Owning a genuine Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda has moved beyond the reach of mere mortals in a classic market where tributes are commanding stratospheric prices. Sitting in this garage is a perfect example of that breed, and while the price isn’t cheap, it is a car that appears to need nothing but a new home. Its presentation is virtually flawless, while that upgraded V8 should provide the power to match its good looks. The ‘Cuda is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Riverwoods, Illinois. It could be yours for $99,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tim961 for spotting this muscular classic.
The 1970 model year marked the introduction of the Third Generation Plymouth Barracuda, which the company offered in three versions. The sporting variant’s name was shortened to ‘Cuda, a name that sends shivers of delight up the spines of performance car enthusiasts. The history of this 1970 example is unclear, but it presents beautifully in Rallye Red. The seller doesn’t indicate whether it is this classic’s original shade or if it has undergone a change at some point. Buyers had a wide selection of colors from which to choose, and this could be 1-of-5,706 Barracudas across all variants to wear Rallye Red. Faulting its overall condition is almost impossible. The paint shines like a mirror, the panels are laser-straight, and the underside shots confirm this classic is rust-free. I can’t spot any trim or glass issues, while the Rallye wheels do a fantastic job of filling the bulging wheel wells and further reinforcing this car’s muscular good looks. The new owner could take this ‘Cuda anywhere, and it is guaranteed to turn heads.
Plymouth didn’t have a weak offering within the 1970 ‘Cuda range, with every variant delivering excellent performance. The original owner ordered this car with a 383ci V8 that produced 335hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque. It is unclear what transmission performed the shifting duties, but with a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET there for the taking, this car was no automotive wimp. Of course, there is nothing wrong with craving more power, and the seller ensured that it wasn’t a mere pipe dream. The 383 was removed and discarded, and the empty space was filled with the legendary 426ci Hemi powerplant. No information is provided about its specifications, and the fact it doesn’t sport the correct Dual-Quad induction system suggests its power output may fall marginally short of the 425hp and 490 ft/lbs generated by the real deal. However, with this monster backed by a four-speed manual transmission, I see no reason why it could generate a low-13-second ET. The seller indicates they are unsure of the mileage that the Hemi has clocked, and there are no indications regarding how it drives. There is an embedded video clip in the listing that features the V8 running. The idle is as lumpy as you might expect, with no signs of smoke or odd noises. Hitting the gas provides an instant response, free from hesitation or other issues. It would probably be fair to expect that a car within this price bracket would be a turnkey proposition.
This Plymouth’s interior presents as impressively as its exterior, meaning while describing it as “showroom fresh” might be stretching things, there are no visible flaws or defects. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, there is no carpet wear, and the dash and pad are free from cracks and other issues. It appears the original radio is intact, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The builder firmly focused on performance because this interior doesn’t feature any automotive “tinsel.” The radio is the only luxury option, with the rest of the interior purely functional. There are bucket seats but no console. The driver grasps a chunky sports wheel, the Rallye gauge cluster includes a factory tach, and the pistol grip shifter should guarantee precise ratio changes.
This 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda is a stunning car, and its new owner could drive it anywhere with their head held high. It isn’t a genuine Hemi ‘Cuda, and its price of $99,000 reflects that. If it were the real deal, its condition would push that figure well into six-figure territory, with a price beyond $200,000 not out of the question. Short of an understanding bank manager or a lottery win, most people wouldn’t have that sort of money to spend on what is a luxury purchase. This one isn’t cheap, but it is half the price of the genuine article. The seller is pitching it to a limited buyer pool, helping to explain why it has been on the market for seven weeks. I believe they will find a buyer, but it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on how long they may have to wait. So, over to you.
Beautiful tribute to the (debatably) king of the muscle cars. However I wonder why on earth after spending at least 30k for the Hemi would you cap it off with the most tacky 1980s air cleaner ever made!?
“They” say that the original Hemi was very underrated in terms of power. The solid lifter super stockers certainly made 500+. I have seen a dyno sheet on one that was built locally to me that was built to factory 1969 spec with a hydraulic cam for a Roadrunner that made 487/509. So assuming this one with the single 4 in good tune isn’t far from that 425.
Beautiful car, dumb engine. The hemi was great on a drag strip, but a royal pain on the street. (trust me, I know what a royal pain is, I am from England) A decent small block was the best all around for these. We saw very few in person over here, but the few I did see were slant sixes, and I was in awe of them. Practical and beautiful as well.
It’s hard not to sing the praises of the Hemi Cuda especially in this form which the car half the planet wants to own so yes you will pay!
Low 13s says Clarkey ?
I would think mid 12s would be pretty easy with this power-packed Barracuda🏁
In quarter mile tests, the best was 13.40 with an automatic and 4.10 gears. Based on that, I don’t think this one will hit the mid 12’s. But there’s nothing wrong with anything in the 13’s!
Looks great, posted 7 weeks ago.
Will always remember seeing a red 70′ Hemi Cuda’ parked on the street back in 1985. Was delivery driver for old Performance Plus and there it was. The real thing.It looked just like this one. It was parked on the street next to a 76′ station in/near Redwood City. Never saw it again after that though. These cars are bad@##!
Gorgeous vehicle. 425 HP seems light given the cubic inches and superior head engine, perhaps a tune variable. Obviously the ’71 is a nice year, think the ’70 might make a claim “better muscle car style” being slightly cleaner in appearance, but that’s just my opinion.
Did they swap in the Dana Rear end, torque boxes and the bigger torsion bars. Beautiful car and favorite paint as well. The 70 was the most seductive cleaned grille and rear lights in my opinion.
I took my driver’s license in my dad’s 70 cuda in 1970. So I’m spoiled and very biased. So for 100k you could buy this or a newer challenger hellcat. I’d take this one every time.
Had a 66 Satellite with the 426 and a 727 auto. Bad to the bone and way to much the notation for an 18 year old with a lead foot. Love I have this example as slightly more responsible driver…..
Always preferred the Cuda over the Challenger. And this one is a gem. And, the new owner can actually drive it as opposed to hermetically sealing a numbers matching Hemi Cuda. That’s a win win!
Just the opposite, I like the Challenger better, but a Cuda would still be welcome in my garage. I think the engine is silly. I understand, it is there for profit, but I wonder if all the work was done to the rear end, etc. The real hemi cars were beefed up in many places. A nice small block would have made a much better all around driver, but it lacks some of the bragging rights (a big deal here I am guessing). Me, I would be happy with a 225 and a three speed, but that is just me. (though a 308 4 speed would be my absolute favorite. That is how I would have ordered this, but at the time I was spending my days watching a teacher make love to a blackboard as he described his love of the inclined plane, and other exciting matters Should have dropped out of school, got a job pumping gas and bought a new car. You could do that in those days. Anyone with any job could afford a brand new car. My, how times have changed)
I’d sell the Camaro and keep the Cuda’.
I would buy the Camaro before I would buy the Cuda.
So, did they chop up a 383 Cuda to build this? If so it is a shame, as they are rare cars worth more than this thing.