As a muscle car mover and shaker, Norman Kraus had few equals. The man that car buffs called Mr. Norm and bestowed him the title "King of Mopars" had a knack for taking a Dodge to the next level, especially when it came to performance. Unfortunately, Kraus died from Covid earlier this year at the age of 87, but his legacy is still louder than ever. During his time, he's modded gems like a 1971 Dodge Demon GSS and a 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger, but as YouTuber Lou Costabile found out at an auto event in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, there was another Mr. Norm treasure waiting for him. Yep, another unique Dodge waited for his perusal in a video released Thursday.
Tribute To The 1971 Hemi Cuda
Costabile ran into an old buddy of his, Larry Weiner, who worked with Kraus on what was about to be unveiled. The big reveal was what used to be a white 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Scat Pack wide body. "It was only the beginning," said Weiner with a hint of panache. "Then it went through a metamorphosis that took a number of months to get to what you see here."
Costabile looked a little closer and saw a Plymouth badge on the front and looked at the shaker hood scoop emblazoned with "Hemi Cuda." Added Weiner, "Mr. Norm took it upon himself to say 'Hey, we're gonna do the impossible,' and he brought to life a brand new modern tribute to the original '71 Hemi Cuda in the flesh, or in the sheet metal if you will."
Stock 6.4-Liter Engine
It's a glowing commemoration of the classic model and Mr. Norm went to great lengths to ensure the restomod was as genuine as possible. Forged rims were cut as close as possible to resemble the original Cuda. The interior includes a wood-grain Hurst pistol grip shifter controlling a six-speed manual transmission. Even the pads are original, right down to the steel trim.
Mr. Norm didn't scrimp on details, even including Barracuda logos on the front dash and inside door panels. Ditto for the 6.4-liter Hemi engine, which was stock, just like the shaker. But what stands out the most under the hood is a specially designed emblem that celebrates the 40th anniversary of this unique Barracuda.
Last Car Ever Signed By Mr. Norm
Another attraction is Mr. Norm's autograph, which was signed by the muscle car legend while the build was still in progress. Unfortunately, it was the last car he would ever sign before he passed on, likely making the Hemi Cuda more valuable than ever, and the last one he ever worked on, reports Mopar Connection Magazine.
Source: Lou Costible