Plymouth introduced its Third Generation Barracuda in 1970, with the sporting variant wearing the ‘Cuda badge for the first time. It brought an entirely new appearance to the table that remains as fresh today as it did when introduced. This 1970 ‘Cuda 440 is a stunning classic with a rust-free history. Its presentation is difficult to fault, and its condition would suit someone seeking a better-than-average driver. The seller listed it here on eBay in Floral Park, New York. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $79,099, although that figure falls short of the reserve.
I struggled to decide whether to class this ‘Cuda as a genuine survivor, with my hesitancy based on a couple of factors. The seller admits it received a repaint in its original shade of Top Banana. However, with no further panel repairs or changes in its history, I felt it probably deserved its survivor tag. It is 1-of-4,605 Barracudas ordered in that color, making it the third most popular shade in 1970 behind Rallye Red and Blue Fire Metallic. The paint looks flawless, and it coats an equally impressive body. Rust could be an issue with this classic, but the seller insists this car retains 100% of its original steel. There is no evidence of exterior rust, with the underside shots equally clean and rust-free. There are no problems with the glass or trim, while the factory Rallye wheels and distinctive Black decals appear perfect.
The second aspect of this ‘Cuda that made me question whether it is a genuine survivor can be spotted when examining the interior photos. They reveal the door trims cut to accommodate aftermarket speakers, although the car retains its original radio. Purists may decide to address the change, with reproduction trims available for approximately $700 per pair. A couple of aftermarket gauges hang below the dash, but removing them would be easy if the buyer doesn’t like them. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory and is in excellent condition for its age. There is no wear on the seats, other upholstered surfaces, or carpet. The dash shows no physical or UV damage, and the iconic pistol-grip shifter emerges purposefully from the floor. The seller says everything works as it should, except the clock and the factory tach, which goes on holidays occasionally. They suspect the problem may be a loose connection, but tracing the fault will give the successful bidder something to occupy their time when this beauty is safely tucked away in their garage.
Since this is a ‘Cuda 440, I’m sure I won’t shock readers by revealing its engine bay houses a 440ci V8. The rest of the mechanical components include a four-speed manual transmission, a Dana rear end, and power steering. The 440 was not the most powerful option available in 1970, but it was considerably cheaper than the fire-breathing Hemi. However, with 375hp on tap and the ability to storm the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds, there was nothing wrong with its performance! Figures confirm this is 1-of-334 ‘Cuda Hardtops produced with the 440/4-speed drivetrain configuration, making it marginally more popular than the Hemi/4-speed combination of 284. The seller admits the car retains its numbers-matching engine and rear end, although the transmission was replaced due to an irreparable case crack. Thankfully, the replacement unit is date-correct, which is as close as you can get in such situations. The ‘Cuda is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. The vehicle runs ad drives perfectly, with the V8 producing mountains of power. They supply this YouTube video of the engine running, and it sounds as tough as you could ever hope to find.
I’ve never hidden my love for Chrysler’s First Generation E-Body offerings because I think the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda models based on that platform are some of the best-looking cars to emerge from the 1970s. To me, they almost define how a muscle car should look. The low stance and muscular rear quarter panels give those cars a purposeful appearance, and this 1970 ‘Cuda 440 is no exception. It has already attracted thirty-three bids, suggesting I am not alone in my opinion. I grew up in a household surrounded by Ford models, but I wouldn’t hesitate to join the bidding party on this beauty if I had the money. Since I can’t, would you like to instead?
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Wow!! What a beauty, i would think $100k plus.
I had a 1970 Cuda that was built much like this one. Mine was also a U code 440 4 barrel with a Hemi 4 speed and also a no console, and I had a Dana 60 with 3:54’s. It produced excellent torque in all ranges of the rpm’s. Mine was F8 Green and mine was absolutely fantastic. I had paid 18k for it in the late 90’s and just can’t believe how much these have climbed in value. I’ve always liked the FY1 color with black interior. Mine also was black inside. Mine also had the ralley gauge package. Mine did not have power steering however and it was a job at very low speeds to turn it hard.
How much more $ can these bring??
Nice car, not s survivor though and here is why: repainted. A survivor is original. Case in point, in my town there is a Orange 70 Torino Cobra, Drag Pack Super Cobra Jet, four speed, Shaker hood, rear window slats, steelies with poverty caps, original, belts, hoses, wires etc. Absolutely stunning car. Original dealer key ring and sticker on the trunk lid.
Original owner with under 20k on the odometer. That is a survivor, this is a very nice semi restored car.
