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1970 Plymouth Barracuda

The Ford Mustang birthed the new Pony Car market and was the catalyst for other manufacturers to follow suit. Ford's sporty new compact was based on the inexpensive Falcon chassis and running gear and offered with a slew of engines, options, and configurations. Using the compact Valiant line, Chrysler stylist Irv Ritchie penned a fastback entry for the rapidly growing sports-compact Pony car segment. Although the name panda was considered, it was John Samsen's suggestion of barracuda that ultimately won.

Chrysler introduced its Barracuda model on April 1st of 1964. It was based on Chrysler's A-body line, rested on the Valiant's 106-inch platform, and incorporated many Valiant body pieces including the bumpers, quarter panels, doors, windshield, headlamp bezels, hood, and A-pillar. Powertrains were identical to the Valiants, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 six-cylinder engine. The most potent option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cubic-inch LA V8 equipped with a two-barrel carburetor, producing 180 horsepower.

The first generation of the Barracuda was built through 1966, followed by the second generation of 1967 through 1969. Its A-body wheelbase now measured 108 inches and continued to share many body and mechanical components with the Valiant.

The muscle car era peaked as the 1960s were coming to a close, as insurance companies and government regulations were beginning to tame the horsepower figures that had escalated to all-new heights. Many of these performance machines had been built to homologate special equipment for racing purposes and others were for the pure satisfaction of building the most dominant street machines of the day. Among the list was the Hemi 'Cuda that used the simple formula of a light mid-size body and shoehorned the company's most potent powerplant under the hood. In Plymouth's case, it was the 427 cubic-inch street 'Hemi' that topped the line.

The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda

For 1970, the Plymouth Barracuda moved upscale with the arrival of the new E-body platform (a shorter and wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform), and wore new styling by John Herlitz. Along with being wider, lower, and longer, the new cars were also sleeker, short deck proportions, and classic 'pony car' long hood. All of the previous commonality with the Valiant was removed, and the original fastback design was dropped, and body styles now consisted of a coupe and convertible. The E-body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, accommodating the release of Chrysler's 426 cubic-inch Hemi.

Both the 1970 and 1971 Barracuda were offered as the base (BH), the luxury-oriented Gran Coupe (BP), and the sport model 'Cuda (BS). Beginning mid-year 1970, there was also the Barracuda Coupe (A93) that served as an entry-level model that came with the 198 cubic-inch Slant Six engine as standard, lower-grade interior, and fixed quarter glass instead of roll-down rear passenger windows.

Engines

Engine options included two six-cylinder versions of the slant-6, a new 198 CID and the 225, as well as three different V8s (the 318, 383 with a two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust, and the 383 with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust). The Cuda came with the 383 cubic-inch engine with 335 (SAE gross) horsepower as the base engine. Additional options included the 440 CID four-barrel Super Commando, the 440ci six-barrel Super Commando Six Pak, and the 426ci Hemi. The Hemi and 440 CID-equipped cars received structural reinforcements and suspension upgrades to cope with the power.

Standard Equipment

Barracudas came standard with high-back bucket seats with all-vinyl trim, molded door, and quarter trim panels, integral head rets, flood-lit instrument panel, carpeting, floor shift controls, and a three-spoke woodgrain steering wheel. Gran Coupe models added body sill, wheel lip, beltline moldings, and Gran Coupe emblems. Body styles had leather bucket seats and consolette in Knit Jersey, while convertibles had leather bucket seats.

Hemi Cuda

The Hemi 'Cuda was Plymouth's top high-performance car for 1970 at a premium of $871 over the basic 'Cuda's $3,164 starting price. The new street Hemi engine for 1970 now came with a maintenance-free hydraulic camshaft with a similar lobe profile to the prior mechanical unit for greater ease of operation. Hemi-equipped cars came standard with the menacing 'Shaker' col-air hood scoop, power-assisted front disc brakes, bucket seats, center console, elastomeric bumpers, Rallye instrument cluster, and heavy-duty underpinnings that included carefully selected rear leaf springs at no additional cost. A total of 652 examples of the Hemi 'Cuda hardtops were built for sale in the United States in 1970, including 284 equipped with the four-speed manual transmission.

Barracuda Production and Pricing

For 1970, Plymouth sold 25,651 examples of the Barracuda Hardtop Coupe and 1,554 of the Barracuda Convertible. The hardtop had a base price of $2,765 and the convertible listed for $3,035.

The total 1970 Plymouth sales for the Gran Coupe Series found 8,183 buyers of the Hardtop Coupe (at a base price of $2,930) and 596 of the convertible (priced at $3,160).

The 'Cuda hardtop coupe added 18,880 sales and 635 of the convertible. The hardtop listed for $3,165 and the convertible at $3,430.

