Plymouth’s original Barracuda was Chrysler Corporation’s answer to the Mustang. Derived from Valiant body and mechanicals, it was a fastback hardtop coupe with a novel “greenhouse” rear window that wrapped down to the beltline at the sides. Like the Mustang, and later competing Camaro from Chevrolet, it was available with either six- or eight-cylinder drivetrains, each in numerous states of tune.

As the Mustang evolved from pony car to muscle car, the Barracuda kept pace, becoming ever more powerful and growing in size and weight. A new design for 1967 eliminated the wrapped rear window and added a convertible. For 1970, a whole new body, shared with the Dodge Challenger, was offered in three models: base, Gran Coupe, and ’Cuda. The latter came with a 335-brake horsepower, 383-cubic inch V-8, and heavy-duty suspension. Optional engines included a 425-brake horsepower 426-cubic inch Street Hemi, and 440 Wedge engines of 375 and 390 brake horsepower. The former had a single four-barrel carburetor, the latter three two-barrels.

This 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda Convertible was delivered with a 335-brake horsepower single-quad 383-cubic inch Wedge engine. During restoration, it was up-rated with a 440-cubic inch engine with the Six-Pack option, with three two-barrel carbs enabling 390 horsepower. The transmission is Chrysler’s indestructible 727 TorqueFlite automatic. The tires are white-letter B.F. Goodrich Radial T/As, and dual exhausts complete the power train package.

Distinctive Plum Crazy purple paint shows off the Shaker Hood and 440 graphic accents, while the electric power top is done in black vinyl. Other equipment includes power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, black vinyl interior with bucket seats and center console, Rallye instruments, three-speed wipers with washers, and an AM/FM radio. In addition to the usual indicators, the wood-grain accented dashboard has an 8,000 rpm tachometer and electric clock with sweep second hand. The wood-grain pattern reprises on the console, which also includes a storage compartment. Completed in 2013, the restoration remains fresh and in excellent condition.

Just 635 ’Cuda convertibles were built for 1970, and this car represents a chance to own a rare beast in the most desirable configuration.