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Rare M46 Option: 1970 Plymouth Cuda

In the world of muscle cars, it can be hard to keep up with the different features that make one more exclusive than another. While drivetrain options are the biggest differentiator, there are a thousand other ways to split hairs when assessing value. This 1970 Plymouth Barracuda has a rare, one-year-only appearance option known as the M46 package that added blacked-out trim and simulated rear quarter panel scoops. This example has those features intact, along with its original paint scheme and Slapstick automatic transmission. Find it here on eBay with bidding just under $7K and no reserve.

The seller includes this super helpful diagram explaining the cosmetic dress-up afforded by the M46 package. As you can see, the eBay car still has the blacked-out trim on the lower front and rear valence panels, as well as below the door sills. It’s pure window-dressing, for sure, but given it was a one-year-only option and any of the cars that had these add-ons have likely lost them, it’s impressive to see a car with all of the pieces still intact. Of course, whether that adds any significant value to the car versus a Barracuda without the M46 package is a debate that the bidders will have to settle.

Hood scoops, air ducts, and wings have been a staple of the automotive enhancement landscape for eons, and the 70s were no different. Obviously, this was an era wherein shoppers who couldn’t afford the top-shelf performance cars clearly wanted to have the look of a more muscular model, and manufacturers were wise to find cheap ways to give lower-spec cars the look of the big bruisers. Again, the fact that these scoops still remain attached is nothing short of amazing, and I’m sure any Mopar fans who love OEM accessories are swooning over this one.

Of course, that’s not all this Cuda has to offer: it left the factory with a 318 and the aforementioned Slapstick tranny; it also came with the Vitamin C orange paint, black vinyl roof, tan bucket seat interior, full console, Rallye gauge cluster, and more. For a model that didn’t leave the factory as a 340 or 440 car, this Barracuda is loaded with other options that make it a desirable car to restore to factory specifications. And it’s not only for the rarity of the M46 option, but because it will look absolutely stunning with the appearance package and paint restored and a clean set of period-correct wheels.

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    I’m sorry, but this crusty, rusty body falls into the “rare, but not necessarily desirable” category for me. The lower scoops are the only thing that stand out as different. The body/engine/interior look as though they were stored in a wet/damp/humid environment; even the fender tag is rusted through! It’s possible that it could/will be restored, but bring lots of $$$! Good luck to the seller/new owner! :-)

    Like 10
    • Avatar Steve R

      Exactly, it’s also a Barracuda, not a Cuda as the header for this post stares.

      Steve R

      Like 12
      • Avatar Ike Onick

        Looks more like an old Cooter to me.

        Like 4
    • Avatar WaltL

      Agreed. G-code E-body rot box with M46, Meh….

      Like 0
  2. Avatar GuernseyPagoda

    I am typically a GM guy, but appreciate these. What are the differences between a Barracuda and a ‘Cuda?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Dave

      “Barracuda” was called out on the fenders and denoted a base or luxury trim level car with either a six or 318. ”Cuda” was called out on the rear valence and denoted a performance trim package with an appropriate engine/ transmission package.

      Like 9
  3. Avatar CCFisher

    That M46 option makes it look like some broke teen got his hands on it in the late 70s, used filler to cover holes in the lower body, and painted it black to hide his work.

    Like 18
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      And he had a great time doing it!

      Like 5
    • Avatar SDJames

      I LITERALLY did this with my orange, 1971 Charger in high school in the early 90s! LOL

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Tom Member

    I understand what you are saying BUT I know for a fact that the market is changing for the long term in a downward trend, virus or no virus. There has been a large supply of cars for sale now for many years which in basic economics drives the price down when supply is up. supply is up due to demand being down and the hardcore car guys are getting a LOT older, unfortunately dying off and the collections going to market because most of the family members are far more interested in CASH than the old man’s classic cars.

    Our world condition might actually be the thing needed to bring the world of classic cars “back to reality” make pricing more legit (we are seeing that already – well before the pandemic popped) and will hopefully allow MORE people to participate in the hobby.

    Regards, Mr. Optimistic !!

    Like 12
  5. Avatar Jon B

    And the transmission is a Torque Flight. The shifter is a Slap Stick.

    Btw all floor shifted autos had the Slap Stick.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar don

    Its not going to go for much money nor would it ever ; its a 318 Barracuda , not a Cuda ,so its not a special car in peoples minds , scoops or not. This car is really rough and has been sitting a loooong time in a damp area , the engine looks like it was pulled from a lake !.
    The only thing this car has going for it is it has an early production date , but I dont think that enough to warrant a restoration.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar George Mattar

    Who cares about stupid rare option when this is a $1,500 car at best? 318. I had several 318 cars. Total junk. In this market with money really tight, good luck. Sorry if I make you Mopar guys mad. Just watched the Mecum auction at Glendale. Prices in the toilet.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      @George Mattar – Well, it’s currently bid up to $7k so obviously it’s worth more than $1,500 to some people.

      Like 7
      • Avatar Steve R

        People have been calling for the prices of muscle cars to fall apart for the 30+ years. Other than periodic short term drops, I’m still waiting.

        Everyone has an opinion, the only ones that really matter are those of the actual buyer and seller.

        Steve R

        Like 5
  8. Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

    We watch the market every day and haven’t noticed a drop yet. It may seem like classic car values should go down, but let’s not start claiming things before they happen. This auction still has a day to go so let’s watch and see what happens.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Superdessucke

      With all due respect to your expertise and usually fine insights Jessie, I must disagree. But in any case, we’ll see what happens as you say. My dramatic post aside, i think all of us could agree that this would have sold for in the high teens if not low 20s a few months ago.

      As an aside, I guess this is a nice thing about owning a car, an E36 M3, that was pretty much worthless before the pandemic! Unlike my 401k, it didn’t have far to fall.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      Jesse, keep an eye on that mango colored ‘71 Cuda. He wants 47K but I think that is a 15K car now. I may be wrong but I think a new reality is going to set in on the classic car market.

      Like 2
  9. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Wow as Don said, think this was under water, even the dash and data tag rotten, and the roof is not mentioned anywhere, and that too looks like swiss cheese. Seven large, not for the faint of heart, just when you have seen the most rotten one ever, something Like this comes along. Like Jesse says, its worth the coin since the bidding is up to seven (if the bids are for real). Let the selling price set the market, but whew! Caveat emptor.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 4
  10. Avatar jimmy the orphan

    This wreck was under water in salt for a short period or fresh for quite awhile. I’d get somebody to tow this thing away while it still rolls. Later…………………..JIMMY

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Michael Streuly

    Another rusty piece of crap.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar JohnfromSC

    With regards to values, one has to differentiate between classic cars and collector cars. Most 55-57 chevies are classic cars. They were popular, lots of them made, and value will fluctuate greatly with the market. A collector car is typically historic and rare. The cost of restoration combined with rarety tends to protect more from price erosion. Not fully protect mind you, just alot more.

    For example, prewar cars have gone down greatly in value, correct? Well not if you own a mid thirties 12 cyl dual cowl phaeton Packard or a similar Duesenberg. Rarety and desireability.

    Can’t really compare to muscle cars, that is unless you have a 1 of 11 mopar hemi, 1 of “x” 68 corvette special order big block or similar. Those are collector cars, not the average big block muscle car made in the hundreds or thousands which are classic cars.

    Just my 2c

    Like 5

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