New for the 1970 model year, Chrysler Corporation’s E-body siblings, the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda, have long established their status as two of the most legendary American performance cars of the pre-oil-crisis world. With the Barracuda, Plymouth’s unique styling for the model drastically separated the car from the economy-class Valiant that had served as the basis for the previous two generations and, as a result, solidified the sporting intentions of the marque’s muscle car. As such, the Barracuda could be specified with almost the entire range of Mopar engines, from the fuel-sipping 198-cubic-inch slant-six up to the all-powerful 425-cubic-inch Hemi V-8. Three trims were available across the range and included the base Barracuda, luxurious Gran Coupe, and sporty ′Cuda. The body styles were simplified to a hard top coupe or two-door convertible. With a wide array of “Hi-Impact” colors, numerous comfort options, and a complete range of engines, the Barracuda provided the “Me” generation ample opportunity to express individuality.

The 1970 Plymouth ′Cuda 440 Six-Barrel Hardtop on offer is a remarkable, well documented example of this iconic Mopar. As indicated on the broadcast sheet and window sticker on file, the ′Cuda was produced at Chrysler’s Los Angeles plant in December 1969 and optioned with a high-performance 440-cubic-inch V-8 engine with triple, dual-barrel carburetors, a four-speed manual transmission with pistol-grip shifter, Hemi heavy duty suspension, 11-inch brakes, the Trak Pak, Rallye road wheels, Sure-Grip 3.54:1 rear axle, and Tor-Red Hi-Impact exterior paint. Additional appointments include a black vinyl interior, bucket seats, and an pushbutton AM radio. Importantly, both the engine and transmission possess stampings matching the serial number of the car. Just 902 of these six-barrel, four-speed coupes were produced for the 1970 model year, making this ′Cuda fairly uncommon.

Furthering its appeal, the car received a comprehensive restoration completed in 2007. Photos of the project show the body was stripped of its parts and taken down to bare metal. The vehicle was then reassembled to factory specifications with stunning workmanship and presents wonderfully to this day. Additionally, a report by marque expert Galen Govier accompanies the car and provides further detail to the original equipment.

Well documented and highly optioned with performance equipment, this ′Cuda is a must-have for anyone seeking a superlative, restored example of one of Chrysler Corporation’s most iconic creations.