The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.

The first-generation Barracuda was based on the Chrysler A-body and was offered from 1964 until 1966. A two-door hardtop (no B-pillar) fastback design, it shared a great majority of parts and bodywork with the Plymouth Valiant, except for the distinctive wraparound rear glass.

The second-generation Barracuda, though still Valiant-based, was heavily redesigned. Built from 1967 through 1969, it was available as a two-door in fastback, notchback, and convertible versions.

The third generation, offered from 1970 until 1974, was based on the Chrysler E-body, exclusive to it, and the slightly larger Dodge Challenger. A completely new design, the two-door Barracuda was available in hardtop and convertible body styles.

The 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda is considered a king of muscle cars and a "Holy Grail" of American muscle cars. Some of its special features include:

• Engine: The 1970 Hemi 'Cuda had a 426-cid, 425-horsepower HEMI engine, which was a beast with 490 lb/ft of torque. 

• Number built: Fewer than 800 1970 and 1971 Hemi-powered Plymouth 'Cudas were built. 

• Origin: The car started life as a drag racer. 

• Hemispherical cylinder heads: The hemispherical design cylinder heads had a free flow design that allowed free breathing of both the intake and the exhaust valve. 

• The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda had a suspension that was designed for acceleration, and was later copied by other car manufacturers. 

• Collectible: Hemi 'Cudas are highly prized collectibles and come up for sale infrequently. 

• Convertible Hemi 'Cudas: Convertible Hemi 'Cudas have cleared the US$2-million mark a few times before.

  
  

The black 1970 Hemi Cuda in the pictures above belonged to Nicholas Cage, the blockbuster film star who put it to auction in January 2024, when it was sold for $605,000.

Take Care!

Prof. Carl Boniface