I bet that beauty moved out real nice brother. 😀🙌🏁
Beautiful car, no way around that, but i got a chance to drive a few big block E bodies, and not one left me with a feeling of confidence in the handling department. A small block is a much better way to go. Was never one for over the top performance, so a 318 would have been just fine for me, but if you needed more, why not go with a cheaper and better handling car with a 340?
A 340 Cuda is a thing of beauty, well balanced and handles nicely. I’ve driven both Hemi Cudas and 340 Cudas, Hemis are wonderful but a 340 is better all around, imo.
Boy this is a treat. . More nice Mopars!!! I would say the reserve is either $90,000 or $100,000. I decoded the fender tag and one code is missing. A21 is for the special front bumper. it could of been put on at the dealership or someone down the road picked one up and had it painted and installed. Otherwise this is a true Trac Pac ! Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Everything works as it should…. Except…. Lol I hate when people say that. Hahaha, makes you almost wonder about the rest of the car
Did these really come with mis-matched bumpers?
Mopar expert please confirm the following…
In early 1970 the elastomeric bumper option included the rear bumper and mirrors only in Tor Red. A limited selection of other colors was available for the front bumper only.
In 1971 both front and rear were available in several colors.
Yes James, sounds coubter intuitive but you could order front elastomeric or both. I iwn an AAR also with front only, and it is reflected on my original build sheet
My dad has an all original plum crazy 70′ Cuda’ with the higher horsepower 340/4 barrel & automatic Trans. I always wonder what he was thinking when he ordered it with a bench seat. I don’t see them very often in any of this generation of Barracudas. I was 2 at the time and mom says it was so they could sit me in the front with them, (Ah, the 70’s). He still wont give me a straight answer.
The screamingest 440 I’ve ever been around was in a friend’s lime green 70 cuda, with an automatic. I’ve been in a lot of hard pulling 440s that would tear your head off up to 6000 rpm, but this cuda was a different kind of animal. I couldn’t help but squint and grit my teeth every time Billy matted the accelerator and spun that unholy spawn past 7K before slapping the shifter and whipping it to the apex all over again. I swear, that car would howl and buck and shred the pavement like a demon trying to claw its way back to hell. Truly intense and completely unforgettable. I was sure that motor would let go in spectacular fashion one day, but it took that abuse for years and years.
7k RPM***highly unlikely!
My friend had a 1970 Cuda AAR with a 340 six pack. I loved his car but didn’t have the money at this time for a muscle car.
The T/A and AAR are the apex of first gen Challenger/Cuda development IMHO.
I love this car, and see the beauty in the exterior and interior, everything says fun. But I had a 70 cuda 340 4spd, and the handling of the 340 was way more pleasant. No taking away from a 440 brute, this is a very nice example of muscle car
Madness.
This car is awesome, and the perfect combination of options. The non-original trans is a bummer but, otherwise, it’s the perfect car to own and enjoy. Not a trailer queen but close enough…and you can still drive it and not feel guilty.
The car appears nice, sure could use under hood detail. Let’s face it too, the new owner is definitely going to need to put money in it for sure. The correct color for Plymouth in 70’ would be Lemon Twist. Hoping they replaced the transmission with the correct Hemi 4 speed (18 spline input shaft). I think the bidding has gotten crazy on this one though. It’s not a survivor, and again, it’s needs work.
Ha Ha yellow banana cuda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jv_5oXqgpo
Is it just me or does the paint job seem recent and rushed to get it done? Firewall hardware is yellow because it was not removed or masked off. Yellow overspray on wire harnesses and clips and in many other places which could have been protected. Even the top of the dash pad has yellow fallout and do the seats show yellow in the grain pattern of the vinyl sides? Were the seats cleaned and overspray wiped off with a solvent rag afterwards? For whatever reason it appears the original 1970 valve covers have been replaced with late seventies 440 motorhome covers. The ornamental wheel center caps should be the dark ones. The lighter shade like these, came out later in 1972. And finally, why is the top of the cowl painted black?
No, mopar rally wheels for 70 had the light silver center cones. 71 had a darker gray center cap.72 they went to a 5 cornered cap, not the center cone shape of earlier years. Big blocks are for B&E bodies, small blocks are for A bodies. There’s nothing like the acceleration sinking you back into that bucket seat, of a big block mopar
Went to $81,500 Reserve Not Met.
Close to current money for that car but it needs to be disassembled so the paint job can be fixed and several owner modifications reversed. The auction pictures show overspray all over the place. Why let a rusty radiator cap show in the pictures and those truck engine valve covers?
Ended at $81,500, Reserve Not Met.
Relisted and it’s now at $65,100.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285200542378
Second time around, it made it up to $82,700. Still not enough to buy it.