Motorsport Competition

Dan Gurney and Swede Savage raced identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) 'Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am Series. During the season, they earned three pole positions and the highest finish was a second-place at Road America. The Road-going version of the AAR 'Cuda was offered to customers and came with the 340 CID 'Six Pack' with three two-barrel carburetors.

The Hemi 'Cuda was very successful in Super Stock and new Pro Stock classes from 1970 through 1972 in the hands of Mopar racers including Sox & Martin until stiff NHRA-imposed weight penalties eroded the Hemi's advantage.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

A Street Version of Dan Gurney's Trans Am Cars

For a time, Plymouth enjoyed a racing program that cross-town rival Chevrolet didn't, due to anti-racing edicts GM enacted earlier in the 1960's. As the third and smallest of the Big Three, Plymouth had lost out to Pontiac for third spot in sales, but offered competitive vehicles with good durability and performance such as the Slant Six Valiants, and smart marketing like the Road Runner. Come 1970, Plymouth's stock was going to increase some more.

The optional Barracuda had started out as a fastback model of the Valiant, but within weeks the Mustang came out and created a segment that the Barracuda couldn't play in. A redesign in 1967 leveled the playing field. Then, with the advent of the 1970 'E-body' Barracuda (and Dodge Challenger). Plymouth trumped the industry with the ultimate ponycar. The Performance 'Cuda version had its own Trans-Am version called the AAR, which stood for Dan Gurney's All American Racers. It came with the legendary 'Six Pack', a 3x2-barrel carbed version of the 340, a unique fiberglass 'shaker' hood and strobe stripes, all at a base price of $3,966.

A total of 2,724 AAR 'Cudas were produced within a six-week time frame. Of those, it is not known how many were ordered without radios, but this is one of two existing so equipped, according to the AAR Registry.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23R0B236224
Engine number: MN426 F

For 1970, Plymouth introduced its restyled Barracuda. It was six inches shorter, a few inches lower, and five inches wider. It had the same wheelbase length as its immediate predecessor, yet now it had the muscular proportions that appealed to a very wide audience of buyers. The E-body platform was shared with the Dodge Challenger and available in three styles, the base model Barracuda, the luxury oriented Grand Coupe, and the 'Cuda - the high performance version which was offered with five different engine options including the Hemi.

In 1970, Motor Trend tested a 426 Hemi 'Cuda and accelerated from zero to sixty in just 5.8 seconds with the quarter-mile achieved in 14 seconds at 102 mph.

This 1970 'Cuda is one of just 13 fitted with a highly desirable combination of options. It is one of 284 hardtops fitted with the four-speed transmission, and it has a 426 cid overhead-valve Hemi V-8. The engine has two 4-barrel Carter carburetors and produces 425 horsepower at 5000 RPM. Inside the car are Rallye instrument luster group that includes tachometer, electric clock, 150 mph speedometer, and wood-grain panel. In the front is a functional shaker hood with hood pins, power front disc brakes, dual-exhaust system with chrome tips and 15 x 7 Rally wheels. Other options include the Track Pak with a 3.54:1 differential ratio featuring a live 9.75-inch Dana 60 rear axle. There is a Hemi suspension and front sway bar.

This car has been restored since new and is a numbers-matching car by the Chrysler Registry. There is a Hurst pistol-grip shifter and a 4-speed transmission.

In 2009, this Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $150,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23V0E110040

For 1970, the E-body platform became longer, lower and wider and quickly distinguished themselves from their GM and Ford rivals. The redesign was done, in part, to make room under the bonnet for Chrysler's Raise Block engines, both the 440 cubic inch RB and the 426 cubic inch Hemi with its huge cross-flow cylinder heads.

In 1969 Plymouth divided the model into two categories, the base Barracuda and the performance-oriented 'Cuda. The name 'Cuda' had evolved from the limited production Hemi 'Cuda drag cars. The standard engine in the production Cuda was the 383 cubic-inch Command V8 which offered 335 horsepower. One of the most sought after upgrade was the 440 cubic-inch Six-Barrel engine which upped the power to 390. This option was available for a mere $250 which was significantly less than the $871 option for the Street Hemi option.

This example has the 440 Six-Barrel option and 2-Door Hardtop configurations. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and a Dana 4.1:1 rear axle. Options on this car include AM radio, shaker hood, tachometer, rear window defogger, dual exhausts with chrome tips, dual chrome outside mirrors, sill and deck moldings, 3-speed wipers, sport hood with pins, Rally dash and the Sport Group of 150mph speedometer and sport steering wheel.

The interior is original and the odometer reads just 35,000 miles since new. It has been well cared for over the years and treated to a complete rotisserie restoration near the close of the 1990s. In the trunk is the correct spare tire, jack, handle and trunk mat.

