.com over many entries.
Today, the car still looks the same! Now, in its retired life it has been in a music video, calendar shoots, and even was considered for a few movies (although it ultimately didn’t get picked).
Did you have any other cars that you worked on?
Yes, I do have other cars including a 1969 Dodge Dart with 42,000 original miles, a 1964 Chevelle Malibu SS, a 1982 Cadillac Coupe Deville with a Buick Grand National turbo motor in it that ran its course after 275,000 miles.
Another car that I’ve worked on is one that I bought in 1989 for $800 is a 1970 Cuda Convertible. While I was driving and restoring it, it encountered an accident when another driver cut me off on the road and sent me into the guard rail. So, I’m back to fixing it up again. While the convertible got a lot of driving time, my favorite will always be the ’71 Cuda because it’s my first – my one and only.
How did you learn about Race Ramps?
When I first heard of Race Ramps, I loved that it mentioned that they won’t slide or move when rolling up on them like all the others. Whether they are metal or plastic ramps, they can dangerously move on you when you roll up on them. So, I decided to purchase a set of Race Ramps and I absolutely love them. Non-skid, light material that holds up to all kinds of dirt and easily washable. Also, did I say light?
It's the best product out there and not too long ago, I also won the Race Ramps Virtual Car Show and won a Racer Mat. It’s another great item to lay flat, no wheels to move, nothing to scratch the car if you take it with you and it folds up nice and is also very washable. I use both products every week.
You clearly love cars, but what else do you do when you’re not in the garage?
When not in the garage, I’m outside of it and still doing something automotive related – car shows, swap meets, working on my other cars. It really never ends for a car guy. But, for now, it’s getting the ’70 Cuda Convertible back on the road.
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