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Oklahoma Dreamer! 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 6 BBL

A leaf-strewn yard in Oklahoma is no place for a classic muscle car that’s nowhere near watertight. This 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440 6-bbl resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma and awaits a new owner here on eBay. In addition to this twin-scoop hood, 1970 ‘Cuda buyers could also order the I. Q. E. C. A. G. the “Incredible Quivering Exposed Cold Air Grabber!” aka the “Shaker” hood scoop (with certain engines). The phrase “shaker” describes a hood scoop attached to (and thus shaking with) the engine. The hood pins came standard on the ‘Cuda models, and were not available on the base model, still called “Barracuda.” Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with this generation of “E” Body Plymouth ‘Cuda or Dodge Challenger.

The ‘Cuda Rallye wheels were available in 14″ x 5.5″ and 15″ x 7,” and these appear to be the latter. These (probably 70 series) tires look like over-inflated balloons compared to modern muscle cars. The ‘Cuda rides on a wheelbase two inches shorter than the Challenger, making it arguably more sporty looking. Notice the cool finned rocker trim and flush door-handles, futuristic for 1970. The right front fender might be repaired, but if not, it’s an easy bolt-on replacement. The sheetmetal looks good, though sometimes cars parked on natural surface can look solid from the side and still have their low-lying horizontal panels nearly destroyed by rust. However, this seller’s description of the metal panels and structure sounds encouraging.

The dark shadow left of the missing truck lock cylinder is the also-missing abbreviated ‘Cuda script which debuted in 1970. The original sales brochure (available here at myclassicgarage.com) also states that the lock cylinder is offset to the right so it can be opened from the curb without stepping into a wet street.

Missing:  one lovely and talented 440 cid engine, last seen wearing an elegant trio of two-barrel carburetors. Of the nine engine options available in the ‘Cuda and Barracuda, only the 425 HP Street Hemi topped the “V Code” 440-6 bbl’s 390 HP and 490 lb-ft of torque. Ultimately a date-correct 440-6 setup should fill this engine compartment again, and the seller has such a block, and also a slightly later “Six Pack” setup. Hopefully the buyer will turn this pile of parts back into a vehicle so it won’t sit idle for another decade or two. Bidding has eclipsed $16,000 without meeting the reserve. Where do you value this lost but not forgotten ‘Cuda?

Comments

  1. Avatar Whippeteer

    I think that the car is only in the yard because he pushed it out of the garage to take pictures. I wish more people would do that with the cars that they are selling instead of dark garage or barn pics.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Madmatt

    One of the mopar fans will snap this up,even @ this price!
    looks very solid and totally rebuildable,but will take some cash.
    what a road terror this car must have been originally!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar 68custom

    Looks to be in recent shape, someone will pay big money for this car!

    Like 0
  4. Avatar JamestownMike

    WOW! Looks like a SUPER SOLID car! I haven’t seen a 70 Cuda project this rust free in a VERY LONG TIME! Obviously kept indoors and off salty roads most of it’s life! Despite being a GM guy mostly, this is one of my all time favorite cars!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar JamestownMike

    Being that the original motor/trans are long gone, I’d be tempted to install a modern fuel injected Hemi and overdrive trans!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar XMA0891

    Even without its engine, this car looks like such a better starting point than that poor convertible from last week. Fine example-in-waiting of when the Plymouth marque was really (pun intended) firing on all cylinders… Miss that brand still.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Classix Steel

    How can I get those special Oklahoma seeds to plant in my yard to grow me one of these? :-0

    Like 0
  8. Avatar flmikey

    It’s over 19K now…when will the madness end?

    Like 0
    • Avatar JunkFixer

      There were only 853 automatic 440X6 ‘Cuda coupes built in 1970. That makes this car pretty darned exclusive.

      She’ll pass 50 large.

      Like 1
  9. Avatar JW

    I love these cars and this is a great starting point BUT will end up costing way too much money for the work involved without correct drivetrain.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Carmandan

    6BBL really? Better known as a 440 six pack. Now doesn’t that sound better? Not mention that it’s the correct description. Just want to share the knowledge.

    Like 0
    • Avatar john from ct

      Sorry but I need to defend Todd. He is correct. 6 bbl was used by Plymouth while only Dodge used the six pack moniker.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Troy s

      Yea, six barrel was Plymouth and six pack was Dodge, but six pack Is what everybody called them on the street regardless of brand.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar Michael

    Replacing the 440+6 with a modern Hemi is like replacing a Leonardo da Vinci with a Peter Max 😋

    Like 0
  12. Avatar LAWRENCE

    Ok…you kinda know I like Cuda’s….so I’d say to show us the meat you got…in the Ebay ad…let’s see that K-frame and Dana….that VIN shot not sure…maybe others have seen the photo bucket….up over $20,000….it looks like it did have a repaint….and a 440-6 hood would have one more hole for that emblem…still nice car…

    Oh….and although those do look like 7″ wheels…make note – they did make 15/6″ Cordoba baby !

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Troy s

    Great drag car, but I’m curious if these still had the vacuum set up for the two secondary carbs or if they had switched to a mechanical linkage?

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Loco Mikado

    “These (probably 70 series) tires look like over-inflated balloons compared to modern muscle cars”

    I think they look great in comparison to todays tires and wheels. The size of todays tires and wheels look ridiculous to me, they look like they belong on a car 90-100 years older.

    Like 1
  15. Avatar dyno dan

    apparently the “more money than brains” club is out in full force.
    I read the crusher can make great coffee tables out of these!

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Craig M. Bryda

    Future GYC candidate

    Like 0
  17. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Ended: Dec 10, 2017 , 8:37PM
    Current bid:US $25,750.00
    Reserve not met
    [ 60 bids ]

    Like 0
  18. Avatar Mark

    I bought the car through private treaty with the seller it will be coming to Australia and be fully restored to original specification.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

      Hi Mark. Fantastic! Please post some updates and pictures here as the journey proceeds. Best of luck to you!

      Like 0

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