In 2007 this Road Runner Superbird was brought to the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California where it was auctioned at the Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia. It was estimated to sell for $95,000 - $125,000 but failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy the cars reserve. The lot was left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23J0B292416

In 1970, 2,724 examples of the Plymouth 'Cuda AAR were sold. The 'Cuda AAR package included a six-barrel, 340 cubic-inch small block V8 that was vastly underrated at 290 horsepower, with either a four-speed or an optional TorqueFlite transmission, front disc brakes, 15 X 7-inch steel wheels, high-rate springs, heavy-duty shock absorbers and anti-sway bars. Outside, the bodywork included a flat black fiberglass hood with a functional hood scoop, a blacked-out grille, a flat black rear deck spoiler and full-length strobe stripes ending with the unique AAR logo.

This example has been given a rotisserie restoration to original specifications. It was built on April 2, 1970 at Chrysler's Hamtramck Assembly Plant. It left the factory with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission with a Hurst 'Pistol Grip' shifter and an 8 ¾-inch Sure Grip rear end with a 3.55:1 ring and pinion.

In 2009, this Plymouth 'Cuda AAR was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000-$80,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $57,750 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

For 1970, the Plymouth Barracuda lost the first two syllables of its name and became simply the 'Cuda.' There were three body styles and nine engine options offered, with the most potent being the Hemi 'Cuda powered by Chrysler's 425 horsepower, 426 cubic-inch (7-Liter) 'Street Hemi' V8. The aggressive styling envelope was pushed further with the 'shaker' hood for the Hemi engine.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

Plymouth's muscle car was their long hood/short deck version of the Valiant, dubbed the Barracuda. In 1970, the dramatically restyled Barracuda and its high-performance brother, known simply as the 'Cuda, would become some of the most desirable muscle machines ever built. With a long list of options and an incredible color pallet, the 'Cuda demanded not only attention, but respect.

With performance being a high priority in 1970, the added weight of a convertible top meant that few people chose to order their muscle machines as convertibles. It is believed that about 155 1970 'Cuda 340 convertibles were produced. With the wide variety of options, each one can be unique in its build.

In the case of this gleaming B5 Bright Blue Metallic beauty, the original owner chose to check the box for the N96 'Shaker' fresh air package. Offering a unique air cleaner setup that protrudes directly through the hood, it indeed shakes when the accelerator pedal is depressed, and forces cold air directly into the carburetor. Due to production and safety issues that forced Plymouth to halt production on this particular option, this is the only known 1970 340 'Cuda convertible factory equipped with this option.

Convertible
Chassis number: BH27G0B212211

This 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible clone that was originally a 318 cubic-inch Barracuda convertible that was constructed in Plymouth's Hamtramck assembly plant in 1970. The modifications were done by Ultimate Rides in El Paso, Texas in the early 2000s. It is painted B-7 Blue with deluxe black leather interior. It is fitted with the factory correct Hemi brake booster, radiator, k-frame, carbs, and exhaust system.

In 2007 Cuda clone was brought to the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California where it was auctioned at the Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia. Bidding reached a high of $70,000 (plus premium and taxes) which was enough to satisfy the reserve and the lot was sold.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23J0B294123

This 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda AAR 2-door Hardtop has 76,048 original miles. It is powered by a 340/290HP six-pack and it features power steering and an axle ratio of 3.55. There are front and rear rubber bumpers and is listed in Galen Govier's registry as number 446 of 1,142. The car has been restored.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23V0B345337

Two of the most prized options on the 1970 E-Body Plymouth Cuda was the 440 cubic-inch engine and the Shaker hood. The 440 cubic-inch V8 had 3 x 2-barrel carburetors and produced just under 400 horsepower. The E-body configuration was a two-door coupe with influences from some of the greatest muscle cars of that era, such as the Chevrolet Camaro. Plymouth and Chrysler both attracted buyers by offering dramatic paint and stripe packages wrapped around giant engines and performance products. Dan Gurney and Sweed Savage could be seen racing their factory prepared Plymouth Cuda's during the 1970 Trans Am circuit.

