Red Jersey Muscle Cars - Plymouth Hemi Cuda

Muscle Cars - Plymouth Hemi Cuda

plymouth hemi cuda grilles The third generation Barracuda hit the streets in 1969 with just 2 different bodies, the coupe and convertible. The original fastback was not continued. This all new 'E' body was a complete change from the valiant predecessors and was shorter and wider than the 'B body'. It shared this new platform with the Dodge Challenger but whilst there are similarities the Dodge had completely different panel work. Best of all the new chassis was big enough to take the big block 'hemi' engines and the top of the range sports version was now known and badged as the 'Hemi Cuda'. Externally the addition of side fender gills really started to match the namesake barracuda fish and with teeth to match.

The other signs are the now fully functional shaker hood, beefed up chassis, rear axle and brakes all added to awesome package that lasted until 1971 before being discontinued. Only about 750 Hemi 'Cuda's' were built making this very rare yet desirable motor that has enthusiasts and investors paying great sums of money for. The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda removed all its previous commonality with the Valiant. The original fastback design was deleted from the line and the Barracuda now consisted of coupe and convertible models. The all-new model, styled by John E. Herlitz, was built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform, called the E-body.

plymouth hemi cuda tail lights Sharing this platform was also the newly launched Dodge Challenger; however, no sheet metal interchanged between the two cars, and the Challenger had a 2-inch (51 mm) longer wheelbase. The E-body Barracuda was now "able to shake the stigma of 'economy car'. Three versions were offered: the base Barracuda (BH), the luxury oriented Gran Coupe (BP), and the sport model 'Cuda (BS). The high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger than that of the previous A-body, facilitating the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi for the regular retail market.

Barracuda options included decal sets, hood modifications, and some unusual "high impact" colors such as "Vitamin C", "In-Violet", and "Moulin Rouge". Swede Savage and Dan Gurney raced identical factory-sponsored AAR (All American Racers) 'Cudas in the 1970 Trans-Am Series. The cars qualified for three pole positions but did not win any Trans-Am races; the highest finish was 2nd at Road America. A street version of the AAR 'Cuda was produced, powered by the 340 cu in (5.6 L) "six pack" (three two-barrel carburetors) engine. The Barracuda was changed slightly for 1971, with a new grille and taillights, seat, and trim differences.

plymouth hemi cuda wheels This would be the only year that the Barracuda would have four headlights, and also the only year of the fender "gills" on the 'Cuda model. The 1971 Barracuda engine options would remain the same as that of the 1970 model, except the 4-barrel carbureted 440 engine was not available; all 440-powered Barracudas had a six-barrel carburetor setup instead. The 426 Hemi remained available, and the 1971 HemiCuda convertible is now considered one of the most valuable collectible muscle cars. Only eleven were built, seven of which were sold domestically, and examples of these cars have sold for US$2 million. In 1970 and 1971, the shaker hood and the Spicer-built Dana 60 rear axle were available.

With a new grille, dual projector headlights and four circular taillights for 1972, the Barracuda would remain basically unchanged through 1974, with minor changes to the bumpers to conform with federal impact standards being the only significant variations. Big Block engines (383, 440, & 426 Hemi) were no longer offered. Additionally, convenience/comfort items such as power windows, and interior upgrade options were dropped. For 1972 only three engine choices were offered: a 225 six, the 318 (base engine for both 'Cuda and Barracuda)and 340. The 225 was dropped after 1972, with the 318 and 340 (replaced by the 360 for 1974) being the only engine choices.