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Interesting History! 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda

Making a V-code (440 6-barrel) ‘Cuda into a cloned AAR ‘Cuda may seem improbable today, but in the days before the Internet made classic car shopping easy, you worked with what was available, and that’s exactly what happened to this car. Originally equipped with a V-Code automatic drivetrain, this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda in Hays, Kansas went partially down the road to becoming a clone of the road racing-inspired AAR including a hot 6-barrel 340 and a four-speed. The current owner had a mind to put it back to original and passed on the 340, so interested buyers are bidding on a roller with a transplanted four-speed installed spinning the original 3.55-geared Sure-Grip rear end. The listing here on eBay includes more details and pictures. So far at least four bidders have raised the market value beyond $22,000 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.

A correct 440 and the V-code’s triple-carburetor induction system won’t come cheap, but you could throw nearly anything in there to enjoy the car for a while. This view also discloses the car’s original EF8 Ivy Green Metallic paint, a vastly subdued shade compared to the almost fluorescent Sassy Grass covering most of the body today. The seller decoded the partially rust-obscured fender tag showing codes E87 (440 with triple two-barrel carbs), N96 (“shaker” Fresh Air Package), J45 (Hood Tie Down Pins), and more.

In Plymouth parlance, the ‘Cuda version represented a sportier version of the Barracuda, and they were emblemed that way and discussed as such in the sales literature.While downright beastly when properly tuned, the 6-barrel (Plymouth’s phrase for what Dodge called “Six-Pack”) 440 used the center two-barrel in light driving to deliver decent mileage, until that Camaro next to you demands a throw-down, then it’s Game On and the outboard carbs join the party.

The home-made shifter bump could be easily reversed by anyone with a welder. The seller graciously provides a run-down of sheet metal that’s likely to need replacement, and some extra parts accompany the sale. Would you return this original 440-6 car to stock or finish its transformation into an AAR clone?

Comments

  1. Avatar Terrry

    I’d send it to the crusher, except I’d be out 22k plus if I was stoned or drunk enough to buy it.

    Like 2
    • Avatar bone

      Yes, we get it that you hate these Mopars , or maybe all Mopars ?

      Like 4
    • Avatar Allen Winn

      I have a 1970 Chevy Chevelle with Clean PA title in same general condition, I will offer an even trade. The car is complete with a 350, I will throw in a 454 Hi Pro long block passenger stamped in with the deal. Parts much cheaper tp buy and a Chevelle SS is as voluble if not more than most 70’s cars Allen Winn, seahuntress68hotmail 570///624//6788

      Like 0
  2. Avatar George

    It’s going to get a Hellcat. I’m sure of it.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Dave

    How many V-code Cudas did they make? Couldn’t have been very many. If the number is less than 1000, then this car is probably headed to restoration country.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Lately, it seems that 440, not 426, is the magic number to make buyers pull out their wallets for vehicles in any condition.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Randy durante Member

    I don’t think so the 426 hemi engine still turns heads and wheels lol

    Like 0

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