The 1970 Plymouth 440-6 Pack Cuda finished in Plum Crazy paint was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to sell between $140,000-$180,000 and offered without reserve. At the conclusion of the auction, the vehicle had been sold for $120,450. The vehicle features black bucket front seats and a four-speed transmission. It has a factory shaker hood, black vinyl top, hockey stick decals and a Dana 60 rear-end.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: 50211

This car (AAR chassis #50211) is the first of three Plymouth 'Cudas constructed by Dan Gurney's All American Racers (AAR) for competition in the 1970 Trans Am Championship. It was driven by Dan Gurney and Swede Savage during pre-season testing and used in all of AAR's and Chrysler's pre-season promotional photographs. The car was then driven for the first two races by Dan Gurney until budget cuts by Chrysler forced AAR to reduce its two car effort to a single car for Savage. Savage then drove this car in all of the remaining races except Mid-Ohio. This car earned 12 of Plymouth's 15 points in the 1970 Trans Am. #50211's race history is as follows:

Laguna Seca - Gurney finished: 17th DNF

Lime Rock - Gurney finished 14th DNF

Bryar - Savage finished 18th DNF

Mid Ohio - Did not race

Bridgehampton - Savage finished 22nd DNF

Donnybrooke - Savage finished 5th

Road America - Savage finished 2nd

St. Jovite - Savage finished 29th DNF

Watkins Glen - Savage finished 5th

Kent - Savage finished 18th DNF

Riverside - Savage finished 4th

The second AAR 'Cuda was driven by Swede Savage with the number 42 for three races (Laguna Seca, Lime Rock and Mid-Ohio) before being destroyed at St. Jovite by Savage during a practice crash. AAR did not repair the severely damaged car.

In an effort to provide Plymouth with a Trans Am victory, Gurney returned for the season's final two races (Kent and Riverside) where he drove AAR's recently completed third 'Cuda with the number 48. That third car ran only in those 2 races.

The car was acid dipped, then referred to as 'chemically cleaned', and has many titanium parts which were carried over from Dan Gurney's champ car and F1 efforts. The transmission was aluminum cased but sprayed with cast iron spray to pass tech and the magnet test. AAR was the first team to design and implement a lug nut retaining system which was later used by many teams. The NASA inspired fiberglass hood was unique and used on the street version. The roll cage was the first to be designed entirely by computer and was run in the 'Cudas and Challengers. AAR also prepped and installed the cage in the Sam Posey Challenger prior to being shipped off to Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics. In 1982, Ed Skanes purchased the car and restored it to original specifications for vintage racing.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

This is a 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda 2-Door Hardtop. It is seen here at the 2007 Eastern Concours of the United States.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23R0B146640

This Plymouth Hemi Cuda was constructed in 1970 at the Hamtramck assembly plant and was originally equipped with Plymouth's top-of-the-line 'R'-code 426 Hemi V8 and a four-speed manual gearbox, making it one of only 284 examples specified with this combination.

The Hemi 'Cuda was equipped with power-assisted front disc brakes, 'shaker' hood, bucket seats, center console, elastomeric bumpers, Track Pack rear end, Rallye instrument cluster, rear window defogger, and a solid-state radio with stereo tape deck. The MSRP for this car was $5,361.85, over $200 more than the 'Cuda's base price.

The car is finished in Rallye Red with a black vinyl-covered top and sport stripes. It was sold to its first owner through Fair Chrysler Plymouth Inc. of Sacramento. Shortly after its original sale, the car was repossessed and subsequently resold on November 20th of 1970 to Andrew Farrar, a farmer living in Willows, California.

To help encourage unwitting competitors, Mr. Farrar replaced the 426 badges on the hood scoop with those from a 383 and removed the telling Hemi graphics.

Mr. Farrar drove the 'Cuda for the next two decades, eventually retiring the 49,000 mile car to a barn on his property in 1989. In 2008, Mr. Farrar decided to remove the car from storage and sent it for a comprehensive service that included attention to the brake, cooling and fuel system. A short time later, it was sold to a Southern California collector.

This car is currently a three-owner vehicle that remains in unrestored condition. The overhead valve 'Hemi' V8 engine displaces 426 cubic-inches and is fitted with dual Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetors. The 425 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual gearbox.

The car has quick-release hood pins, shaker hood, white-letter tires, and Hurst pistol-grip shifter.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23ROB249759

This rare race car is fully documented to be one of the four Hemi 'Cudas exported to France at the request of Henri Chemin, the Director of Chrysler's Racing Department at the time and somewhat of a legend to French motorsports enthusiasts. Chemin had built Ford's racing program in the 1960's before moving to Chrysler and essentially building theirs as the 1970's began.

Chemin's list of racing credentials is long and lustrous, but what he is most proud of accomplishing with Chrysler of France was not only creating their racing department, but driving Hemi Cuda BS23ROB249759 to four French Group 1 Championships earned by an infinite number of victories and top finishes in hillclimbs and circuit events between 1970 and 1973. By all accounts, this is the winningest Hemi Cuda ever built, scoring more racing victories than the great fraternity of NHRA drag racers such as Ronnie Sox, Herb McCandless, Dick Landy, and 'Ohio' Arlen Vanke.

