Introduced for the 1970 model year, the third-generation Plymouth Barracuda brought the nameplate into muscle car territory. Moved on the new E-body platform, shared with the Dodge Challenger, the ‘Cuda also gained full-time access to the company’s range-topping V8 engines.
Previously available on a limited-edition model, the 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB V8 joined the options list in both four-barrel and three two-barrel versions. Likewise, the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI, previously offered in a drag-prepped special, completed the lineup as a top-of-the-line mill. But these engines weren’t exactly popular at the time.
Due to high insurance rates for high-performance cars, only a tiny fraction of 1970 Barracudas left the factory with 440 and 426 big-block V8. Specifically, of the 48,867 cars built that year, only 3,436 examples had these engines. That’s only seven percent of the total production, which is a really small number.
Only 666 customers ordered the range-topping HEMI, while the four-barrel 440 found its way into 986 units. As for the 440 “Six-Pack,” it graced 1,784 ‘Cudas. All three are highly desirable nowadays. And because many examples got lost on the way, they’re notably rarer than these figures suggest. The HEMIs are also quite expensive. While the hardtops exceed $400,000 in Concours-ready condition, the convertibles cost more than $1 million. By the way, only 14 HEMI ‘Cudas were ordered as drop-tops.
The 1970 ‘Cuda you see here is not a convertible, and it’s not even a HEMI, but it’s among the rarest ever built. That’s because it rocks a 440-cubic-inch “Six-Pack” and an automatic transmission. The latter makes it one of 919 units produced, while the hardtop layout narrows it down to 902 examples.
Sure, it’s not as rare as a HEMI car, but this ‘Cuda doesn’t need a 426 to be remarkable. The fact that it’s an all-original example with a numbers-matching engine/gearbox combo ranks it high among early 1970s Mopars. And the fact that it’s been restored to a perfect finish makes it an even rarer sight. Thankfully, the ‘Cuda dropped by YouTube’s “Nick’s Garage” for a tune-up, and we can see and hear it in all its glory.
Finished in Tor-Red (paint code EV2) and adorned by the iconic hockey-style “440” stripes on the rear fenders, the ‘Cuda looks fantastic from every angle. And thanks to the black rear spoiler and “shaker” hood, it’s just as menacing as the HEMI version. The black interior is a bit of a letdown, but that’s only because I fancy light-colored cabins. But I wouldn’t let such a tiny detail get in the way should I have a shot at driving this fabulous Mopar.
Speaking of driving, Nick takes the muscle car for a test drive and floors the gas pedal on numerous occasions. If you want to hear that monstrous 440 V8 roar, all you have to do is push the play button below. Remember to crank up the volume, though