1970 Plymouth 'Cuda

Description

When it comes to collectability, few cars match the term better than the legendary Plymouth 'cuda. Chrysler's storied E-bodies were among the first muscle cars to draw serious money on the auction block. And today, they continue to be some of the best 4-wheeled investments on the market. Equity aside, this In Violet coupe represents a roster of great numbers. For starters, it's car 62 of only 164 440 6 BBL 'cudas listed in the Chrysler Registry. It's also 1 of just 902 1970 'cudas to leave the assembly line backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. And, in addition to being well optioned, it's fully documented from its original broadcast sheets all the way to its VIN-stamped V8. If you're looking for a cool E-body to round out your Mopar collection, take a minute to quantify this slick purple Plymouth!

Since our sale includes substantial provenance, there's little doubt about the authenticity of the car's present appearance. Here's a detailed look at the aforementioned broadcast sheets:

• B: Plymouth Barracuda
• S: Special
• 23: 2-door hardtop
• V: 440 cubic inch V8 that utilizes three 2-barrel carburetors to create 390 horsepower
• 0: 1970 model year
• B: Assembled at Chrysler's Dodge Main facility in Hamtramck, Michigan
• E87: 440 cubic inch V8 that utilizes three 2-barrel carburetors to create 390 horsepower
• D21: Heavy duty 4-speed manual transmission
• D58: Dana 60 axle that's fitted with 4.10 gears
• T87: F70-14 raised white letter tires
• H: High trim grade
• 6: Vinyl bucket seats
• XW: Black and White interior
• 000: Full door panels
• V01: Monotone paint
• FC7: Plum Crazy Purple body paint
• FC7: Plum Crazy Purple roof paint
• V6X: Black longitudinal sports stripes
• A21: Elastomeric, collapsible front bumper
• A34: Super Track Pak that's complete with a Dana 60 axle and 4.10 gears
• B41: Front disc brakes
• B51: Power-assisted brakes
• C55: Bucket seats
• C93: Carpet
• F25: 70-amp Mopar red cap battery
• G31: Right-hand manual race mirror
• G33: Left-hand remote race mirror
• G41: Day/night rearview mirror
• H11: Front heater that includes a defroster
• J15: Cigar lighter
• J25: 3-speed variable wipers
• J31: Dual horns
• J45: Hood pins that are affixed with lanyards
• M21: Drip rail moldings
• M25: Wide sill moldings
• M26: Wheel lip moldings
• M31: Belt moldings
• M71: Painted front bumper
• M83: Rear bumper guards
• M88: Lower decklid molding
• N41: Dual exhaust
• N42: Chrome exhaust tips
• N51: Maximum engine cooling
• N65: 7-blade clutch fan
• N96: Shaker hood
• R11: Music Master AM radio
• S15: Hemi Suspension
• S25: Heavy duty firm ride shocks
• S31: Front sway bar
• S81: Simulated wood steering wheel
• W21: Rallye wheels

Initially sold at James Motor Company in Rapid City, South Dakota, and spending most of its life as a clean daily driver, this awesome Mopar was the perfect starting point for a high quality Le Hodge restoration. The car's arrow-straight body, which includes solid-closing doors on top of better-than-factory alignment, was stripped to bare metal and massaged into spectacular surfaces. Once those surfaces were completely clean and fully prepped, a correct coat of High Impact FC7 was detailed with white hockey stripes and sealed under a glossy clearcoat. And today, this positively vivid Plymouth sits as one super slick road warrior that features a perfect combination of no-nonsense looks and vicious street manners.

Thanks to a 1970 redesign, the 'Cuda lost all commonality with its Valiant stablemate and finally traded its lowly economy car lineage for the square-jawed muscle car image we all know and love. At the front of this sinister stoplight brawler, a silver, “PLYMOUTH” branded grille hangs crystal clear head lamps above a correct elastomeric bumper and familiar, GE-sourced driving lights. At the top of that grille, a “'Cuda 440-6” branded shaker props traditional stainless pins in front of like-new glass, straight stainless trim and chrome race mirrors. At the sides of that shaker, textured rocker trim, dent-free wheel frames and pristine Chrysler door handles highlight a smooth, professionally finished profile. And at the back of the car, a traditional black valence hangs like-new tail lights and a cool silver “'Cuda” emblem behind correct deck trim, a bright chrome bumper and square exhaust tips.