With some assistance from the French racing resources of Matra, the Cuda was given an upgraded suspension, improved brakes, and some precision engine balancing. The rules prohibited any further engine modifications so the 426 cubic-inch Hemi was very close to production specs. But the improved underpinnings gave the Hemi Cuda the kind of overall handling which allowed it to go toe-to-toe with the factory-prepared Mustangs, Camaros, Porsche and BMW's it faced all over France and dominated them for several years.

The Hemi Cuda Chemin raced almost exclusively was given the identification number 6752WX 75 and it was the first one imported by Chrysler France. Altogether, it racked up no fewer than 60 victories during its racing life, and following its retirement from the Chrysler racing program in 1973, it continued to be successfully campaigned by French privateers before eventually dropping out of sight.

The car was discovered and brought to Connecticut where it received a proper and authentic restoration by Redline Restorations.

Convertible

This Plymouth Gran Coupe Convertible is finished in deep burnt orange metaling with matching interior. It is one of sixty-six with a 383 cubic-inch 4-barrel 335 horsepower engine with HD 727 Torqueflite transmission. It has a rare Y-13 VIN code and was a dealer demo. The car was ordered with ever option to promote the new 1970 series E-Body convertibles.

The Gran Coupe Convertibles were produced for one year - 1970. 518 were Gran Coupe Convertibles; 596 were Gran Coupe 2-door hardtops and 1,554 were basic coupe 2-door hardtops.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

This Plymouth Cuda is one of 14 known EK2 ('vitamin C') with H6XW (black/white) vinyl interior, optional 'sure-grip' 3.91 rear axle ratio / N95 evaporative emission system. It has a A53 (Trans Am Package) with front power disc brakes and 11-inch rear drums. There are hood tie down pins, fiberglass 'fresh-air' hood, dual side exit exhaust, aero rear spoiler ('duckwing'), and 26-inch radiator with 7 blade torque drive fan. It has a 340 cubic-inch 3x2 barrel V8 engine offering 290 horsepower. There are front and rear sway bar package with HD shocks, 'rallye' suspension, longitudinal bodyside strobe stripes, LH painted remote side mirror, E60x16 (front and G60x15 (rear) W/L Goodyear 'polyglas GT' tires.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

In 1964, Ford introduced the Mustang, leaving the competition in the dust. With some creative shuffling, Plymouth took their similarly sized Valiant, added a curved rear window and some sporty trim, and created the Barracuda. Although it didn't enjoy the same success, it did plant the seed for things to come.

By 1970, the Pony Car wars were at fever pitch, and every major U.S. auto manufacturer offered their own version of the Pony Car. Dodge introduced the all-new Challenger, and Plymouth responded with a similar-sized long hood, short deck version of the Barracuda.

Several versions would be offered, with one of the hottest being the AAR, named for Dan Gurney's All American Racers. The hot Trans Am racing series had garnered significant attention and as the saying goes: Race on Sunday, sell on Monday! The AAR 'Cuda was a single-year offering with many unique features. Among them is the triple-carburetor 340 cubic-inch engine, a fiberglass scooped hood, side-exit exhaust, and staggered size raised white letter tires.

This particular AAR 'Cuda was purchased new by Ozzie Olson of the Olsonite Corporation in Detroit. Olsonite is recognized as one of America's great Indy Car sponsors and also the sponsor of Dan Gurney and the AAC 'Cuda Trans Am team. After surviving a major fire at Olsonite World Headquarters and passing through several owners, it has been restored to its original glory exactly as it was when owned and driven by Ozzie Olson.

Hardtop Coupe

There is no doubt that when it comes to outrageous in-your-face colors for the 1960s and 1970s Muscle Cars, Dodge and Plymouth were at the head of the pack. In mid-1969, they started by offering several special spring time colors such as Bahama Yellow and Spring Green, which were certainly eye catching.

It was the 1970 model year that really kicked things into high gear, color wise. For the newly restyled Barracuda and Dodge Challenger, Chrysler knew they had to grab the eye of the hungry youth market.

This 1970 'Cuda is one of a mere handful produced in FM3 Moulin Rouge, known as Panther Pink for its Dodge stable-mate, with a white interior. Although certainly one of the wildest offerings, it was also somewhat confusing. Perhaps the generally male audience they were trying to appeal to wasn't quite ready to drive a while hot pink car, even with a hot 383 under the hood. Of course, a few ladies may have checked the box for Moulin Rouge, but added a high performance big block engine to the list was even less likely.

To make this even more interesting, this particular 'Cuda is also equipped with a factory color coordinated Pink strobe stripe. Very few 'Cuda's wear the optional strobe stripe, as the Hockey Stick stripe with the engine size call-out was very popular. This car has been given a full restoration.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

This car has had the same owner for over 45 years! One of the earliest 440-6 Cudas, born October 1969 and it has very early style aluminum intake. One of 852 440-6 Cuda coupes, 1 of 717 with optional Shaker hood. It was successfully campaigned as a drag car for 10 years. It was used in owner's wedding in 1975. In 1989, it was restored to original condition.

