Cuda: A Fast Fish

Barracuda

Plymouth Barracuda from 1964
The first Barracuda, which was built in 1964, was based on a Valiant with body panel alterations. Some vehicles carried both Valiant and Barracuda decals on the same vehicle. It featured the world’s largest bubble-style back window at the time of its construction. Additionally, it was the final year in which Chrysler offered their push-button automatic transmission. The Barracuda came standard with a 170 cubic inch slant 6 engine producing 145 horsepower, with an optional 226 cubic inch engine producing 170 horsepower. In its early years, this car was marketed as a sporty small, but it gradually evolved into one of the most recognizable and famous American muscle cars of all time.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1965

Despite the fact that the Plymouth Barracuda’s outer appearance is identical to that of the 1964 model, production numbers increased by nearly threefold from 1964 to 1970. Everything about this car, with the exception of the aftermarket wheels, seems like it came straight from the factory.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1966

The Plymouth Barracuda of the first generation was the last of its kind. Located in Florida, this car is free of corrosion and has not been restored. The car was purchased from the previous owner’s brother, who had owned it for 23 years. His brother worked in a car dealership and purchased the vehicle when it became available from a woman who brought it in for service on a regular basis. Keep Mopars in your family for generations is a frequent occurrence.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1967

The Plymouth Barracuda of the second generation debuted as a convertible and as a Formula S vehicle in the same year. The convertible remained in production until 1971. The slant 6 was out of the question. Despite the fact that it was still a member of the Valiant family, this A-body shape distinguished it from the original Barracuda through significant redesigns. It was offered in three body styles: fastback, notchback, and convertible.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1968

Many Barracudas during this time period were significantly modified for racing purposes. Designed exclusively for professional drag racing, the Hemi engine was built by Chrysler. With the return of the Slant 6, the 273V8 was phased out and replaced with the 318.

Plymouth ‘Cuda from 1969

For the first time, the designated ‘Cuda name was officially used in 1969, and it was reserved for performance variants equipped with either the 340, 383, or the new 440 engines.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1970

The E-body was first introduced in 1970 and was produced until 1974, when it was replaced by the F-body. The Barracuda series, the Gran Coupe, the ‘Cuda, and the AAR were all available as options. They included both hardtops and convertibles, some of which were only available in limited quantities. There were a variety of engine options available, but the AAR ‘Cuda came standard with a 340 cubic inch engine and a six-barrel carburetor.

Plymouth ‘Cuda from 1971

The 1971 Barracuda was the first Barracuda to be equipped with dual headlights. The only other distinguishing feature is the presence of front fender louvers. It was only for the year 1971 that the billboard side stripe was manufactured. This was also the final year for the big block 383 and 426 Hemi, as well as the big block 440. It is believed that just 11 Hemi ‘Cuda convertibles were built, and some of them have sold for millions of dollars at auction.

Plymouth ‘Cuda from 1972

The year 1972 marked the introduction of the slotted center grille and round taillights on automobiles. The 340 was the largest engine that was available. This 340 Plymouth ‘Cuda has 55,000 original kilometers and is in excellent condition. It attracts a lot of attention because of its close to original appearance. It is equipped with a numbers-matching engine and automatic transmission, as well as the original rear end from the factory. The majority of the vehicle is original.

Plymouth Barracuda from 1973

A factory-correct 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is a sought-after collectible. This one has the rubber bumper guards, which are frequently removed from other vehicles. The stripe on this vehicle is likewise factory-correct, and it is identical to the one that was used on the 1973 and 1974 versions. Early models were equipped with the 340 ci engine, which was eventually replaced with the 360 ci engine later in the year since the manufacturer was purging the 340s.

Plymouth ‘Cuda from 1974

Outside of a few small differences, the 1973 and 1974 Plymouth Barracudas are nearly identical in appearance, with the exception of a few minor choices that differ between the two years. The Plymouth Barracuda and the E-body were both discontinued in 1974, making 1974 the final year for both. The stories of the Barracuda’s resurgence have been contested over the years, but it does not appear that it will happen anytime in the near future. We will not allow the most recognizable muscle automobile of all time to be lost to history.