Hoist the hood and you'll find an original, 440 cubic inch RB V8 that's authenticated by a correct 2536430 casting number, a July (7) 29th (29) 1969 (69) casting date and matching 178663 partial VIN. More popular than Chrysler's famed Hemi, and almost as feared, Plymouth's 390 horsepower, 440 6 BBL powerplant was designed to be the industry's best combination of comfort, streetability and big block performance. Oxygen whips through a striking silver shaker to three 2-barrel carburetors, which are bolted over a glossy, Hemi Orange intake. In front of that intake, a familiar points distributor sequences fire through fresh Chrysler Electronic Suppression wires. Behind those wires, Hemi Orange valve covers perfectly contrast correctly restored exhaust manifolds. Cooling is supplied by a big, Chrysler-branded radiator, which utilizes pliable hoses and simple squeeze clamps to send water past fresh V-belts and rebuilt engine accessories. Power is provided by a reproduction Mopar red cap, which is wired to a correct Chrysler voltage regulator. Aesthetically, the entire engine bay looks spectacular, from its correct decals and Plum Crazy fenders to its old school fluid reservoir and correct dual horns. And functionally, a quick turn of this Plymouth's ignition results in a rumbling, high-performance idle, hot or cold.

Park this 'Cuda on a lift and you'll find a solid chassis that's no stranger to real miles and good times. At the center of the car's floors, a tough A833 4-speed applies power to a rugged Dana 60 rear end that spins a posi-traction differential around friendly 3.54 gears. Below that proven drivetrain, a heavy duty Hemi suspension has been completely rebuilt to include correct power front disc and rear drum brakes. Steering is completely manual, providing the driver unique, vintage feedback. Exhaust is handled by 2.5-inch, free-flowing tail pipes that jettison cooked dinosaurs through familiar Flowmaster mufflers and correct stainless tips. Power flows to the pavement via Chrysler Rallye wheels, which spin authentic looking F60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GTs around stainless trim rings and silver center caps. And naturally, the car's clean, fully sorted undercarriage is rounded out by fresh stainless fluid lines and a new stainless fuel tank.

Swivel this Plymouth's doors and you'll find a correct vinyl interior that's functional, straightforward and very livable. The front bucket and rear bench seats are wrapped in correct white covers that display hardly any signs of wear. Below those seats, stain-free carpet centers heavy duty, “'Cuda” branded floor mats on a Hurst pistol grip shifter. At the sides of that carpet, white door panels proudly hang the Cuda name above traditional cranks, integrated handles and small chrome locks. In front of those panels, a “Barracuda” branded dash props standard Chrysler gauges above a vintage AM/FM radio. Above that dash, a tight white headliner frames factory-correct shoulder belts. In front of the driver, an attractive Chrysler Tuff Wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a nicely finished trunk centers a correct jack and new space saver spare between a correct mat and new decklid decal.

As previously mentioned, the sale of this awesome E-Body includes substantial provenance. Here's an itemized list of what the car's new owner will receive:

• Two original broadcast sheets
• A copy of the car's Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
• Dealer paperwork
• Pictures of the car when it was new
• A highly detailed owner history
• Maintenance notes
• Maintenance records
• Restoration receipts
• A fender tag decode
• Chrysler Registry paperwork
• A reproduction window sticker
• Three vintage Holley carburetors

Investment-grade Mopars are an excellent place to park your cash, and they haven't become any less amazing to own. With highly desirable paint, a numbers-matching engine and rare registry status, this 'Cuda is the car that completes your collection. If you're looking for an old school Plymouth to drive, cherish and enjoy, you're search is officially over!