Convertible

Originally introduced in 1964 as a fastback, large rear window version of the Valiant; it was offered in 1967 as a line of cars including a fastback, convertible, and a notch back coupe. In 1970, it was totally redesigned with its own 'E-Body' designation.

New styling included the long hood/short deck like the Mustang / Camaro design but unlike its competitors, it was engineered from the 'B-Body' platform that would easily accommodate the big engines and heavy duty brakes, axles and suspension components the market was demanding.

Engine options for the 1970 Barracuda included a 225 slant-six cylinder, 318 V8, 340 four-barrel V8, 383 four-barrel V8, 440 and 426 Hemi V8 engines.

This particular Barracuda is equipped with the 340 cubic-inch engine, painted in Violet Purple with a white interior and an added hockey-stick stripe on the rear quarter panel indicating the engine size in the stripe. This car has the rare column shifter. Most came equipped with the shifter located in an optional center console.

The Plymouth 'Muscle Car' era was marketed as the 'Rapid Transit System' cars: the Duster 340, the 'Cuda, the Road Runner, the GTX and the Sport Fury GT.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe

When Plymouth restyled the Barracuda in 1970, they hit a home run. While the previous model shared many components with the Valiant, the E-body Barracuda featured all-new styling. With a long hood and short deck, the signature of the new breed of Pony Cars, it was well-received. Offered as a hardtop or convertible, the high-performance 'Cuda models would go on to be among the most sought-after muscle cars ever built.

This Lime Green 'Cuda convertible is powered by the 340 cubic-inch engine backed by a Hurst Pistol-Grip 4-speed manual transmission. The current owner acquired this car in 1972 and used it as his daily driver for three years. It was then relegated to fair weather use only. In 1980 he had it restored and recently had it re-restored, bringing it back to exactly as it was when delivered new. This 'Cuda convertible is one of 88 340, 4-speed convertibles produced.

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23J0B297205

This 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda is one of 2,724 'All American Racers' produced. These limited-production cars would have never existed had rule changes dictated that a certain number of road-going examples were required to be built to legalize them for competition. Among them was the first-year E-body AAR Cuda, and to make the pieces eligible for SCCA's 1970 Trans-Am series, a total of 2,724 'All American Racers' models were produced. This particular example is documented with the original Broadcast Sheet, its Chrysler dealer invoice, two fender tags and a five-page decoding report from E-Bodies.org.

In 2016, this car received a full rotisserie restoration. It is equipped with the 340 cubic-inch engine with the factory 6 BBL setup and delivers 290 horsepower. There is a 727 automatic transmission, 3.55 Sure Grip rear end, correct side exit exhaust, power disc brakes, power steering, and rear mount antenna. The interior houses Rallye instruments tachometer and gauges, a woodgrain steering wheel, genuine leather bucket seats, a new black interior, a console with slapstick shifter, and a factory AM 8-track stereo.

The 15-inch Rallye road wheels are wrapped with TA radials. It has the factory AAR-only fiberglass hood, fender-mounted signal indicators, and has been refinished in the correct High Impact Lemon Twist.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23J0B294099

The AAR Cuda was named after Dan Gurney's 'All American Racers' team and was a single-year release created to make body and suspension components legal for SCCA's Trans AM race series.

This particular 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda is finished in Rallye Red with a black fiberglass hood, spoilers and strobe-type AAR graphics. It was sold new at City Dodge in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and retains its matching-numbers 340 CID 6-BBL engine, which itself was solely offered in 1970 as a production engine. It has an aluminum intake, three 2-barrel Holley carburetors, special cylinder heads, high-flow, cast-iron exhaust manifolds, and exclusive side-exit, dual exhaust with chrome trumpet tips. The engine is backed by an A727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and an 8.75 differential. There is an upgraded suspension, fast-ratio steering, and power brakes with front discs as standard equipment.

Among the noted changes to the vehicle's exterior is the unique factory fiberglass fresh air hood with functional hold-down pins, front chin and rear deck spoilers, and movement of the radio antennae to the rear quarter panel. The interior features black bucket seats with a wood-grain trim center console, Slapstik shifter, AM radio, Rallye dash (with 150 MPH speedometer, tachometer, and clock), remote driver's side mirror, and pedal dress-ups.

Unlike some AAR Cuda examples, this one has dual outside body-colored mirrors, an Elastomeric front bumper, a black vinyl top, and fog lamps. It rides on Rallye wheels with offset-sized 15-inch Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23V0B136209

1970 was the first season for the E-body, a completely new car platform that gave an anchor model to the brand's Rapid Transit System marketing campaign.

