The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda consisted of coupe and convertible models. John E. Herlitz, styled this 'Cuda, built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform, called the E-body.
The E-body Barracuda could no longer be called an economy car.
Three versions were offered: the base Barracuda, the luxury Gran Coupe, and the sport model 'Cuda. The high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger, which brought about the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi.
Two six-cylinder engines were available, a new 198 cu in (3.2 L) and the 225. Also available, six different V8s! The 318, 340, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-6bbl, and the 426 Hemi. The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road.
Some of the special Barracuda options included very in your face colors, like Vitamin C, In-Violet, and Moulin Rouge.
As we all know by now, the 'Cuda and many other great American cars of that era, eventually suffered a decrease in the performance in order to meet safety and exhaust emission regulations. The big-block engine options were discontinued.
A sad ending, but not really, because now we can still own, love and most important, DRIVE these cars today. They still turn heads, just as they always did decades ago!
MHL - enjoy!
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References
Young, Tony (1984). Mighty Mopars 1960–1974. Motorbooks International. pp. 25. ISBN 978-0879381240.
a b c "The Plymouth Barracuda: First Pony (Fish?) Car". http://www.allpar.com/model/cuda.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-02.
a b c John Samsen's Plymouth Barracuda design history
Young, p. 33
Willem L. Weertman; E.W. Beckman (January 1964). "Chrysler Corp.'s new 273 cu in. V-8 engine". Society of Automotive Engineers. 640132
Barrett-Jackson auto auction results 2005
Newhardt, David (2000). Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda. MotorBooks/MBI. pp. 7. ISBN 9780760307724. http://books.google.com/books?id=31CLdf2RfFAC&pg=PA7&dq=Barracuda+stigma+of+economy+car+1970&lr=&ei=3orISNKuDpX8ygSt3PygCw&sig=ACfU3U2aUnvCYEapoytNTEF3fH2XamJPLw.
1970 Barracuda production totals by powerteam
Forbes - Covetable 'Cuda
1975 Barracuda - The Fish that Got Away
Motor Trend's Return of the 'Cuda
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whoa, this is cool man.
ReplyDeleteMopar made such gorgeous cars in the late 60's and early 70's. - Until the gas crunch killed it all. :(
ReplyDeleteOne of my buddies had one of these just after we got out of high school. I think it was a 340, but after almost 25 years, I'm a little fuzzy on the details. I DO remember that it needed to be restored, but he didn't think it was worth investing the money into what he called "an old muscle car." Naturally, none of knew then how scarce these beauties would soon become.
ReplyDeleteAround the same time, this same guy's older brother had a '66 Dodge Coronet R/T with the 440 engine. Can't remember if it was a Magnum or not. For some reason I very clearly remember the Hurst 'slap-stick' shifter it had. It also needed restoration and I could have had it for real short money. Just like my buddy, I didn't think it was worth it.
Oh to be able to go back and do a few things over again!
It's my turn to say WOW! You know a lot about cars. Cool cars! As soon as I clicked on this post Heart's "Barracuda" crashed right into my brain. Now I can't get it out.
ReplyDeleteThese are some really nice looking cars! I'll have to come over and visit some more so I can learn a thing or two. I'm glad I don't have to be a motor head to be able to appreciate something this beautiful.
Ah Lady...thank you for stopping by. These cars are my passion, well besides my kids and granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you can relate because of the way you feel about your bike.
The Lady
I've always loved the Cuda. What an awesome car. Drove one once. It had about 50 miles on it so I could not get down on it:(
ReplyDelete