The 1970 Plymouth Hemi-cuda was a redesign that eliminated all echoes of the Plymouth Valiant that had once been the foundation for the Barracuda styling. The fastback design was done away with in favor of coupe and convertible styling. The shorter, wider version of the Plymouth-Chrysler B platform resembled the Dodge Challenger, a new body type for that year. This “E” body barracuda did away with the “economy car” bad rap. The high performance versions were marketed as ‘Cuda and had larger engine bays that could accommodate Chrysler’s 426 Hemi engine. Engine options included two six cylinder engines and six different V8s.
All of the Hemi equipped cars were given upgraded suspension along with structural reinforcements in order to transfer the power to the road. Hemi-Cudas came in high impact colors with names like “vitamin C”, “in-violet,” and “moulin rouge.” Plymouth also came out with a street version powered by a 340 cubic inch “six pack” engine. A six pack was three two barrel carburetors. The next year, the Barracuda was given a new grille and taillights. Some changes were also made with the seats and trim. This was the only year of a ‘cuda with four headlights and fender gills.
Plymouth did not change the engine options with the exception of the 440 option. Instead of a V8, the 440 was only offered with a six barrel carb instead. The 426 Hemi was still made. Today, 1971 Hemi-cuda convertible is considered one of the most valuable, and collectible muscle cars. This is because only 11 were built and of that 11 only 7 were sold domestically. Expect to see at least a 2 million dollar price tag on them if and when they ever do come to market.
Once the headlights were modified, the car would not change much before 1974. Prior to 1974 little changes were made to the bumpers to conform to government regulations, otherwise, everything remained on the Plymouth Hemi-cuda remained the same. The government, in fact forced Plymouth to drop the big block engine options including the Hemi 426. This led to a decline in performance, not only for the Plymouth Hemi-cudas, but all American vehicles made during this time. The engines were down tuned to cut back on exhaust fumes, while bumpers became larger, slowing down the machines. It didn’t help matters that the government forced all car makers to install steel side impact protection beams, adding more weight to the cars and slowing them even further, starting with 1970 models.
Buyers backed off when gasoline prices skyrocketed along with insurance premiums making the Plymouth Hemi-cuda and other muscle cars not as attractive. As a result, sales of all E body muscle cars dropped with Plymouth ending production of the Hemi-cuda in 1974.
Tags: gasoline prices skyrocketed, Plymouth Hemi-cuda, Plymouth-Chrysler B platform