Don Almeido, PhantasmCudas researcher, standing with his black HemiCuda on a Nevada dry lake bed
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Research FileFILE IV

Contact the Researcher

Don Almeido has been tracking the Phantasm film Cudas for over 30 years. If you have documentation, photographs, or firsthand knowledge — especially regarding the whereabouts of the original 1971 movie car — this is the place to reach him.

About the Researcher

Don Almeido

Independent Film Vehicle Researcher

Don Almeido's research into the Phantasm film Cudas began in the late 1980s, driven by a simple question: what happened to the original 1971 movie car? That question has never been fully answered — but the search has produced one of the most detailed independent archives of film vehicle documentation in the Mopar community.

Over 30 years, Don has corresponded with cast and crew members, tracked down production records, interviewed car show witnesses, and connected with Mopar enthusiasts across the country. The archive on this site represents the current state of that research — not a finished product, but a living record that grows as new information surfaces.

Don is particularly interested in hearing from anyone with direct knowledge of the original 1971 movie car after it was sold to James Baker for $2,500 following the first film's production. Any lead, however small, is worth following.

All correspondence is read personally. Response times vary depending on research commitments.

Send a Message

Use this form to share information, photographs, or research leads. All correspondence is read personally by Don.

© 2026 PhantasmCudas.com — Curated by Don Almeido

A long-term research archive. All rights reserved.

Legal Disclaimer

PhantasmCudas.com is an independent, fan‑curated archival project dedicated to documenting the history, construction, and on‑screen use of the vehicles featured in the Phantasm film series. This website is non‑commercial and is provided solely for educational, historical, and enthusiast research purposes.

PhantasmCudas.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Don Coscarelli, Phantasm.com, Coscarelli Productions, any cast or crew members, or any official Phantasm franchise entities. All film titles, character names, trademarks, logos, and copyrighted materials referenced on this site remain the exclusive property of their respective copyright holders.

No portion of this website is intended to imply official status, ownership, authorization, or representation of the Phantasm franchise. All references to the films, vehicles, production details, and related imagery are presented under fair‑use principles for commentary, documentation, and historical preservation.

PhantasmCudas.com does not sell products, merchandise, or services, and does not generate revenue. All content is provided as a free informational resource for fans, researchers, and film‑car historians.

If any copyright holder, representative, or affiliated party has concerns regarding specific content, they may request clarification or removal, and such requests will be honored promptly and respectfully.

Legal Notice

PhantasmCudas.com is an independent, non‑commercial archival project curated by Don Almeido. It exists solely for educational and historical documentation of the Phantasm film vehicles. All film titles, imagery, and trademarks remain the property of their respective copyright holders and are used under fair‑use provisions for commentary and preservation.

Fair‑Use Media Clause

Any film clips, magazine scans, or promotional materials displayed on PhantasmCudas.com are presented strictly for educational commentary and historical documentation under the fair‑use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S.C. § 107). No commercial use or redistribution is intended.

Submitted materials are used solely for research and archival purposes.