This 1970 Plymouth Cuda is finished in Burnt Tan Metallic with a Black vinyl roof and Black interior. Beneath the Shaker hood resides the original V-Code 440 6-BBL engine with 2-barrel Holley carburetors and backed by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. There is an A32 Super Performance axle package with 4.10 ratio 9.75 inch Dana rear axle and Sure Grip, power front disc brakes, and Hemi suspension handling package. On the outside, there is a Go Wing rear spoiler, factory N96 shaker hood with hold-down pins, ribbed rocker moldings, road lamps, black hockey-stripe graphics and chrome exhaust tips. On the inside, there are bucket seats, a console with Slap Stik shifter, full Rallye instrument cluster with a clock and tachometer, a remote-adjust outside mirror, a premium 10-watt AM/FM radio and wood-grain accenting. It rides on 15-inch Rallye wheels wrapped in Goodyear F60-15 Polyglas GT tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23R0B296096

This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is documented with its original broadcast sheet and fender tag is purportedly the former 'Pink Panther Car' used by BF Goodrich for advertising and promotional work. It left the factory wearing W1 Alpine White before being repainted in Moulin Rouge for its BF Goodrich promotion work. In 2018, it was restored back to its original color with Moulin Rouge paint still extant within the trunk.

This Plymouth is one of 652 Hemi Cuda hardtops produced during the 1970 model year, and one of 368 examples produced with an automatic transmission. Beneath the bonnet is a matching-numbers 426 Hemi V-8 engine. The 7.0-liter engine has dual four-barrel carburetors on the aluminum intake, iron hemispherical cylinder heads, dual exhaust and extreme-duty cooling components. The engine is paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

There is an argent-tone Shaker hood scoop, Cuda rocker trim and road lamps. The interior is done in black with front bucket seats, a center console with ball-knob Slap-Stik, Rallye instrument cluster featuring clock and tach, tinted glass and upgraded audio equipment by Alpine. There are hood pins, a set of color-matched steel wheels with bright, small-diameter hubcaps and BF Goodrich radial tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23R0B214239

There were 652 examples of the 1970 Plymouth Cuda ordered with the Hemi V8 option which included a 'Shaker' fresh-air intake hood. These ultimate muscle cars were finished in dramatic and eye-catching colors that turned heads.

This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Export Cuda with Lemon twist exterior and black top was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It is one of only 44 Export Cuda's produced with a total of eleven known to exist in modern times. The factory 2-barrel 426 Hemi engine produces 425 horsepower and is matted to a A727 Torqueflight automatic transmission. It also has a Dana 60 rear-end and Good Year Polyglass tires with raised white letters. At the conclusion of the auction the vehicle was left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Gran Coupe Hardtop
Chassis number: bp23g0e100992

This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe is in highly original condition with a recently rebuilt 340 cubic-inch V8 engine with an upgraded camshaft, Hedman headers, and an Edelbrock intake manifold. It is finished in Burnt Orange with AAR-style Black dashed striping, matching Burnt Orange interior, chrome bumpers, Rallye wheels, and BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: bs23n0b269340

This 1970 Plymouth Cuda is finished in the rare factory FM3 Moulin Rouge exterior and rides on Rallye wheels. It has a Rallye dash with a tachometer and gauges, power steering, push-button AM radio, and bucket seats and console. It is powered by a 383 cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission with a Pistol Grip shifter.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23R0B100010

This vehicle is known as 'Job 159,' the second 1970 Hemi 'Cuda model built on the first day of production. This special 'Cuda was one of the so-called 'pilot cars' that were hand-built before production fully commenced at Hamtramck, and the car illustrated in the sales brochure for the new 'E-body' 'Cuda and in early advertisements. It starred in at least two television commercials and was used in a dealer promotional film used to sell salesmen and buyers alike on the fully redesigned model's new features.

Standard Equipment and Accessories

This Plymouth 'Cuda left the factory wearing a Rallye Red exterior with a black vinyl roof and black leather front bucket seats and console. Along with the Hemi V8 engine, it came equipped with an automatic transmission, 'Shaker' hood, Enduro bumpers, power steering, dual sport mirrors, front fog lights, factory pin-lock hood, fiber optic front turn signal marker lights, 'hockey stick' trim stripe, AM radio, clock, tachometer, and factory chrome exhaust tips.

Unique Features

As an early, hand-built 'pilot car,' this 'Cuda came with several unique features and unusual details. The hood Shaker and its air inlet grilles are painted in matching color, and a tail panel is finished in Argent Silver - like the Barracuda Grand Coupe, rather than the black used on later production cars. The 'hickey stick' body stripe is slightly longer than other 'Cudas, another unique feature that distinguishes it from regular production examples.

