The third-generation Plymouth Barracuda was introduced for the 1970 model year and marked a significant change from the previous model. It was constructed on the all-new E-body chassis, had a distinctly more aggressive appearance, and came with full-time options for the big-block 440 cubic inch (7.2 liter) RB and 426 cubic inch (7.0 liter) HEMI.
Throughout 1970, the combo was very popular, with Plymouth selling close to 49,000 cars. It was also the best-selling year for the third-generation Barracuda, making the 1970 model the most widely available. Nonetheless, there are a lot of uncommon jewels in the list.
When it comes to body styles, the convertible is arguably the rarest. Only 2,501 cars left the factory with a soft top, and just 548 were range-topping ‘Cuda trims. Some engines are also scarce. The entry-level 198-cubic-inch (3.2-liter) slant-six, for instance, found its way into only 461 examples. But I bet you’re here to read about big V8s, so that’s precisely what I’m going to give you.
As you might have already guessed, the 426 HEMI is the most elusive in terms of production numbers. Plymouth built only 666 HEMI ‘Cudas, a number that also includes just 14 drop-tops (which are worth millions nowadays). Then there’s the 440 RB, which the company offered in both four-barrel and six-pack configurations. These were produced in 986 and 1,784 units, respectively.
The two-barrel 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) big-block is just as rare as the 440 six-pack at 1,780 units, but I’m actually here to talk about the smaller 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) mill. It’s not the most desirable engine in a 1970 Barracuda at first glance, but I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill four-barrel version.
The identical lump was offered in a six-pack version for the ‘Cuda. It was designed for homologation, and it shared a 2×3-barrel layout with the 440. The AAR ‘Cuda was Plymouth’s response to the Dodge Challenger T/A. In the SCCA Trans-Am series, these vehicles faced off against the more recognizable Ford Mustang Boss 302 and Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.
The road-legal version was developed so that the ‘Cuda would become eligible for competition. And like most homologation specials from the era, it was sold in limited numbers. Plymouth built only 2,724 AAR ‘Cudas, which we can further split into 1,604 automatic and 1,120 manual rigs.
But there’s more to the AAR ‘Cuda than low production numbers. Due to its race-oriented nature, it stands out next to any other 1970 Barracuda, including the HEMI. Sure, the 290-horsepower 340-cubic-inch is nowhere near as potent as the 425-horsepower HEMI, but this ‘Cuda has additional features to brag about.
To begin with, it has a distinctive stripe pattern (that includes the All American Racers emblem) across the top body and rear fenders. It also features a distinctive hood scoop that, in my opinion, appears more attractive than a Shaker. Finally, the most attractive pipe configuration available is the side-exiting exhaust.
Classic Mopar muscle car perfection can be achieved by adding a High Impact color to the list. similar to the superbly preserved AAR that is seen here. Though I know many of you aren’t into pink muscle vehicles, Moulin Rouge (Panther Pink) would be excellent, and In-Violet (Plum Crazy) is considerably closer to the commonly acknowledged holy grail status.