This 'Cuda has received some restoration work, but much of the bodywork appears to be original. The undercarriage is finished in grey primer with the expected areas of overspray, and the engine block is an early 'warranty block' replacement. Some of the interior upholstery appears to still be original, and the odometer displays 72,501 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: BS23V0B100413

When Plymouth introduced its Barracuda in 1964, it rested on the compact A-Body platform, growing in 1970 to the exclusive E-Body platform, shared only with the Dodge Challenger. The performance variant of the Barracuda was known just as the 'Cuda and offered a plethora of engine, transmission, and appearance options. This particular 1971 'Cuda is part of the Golden State Muscle Car Collection and is powered by the V-Code 440 Six-Pack backed by a 4-speed manual transmission with Mopar's signature Pistol Grip gearshift. It wears a bold shade of Rallye Red with a black vinyl roof and black vinyl bucket seat interior. There is a Shaker hood, rally wheels, fish gill rocker moldings, '440' quarter stripes, Rallye gauges, and a factory AM radio.

The 440 cubic-inch V8 engine has overhead valves, triple 2-barrel carburetors, and produces 390 horsepower at 4,700 RPM. There are power brakes, a live rear axle, and an independent front suspension.

by Dan Vaughan

Cuda Convertible
Chassis number: bs27r0b305097

This matching numbers Hemi 'Cuda has been refinished in the correct High Impact FY1 Lemon Twist with a black convertible top and a H6T5 Tan interior. There are bucket seats and a center console with woodgrain applique. The E74 Hemi 426 cubic-inch V8 engine has dual four-barrel carburetors paired with a 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission. There is a Shaker hood with hold-down pins, body sill belt and deck moldings, dual exhaust with bright tips, and painted steel wheels wrapped with Goodyear Polyglas tires.

by Dan Vaughan

Hardtop Coupe
Chassis number: bs23r0b178823

This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda has been given a concours rotisserie restoration. It has a 426 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors and produces 425 horsepower. It has a 727 automatic transmission, a Dana 4.10 Positraction Super Performance rear axle, power steering, power disc brakes, and a factory Shaker hood. This Cuda has been refinished in its original Rallye Red paint scheme.

by Dan Vaughan

The first series of the Barracuda was produced from 1964 through 1969, distinguished by its A-body construction. From 1970 through 1974 the second series was produced using an E-body construction.

In 1964, Plymouth offered the Barracuda as an option of the Valiant model line, meaning it wore both the Valiant and Barracuda emblems. The base offering was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine that produced with 180 horsepower. An optional Commando 273 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine was available with a four-barrel carburetor, high-compression heads and revised cams. The vehicle was outfitted with a live rear axle and semi-elliptic springs. Unfortunately, the Barracuda was introduced at the same time, separated by only two weeks, as the Ford Mustang. The Mustang proved to be the more popular car outselling the Valiant Barracuda by a ratio of 8 to 1.

The interior was given a floor-shifter, vinyl semi-bucket seats, and rear seating. The rear seats folded down allowing ample space for cargo.

By 1967, Plymouth redesigned the Barracuda and added a coupe and convertible to the model line-up. To accommodate larger engines, the engine bay was enlarged. There were multiple engine offerings that ranged in configuration and horsepower ratings. The 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder was the base engine while the 383 cubic-inch 8-cylinder was the top-of-the-line producing 280 horsepower. That was impressive, especially considering the horsepower-to-weight ratio. Many chose the 340 cubic-inch eight-cylinder because the 383 and Hemi were reported to make the Barracuda nose-heavy while the 340 offered optimal handling.

In 1968 Plymouth offered a Super Stock 426 Hemi package. The lightweight body and race-tuned Hemi were perfect for the drag racing circuit. Glass was replaced with lexan, non-essential items were removed, and lightweight seats with aluminum brackets replaced the factory bench, and were given a sticker that indicated the car was not to be driven on public highways but for supervised acceleration trials. The result was a car that could run the quarter mile in the ten-second range.

For 1969 a limited number of 440 Barracudas were produced, giving the vehicle a zero-to-sixty time of around 5.6 seconds.

In 1970 the Barracuda was restyled but shared similarities to the 1967 through 1969 models. The Barracuda was available in convertible and hardtop configuration; the fastback was no longer offered. Sales were strong in 1970 but declined in the years that followed. The muscle car era was coming to a close due to the rising government safety and emission regulations and insurance premiums. Manufacturers were forced to detune their engines. The market segment was slowly shifting from muscle-cars to luxury automobiles. 1974 was the final year Plymouth offered the Barracuda.

by Dan Vaughan